Brooks first impressions and Lucy finds a home

I got my new saddle on and tried it out yesterday. It was a series of short rides while we adjusted it. All together they added up to just over 3 miles.

It looks so shiny and new! I'll fix that.

First impression is it's slick. My butt slid around like it was greased and the first ride it was pointed way to far down so I kept actually sliding off. It was a riot, but not very usable. 

The second ride we pointed it too high and it was actually painful due to a boo boo inflicted by the original saddle. I went home fast while learning how to pedal out of the seat.

I love the little strap holders!

On the third ride we almost had it right and I must say it was way more comfortable than I expected. It was still tilted up to much, but it really felt good.

The fourth ride was the best so far. The saddle is firm yet bouncy and I like it way more than the soft and pinchy one that came on Sylvia. I was worried because of all the horror stories I've read about Brooks saddles being uncomfortable for the first several hundred miles. So far I like it a lot. The only problem I have is how slick it is, but that will wear off with use. If it doesn't I've got sandpaper. I like how it feels solid under me and how the springs give on bumps. I love how the sides give way for my thighs, hopefully I can keep the skin there now and my pants will last longer! I'm really looking forward to riding again tomorrow.

While out looking for a piece for my mirror I ran into my brother and his family. They were looking for a bike for my sister-in-law Dana. I invited them to come see if Lucy will fit. Dana is taller than me so I had hopes.

It was love at first ride! The fit together really well and she even liked the paint job. I'm super happy that Lucy has a new home with someone who will actually use her and keep her safe in a garage. I will admit I was a bit jealous seeing how easily they fit, but I can't wait to hear about their adventures together.

Dana and Lucy, perfect for each other!

                               

Before There Was Lucy, There Was Zipper

Before there was Lucy there was Zipper. Way back in 1998 I got a job at the hospital. It was great, but I didn't drive and my roller blades were wearing out fast on the 6 mile commute.
My brother and Husband who was then my boyfriend and I went to a bike store to look around. I didn't have the money to get a bike and was just shopping and dreaming. I found the perfect looking one, but it was too tall and the men steered me away from it's blue faded glory toward the shorter bikes.
In the corner I saw a nice green one that I could barely climb on. The slight slope to her top tube was the only reason it worked. They looked skeptical and the shop guy looked a bit worried, but it was the smallest they had and he must have needed a sale. My brother bought me the bike on the grounds that I actually use it. It is a Trek 800 Sport and her name is Zipper.
I rode that bike nearly every day to and from work and at work she had a locker to wait for me in. Most days I loved her and the only trouble I ran into was getting on or off and stopping. I adapted to her large size and I covered her in stickers that I collect; life was good.

I kind of miss the stickers.

One day Husband was painting a motorcycle and I decided I wanted to paint Zipper. We took her apart and carefully taped up where we didn't want paint to go. There was sanding involved and I shed a few tears over the loss of the stickers, but it was worth it. She came out perfect in black with rainbow sparkle over the top. She is so beautiful. I even got her a black front basket to match.

She was the best looking bike at the hospital and I felt safe storing her in her locker so I didn't worry about it. I never rode anywhere but to work and home so I never had to lock her up outside.

A sparkly ninja bike.

Then I went to work for Sears part time. It was brief and early morning, but I had to park her in a room with other bikes. It was fine for a couple of months then one day my seat was gone. It had a quick release and even though I knew to lock both tires and the frame I had never thought to lock my seat. I was shocked that someone had messed with my bike.

I screamed and yelled and cried. I went and got security and made a huge fuss. I was like a toddler who's favorite toy was taken. There was even foot stomping and I carried on for a while. Few things are more terrifying than a 200 lb, 5'1" Betty screaming bloody murder at the world. I think they were afraid I'd hurt myself. I was so small then. I'm bigger and scarier now. Still 5'1" though.

Luckily one of the guards found my seat wedged behind a pillar, scuffed but intact. I was lucky and it was a warning shot I heeded.

I installed a bolt instead of the QR and shortly after I quit Sears and went back to the hospital full time. All was good again for a few years.

Close up of the sparkle on Zipper.

Then I decided to go to cosmetology school and quit my job. There was no way I was parking Zipper outside. She had become too precious and I was paranoid of loosing her, so I mostly caught rides to and fro. Tried the bus and that sucked and even walked it once. It was about 5 miles and that sucked.

Husband and I went to Play it Again Sports to see about getting a beater to ride. It was a lucky day because they actually had one that fit me. Still a bit tall, but not like Zipper and I could dismount easier and safer. It was a Specialized Hard Rock WSD from 1993. Blue with neon pink decals it was perfect for my needs. The man at the store even threw in a rear rack to get us out of there so he could close.

Now Zipper is in storage and rarely comes out except to have a quick wash and lube to keep her in running form. I feel a little guilty about it, and will use her inside on a trainer someday.