Another Japanese Vehicle in the Garage



Meg came back from her walk this morning and reported that there was a road bike available at a garage sale one block away. She insisted that I come look at it, so I did with hesitation (why did I want another bike?). Even though the bike is probably a little on the small side for me, it was in pretty good shape--and made in Japan. So I gave the man five bucks and rode home happy. I cleaned it up during lunch and can't wait to take it for a spin one of these days. I don't think it is anything vintage or special, but it's pretty cool (read: retro).

The guy was also selling a 16" bike for five bucks, which we bought for Aaron. His goal is to learn to ride without training wheels by summer's end, and I was helping him the other night when I tried riding it for him (to show him that it was possible to ride his bike--we were both getting pretty frustrated) and blew out the back tire--whoops. I just need to get a new tube, but it was just as cheap to buy this bike (and it's practically new).

A couple of months ago I bought a beater mountain bike off craigslist for $20. At the time, that seemed like a good deal, but Meg's find today was a real steal. I'm tempted to take the Univega and use it as my errand bike in Portland, but it seems like too nice a machine to leave to the rain and thugs of the big city. Just can't wait to pair it up with my other forthcoming Japanese machine . . .

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