Old Friends
April 29, 2016
In our fast-paced consumer culture, where we’re bombarded with images of shiny, new, got-to-have products, I’d like to pause and appreciate old friends.
We become attached to our bicycles. They are given names. They take us places we never dreamed we could go.
But those miles dull the shine. Scratches and dents might look ugly to some, but others see them as well-earned badges of adventure.
A shiny new bike announces potential. An old bike whispers tales of miles ridden and cultures explored.
The simple beauty and brilliance of the bicycle can live on even after it has served its purpose as a vehicle of transportation.
Here’s to old friends.
Photos by Willie Weir and Kat Marriner
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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS is posted every other Friday.
Willie Weir is a contributor for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His books, Travels with Willie and Spokesongs, will inspire you to hit the road and might change the way you approach bicycle travel. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can also find him at WillieWeir.com, Facebook, and Instagram.
Comments
The best gift I ever received was a brand new bike when I was 14 yo. It was the first bike that was ever only MINE. All my other bikes were hand-me-downs. Big Red was my ticket to glorious midwest explorations. She was also my transportation through my college years and came with me when I moved to Alaska after graduation. Thinking of all the adventures I had as a result of Big Red's willingness to keep on rolling brings tears to my eyes.I wish everyone warm memories of cycling goodness! <3
Is that a Brooks saddle? It could use a little Proofide and a rain cover.
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