Many years ago, maybe 2000, I went to a car show with my dad and brothers. I entered a couple of drawings and a month later got a call that I had won a bike. I have ridden her very little over the years. Melissa got more use out of her than I did. After two moves and lots of neglect, I finally took my bike in to get her tuned up. I had become inspired by my amazing aunt that I have reconnected with and also hearing that love another friend had for her two wheeled companion.
I looked around for her online, but she appears to be too old to list. Fisherbikes.com only goes back to 2002, but the model I have appears to be a 1998 Gitche Gumee. Notice there are no pics. A Google search turns up very little as well. This is the Gitche that gets me around:
The orange really stands out and has not faded in all these years. There are a few scratches, but these were mostly from my DW shoving the bike in the trunk of the Camry for lack of a bike rack. The only things I have modified are the seat and tires. I put a slightly wider, comfier seat as well as fatter, smoother road tires. I find I look forward to getting on her now, even in the heat.
I hope to start using her to commute to work. I work about 13 miles from my home, but there are some pretty treacherous roads between me and my goal. I am only a bout 3 miles from the TRE, and 2 miles from the TRE station to my job. That might be an option, but it is $7.50 to ride the train. 🙁
I am not a MAMIL by any means, but I am only getting started, so we’ll see.
Is that mom or Betty?
I commute by bike sometimes in the cooler months. Although I don't have to go as far, just a mile or two. I really recommend waiting until it stays in the 90's before trying it.
There are helpful hints here:
http://commutebybike.com/cats/commuting-101/
Although Denton is more bike friendly, I agree that claiming the lane is often safer.
The amazing aunt? My Aunt Debbie actually. She has been a rider for many years and inspired me to get out there and get some use out of my bike.
Hey, I have the same orange bike but the women's version. I think I bought her in 2000 after my Diamondback got stolen. I love the orange but my bike needs a lot of TLC. Not ready to give her up though (but she's heavier than I'd like).