It's true what they say. You never forget how to ride a bike.......but you do get a little rusty. I can promise you that! Mario loves riding his bike, and we decided it was time we all got bikes so we could ride together as a family. George found this one on-line for me, and I am in love (with the bike and George!) He said, "honey, I found the perfect bike for you. It's so you." He was right.
It arrived, he assembled it, and I happily yet hesitantly hopped on the bike, wondering if I would know what to do. It's been a long time. I screamed out as I coasted down the driveway {in a skirt no less}. My neighbors must think I'm a freak. I'm pretty sure.
Eventually, it all came back to me, and now I'm hooked! I love this bike and the childlike feeling you get from a good carefree bike ride. It's like you're 10 years old again. Free as a bird, wind blowing in your face, and a smile you can't wipe off. I tell you, it's just impossible to be grumpy while riding a bike!
As for the basket, it was actually purchased before the bike was purchased. {kinda like buying a great new purse and building an outfit around it.} A wicker basket is a must-have, don't you think? The bread, roses, and Italian newspaper.....well, I just figured that's what bike baskets are for! {and it made for a happy little photo.}
Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go for a ride and then chew on a baguette, arrange a vase of roses, and read the newspaper....'cause, you know, that's what I do everyday. :)
Bikes are fun!!!
Andrea, I love your new bike!! It is perfect! I'm actually looking for a new bike too. Is it new or a vintage find?
Posted by: Alice dR | September 18, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I love your bike! I too took the plunge last year and got a bike to ride with the kids... oh did my backside hurt so it wasn't used very much. This year my dh found a cushy, padded seat and now the kids, my dh and I are riding more! What a little cushion will do!
Posted by: Sheila R | September 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM
That bike is a beauty! Wherever did he find that?
Posted by: D'Rae | September 18, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I AGREE WITH YOU, BIKE RIDING IS FUN. I FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN WITH NO WORRIES. BY THE WAY, LOOOOOOVE YOUR BIKE. IT IS SOOO YOU!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!
Posted by: SONIA | September 18, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Love the bike!!! Enjoy cruising ;)
Posted by: Denise | September 18, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Oh my, I can not believe my eyes. yesterday, I pulled out my 1958 baby blue and white Schwinn my dear dad bought me. I have not been on it in 5 years....I even used the air compressor to fill my tires.
When I saw your post with your ever so pretty bike I did a double take because I also photographed mine in front of my gate- minus the Italian paper.
p.s. what a great guy George is.
Posted by: gabrielle | September 18, 2008 at 02:03 PM
It's the perfect bike (with the perfect basket and perfect goodies in the basket). I love it!!
Posted by: Jackie | September 18, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Too sweet! My pink (vintage) bike is in the works up in our shop! It's been there, all apart, waiting to be painted for a oouple months now! Time flies! Have fun biking with the family, it's one of my favorite activities!
*Heidi*
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | September 18, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Nice Wheels!!! You guys will have so much fun riding together. One of my favorite memories, when my kids were young, probably 6, 8 and 10ish, they gave me a bike for Mother's Day. One of my alltime favorite photos is one of them squealing with delight when I walked out in the garage to see the big surprise ~ they were so excited for me! That summer we rode alot, and took our bikes on vacation with us ~ such happy memories. Have fun with your (three!) boys biking!
Posted by: Patrice | September 18, 2008 at 02:35 PM
how carefree and lovely...
Posted by: stacy | September 18, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Your bike is just adorable!
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | September 18, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Andrea,
This is such a cute post. It made me giggle. I love your new bike. Your husband is right, it is perfect for you! Enjoy!
Tammy
Posted by: Tammy Lucik | September 18, 2008 at 03:37 PM
What a beautiful bike and a delicious wicker basket! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | September 18, 2008 at 04:03 PM
I am positively drooling. I Love That Bike! Where, oh, where did your wonderful George find it? We too have been talking about getting ourselves bikes so that we can keep up with the boys on bike rides(right now we walk/run behind them with the baby in the stroller huffing and puffing like idiots). What fun! That basket is perfection. I think that your contents are hilarious but it is exactly the kind of thing that I would put in mine. I'm not above sticking a few lovely ribbons in the ends of the handle bars either;) Enjoy your new ride!
Posted by: Brandie Pahl | September 18, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Oh, I just love your bicycle and that basket on there just completes it. What fun. It's much better than the bikes with all of the speeds and the seats that make you feel like you going to fall over the handlebars---my son had one like that and when I "tried" to ride it--oh it was a sight to see!
Posted by: Teri | September 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Oh andrea, it's wonderful! Where on earth did George find it? It is simply lovely. We have been talking about getting bikes too so that we can keep up with our boys rather than speed walking in their dust with the baby in a stroller. I love that basket, those are just the type of things that I would put in mine too. I'm not above putting some pretty ribbons in the ends of the handles bars either. Nice ride. Enjoy it!
Posted by: Brandie Pahl | September 18, 2008 at 05:23 PM
So cute! I'd love a vintage look bike like that...my hubby is more cutting edge...he'd have a coronary if I put a basket on my crossover bike. :) Give that man of yours a hug for me too!
Posted by: Halle G | September 18, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Woweee! That's a sharp ride! Very funny and cute post. It is a blast to go riding with the Fam.- you all will get hooked, trust me. :) Now you just need to get a sweet helmet to match. Take Care and have fun riding.......
Posted by: Rebecca Caldwell | September 18, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Hi Andrea,
I recently got an Electra bike similar to yours (The Babe). I ride everyday to my job at the library. It IS the greatest fun, and good exercise too! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. I also really enjoy reading your blogs.
Teresa the Library Lady
Posted by: Teresa Raines | September 18, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Hi-
I love your bike! Quick question- What kind is it? I bought a bike several years ago but it's not exactly what I wanted - The brakes are on the handles! Ugh! I wanted one with the brakes on the pedals like they were when I was little. Does yours have the brakes on the pedals? If so, could you pass along your source?
Thanks so much- Stacey Newton
Posted by: Stacey Newton | September 18, 2008 at 08:09 PM
does that mean george got the marin hawk?!? HA-HA~ that wouldn't be fair, you didn't get that cabinet...but you did get that sweet bike!! nice!
Posted by: Lisa | September 18, 2008 at 08:37 PM
CUTE bike! And so definitely YOU, Andrea! What a great guy to see this and know it was you. Love the basket too, what a fun touch. I'd go biking much more willingly if I had such a fun set of wheels!
Jill
Posted by: Jill Flory | September 19, 2008 at 07:38 AM
I LOVE your new bike. Have fun riding with your boys!
Lori
Posted by: vintage flair | September 19, 2008 at 08:59 AM
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SHARE WITH US WHERE YOU FOUND THIS TREASURE!
Enjoy
Posted by: RJ | September 19, 2008 at 02:29 PM
How Cute is that Girl!! Great Way of Exercise too.. We need to see some family pix of everyone on their bikes...Jamie
Posted by: jamie | September 19, 2008 at 03:47 PM