Look, it is undeniably true that a majority of us are in that so called “aging population bulge” we hear so much about (although, I believe that some of us are aging faster than others, while some are just bulging… like me), even so, there is no reason to “mature out” of the pleasure of riding a bicycle. The answer for many is what is now branded a “Comfort” Bike.
Recently, I gave up my 100th year anniversary edition Schwinn Cruiser for something that is less likely to contribute to osteoarthritis. I now have a sleek two-tone Trek Navigator with every creature comfort imaginable. It has more gears than I would ever use to level out the grades we have here in the Desert. The front forks and seat post have shock absorbers, with a nicely padded saddle. The handle bars adjust forward and back to avoid any arm fatigue or back strain and allow for an upright riding position.
I have been back to the bike shop twice now for accessories; the first time included a water bottle cage and a rear rack with removable trunk (canvass pack). The second time was for a rear view mirror, so I wouldn’t have strain my neck turning back to look for traffic.
When the young man at the shop finished installing the mirror, I complemented him on his work, and assessing my vehicle said, “All I need now is a cup holder for my iced latte”, referring to the two-thirds empty Starbucks cup I had squeezed at an angle into the bottle holder. His quick reply was, “Oh, we have that too… it fits right on the handle bar like this” motioning to the position it would be place in.
Honestly, it took a great deal of restraint to not give him the nod to go ahead, but after a long pause I finally admitted to him (and myself) that if I put anything else on this bike it would begin to look like Pee-Wee Herman’s! The young man chuckled and agreed.
Favorite Quote from Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure - There's a lot of things about me that you don't know anything about, Dottie. Things you wouldn't understand. Things you couldn't understand. Things you shouldn't understand. You don't want to get mixed up with a guy like me. I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel. (I feel that way sometimes, that’s why I call this blog therapy.)
*Palm Springs in particular has miles of well-marked and maintained bike trails. Pick up a map at the Leisure Center; 401 S. Pavilion Way, or call 323-8274 or at the Official Visitors Center 800-347-7746 / 778-8418.
*Are you a beginner and want to experience a bike tour in the Desert? No bike, no problem, contact Big Wheel Bike Tours.