I picked up my bicycle, Marleen, from the shop this evening and we went out on our first date. As I rode down the coast I started to notice something strange. Something very strange that never happened to me before when in a car or even when walking.

People were smiling, waving and saying hello to me!

Now I typically have a perpetual case of BitchFace so it may be attributed to the fact that I was genuinely happy and smiling due to the new bicycle and the lovely evening. I prefer to think that the adorable vintage bicycle was charming the crowds because, lets be honest here, I have a major crush on her!

If you are curious about Marleen she is a 1974 Raleigh Ladies Sport spiffed up with some new Schwalbe Delta Cruisers in cream. Other than the tires, new brake cables and brake pads she is in her original state. Due to her being in such beautiful condition I assume Marleen hasn't be actively ridden in many years and was tucked away in a garage somewhere.

Stay tuned for more updates on Marleen! One thing I noticed today was that the plastic grips have to go, they were getting unpleasant on my wrists after just a few miles. As other sewistas will understand, sore wrists are the bane of my existence. Luckily, I have new cork grips on hand to replace them with and I will let you know how that minor DIY goes.

 Enjoy the Weekend