Old Bicycle.

This is Bill Murray, a late eighties Murray. I found him at a local pawn shop for $55.00. It functioned and has no chain or tire issues so I bought it. I justified this purchase by rationalizing that I would save money on cab fare, and add a newer element to my cardio routine (single gear). 

I'm happy to report it has saved me money, but I left a few things out. You see, while it has no chain or tire issues, it does sport aseat which is secured by only one nut and bolt instead of two - the other bolt housing is completely sheared, with a sheared segment of bolt rusted into housing. Short of welding or buying a new seat, this entailed a wobbly seat and so I pretty much never sit down when I ride. The bike is small for me, so sitting down I look like some amalgamation of a big person on a small bike and a circus bear on a tricycle. It has no grips on the handlebars, so sweat can present challenges.

However, I love this old bike. Of the many things I have missed about being home, I have been missing my bicycle quite a bit lately. I accepted this contract just as I was becoming a bicycle enthusiast, and abandoned that passion in the midst of its crescendo. Now I am reunited to this passion ... riding the worst bicycle I have ever owned. Still, it is a vague reminder of doing what I love, and that is riding a bike. There is a feeling of freedom and youth that is seldom captured in tandem doing other things. 

When I deploy overseas, I will sell Bill Murray to a local pawn shop and hope that the next owner will appreciate him just as much. I will even leave the bicycle cable lock to sweeten the pot (though no one would really want to steal this bike).  But for now, I enjoy it.