Monday, June 4, 2007

My Danish "Car"

No...I didn't get an actual car, but after months of splitting time between a mountain bike (thank you Jeff!) and a beach cruiser borrowed from some coworkers, I have finally gotten myself a "proper Danish bike." More people have bikes than cars here (or at least it seems like it), bikes have their own lanes on most roads and their own mini-traffic signals. I'm getting pretty good on the bike, but still get a little nervous during rush hour when there are bikes everywhere!

What are the features of a proper Danish bike?

1. Basket to tote around purses, shopping bags, etc.

2. Fenders so you don't end up with a water all down your back

3. Leather seat that doesn't absorb water (kind of embarrassing to arrive somewhere with a wet butt due to your bike seat)

4. Lights - sure there are ones that clip on, but then you have to constantly remember to bring them along...much easier if you have ones that are installed on your bike and light up due to the wheels going round.

5. Lock - again, any lock will do, however it is much less hassle to have one that is installed on the bike. Plus, that way if the bike is stolen, you get your money back - buying the lock is a form of insurance.

6. No horizontal bar connecting the handlebars to the seat - this makes it easy to ride in a skirt.

Now the mountain bike had been put in storage in my courtyard and beach cruiser has been returned to my coworkers...but both are ready to make reappearances when guests arrive!

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