Back about 30 yrs. ago, I had purchased a bicycle from one of the local dealers around here. It was not a fancy bike. Just a basic one that had 12 different gears to use. I liked it and used it a number of times just to ride around the city. I kept it in my apartment while not in use.
Well, since then I’ve gotten much older and the bicycle that I had slowly was neglected and it just sat around gathering dust & dirt. Since then it has been stored in the back yard shed and then put in the rear of the shed out in the pouring rain and what-ever Mother Nature thru at it. It just sat getting rusted. I tried to use it again awhile back, but the tires were rotted and would not hold air any longer. Decided to take it to a Bike repair shop and see what could be done with it. I was told to scrap it. Tires for the ole’ bike are not made anymore and the derailleur is not in good shape. It would cost more money to repair than what I paid for it 30 yrs. ago. So, it was scraped.
So, I still had the desire to start riding again, even at my older age to get some excersize that I should have. Went looking around at different types of bicycles that were available, but found that they were way to expensive for me. Didn’t want anything real fancy. Most of the good bikes would cost over $400.00 or more. Nope. Let’s see what else. I asked around and was told to look on Facebook Marketplace. There are some nice bikes for sale (used) at good prices. Ok. Let’s see.
After snooping around at all the different used bicycles for sale, I decided on this one that had a good price of only $75.00! I contacted the seller and took a look at it. It’s in great shape. A bit of rust on it, but that could be fixed. Had 12-speeds like before and it seem’d to fit my 6’5″ frame. I took it.
I took this picture just after I brought it home. I found in giving it a once over, it needed a few minor adjustments for me. The seat had to be raised a bit, tires needed air, and the handle bars had to be raised up more. The gears were a bit rusty, but I put some WD-40 on them, and it works just fine. Now, came a small problem. Since I have not ridden a bicycle in so many years, I found that riding this around the neighborhood, that my legs & me get darn tired real fast. I’m no spring chicken anymore! I have to be darn careful that I don’t fall over from a heart attack and I’m found dead. That would create a big problem.
So, here I am. Up at one of my favorite places to ride. This is the ole’ railroad bed that goes on for more than 5 miles. It’s pretty flat. No hills to climb. It’s a nice flat ride, but no matter how flat I still have to be careful until I get used to using the different gears for where or what I’m riding. The Historic plaque on the right tells what that bridge was used for long ago. I only rode about a 1/2 mile one way and then turned around. That was 1 mile total. That was enough for me right now. I’ll keep pedaling on a little at a time.
Thanks for stopping by.
Les
PHOTOJOURNAL OF CORKER2 
Bikes are so expensive these days. A used bike was a great idea. Enjoy riding!
It is amazing to me how much bicycles cost these days, that’s for sure. Echoing Chris’s comment above.
Take care and ride a bit further each day. You’ll soon be covering that 5-mile rail bed and home again, by then you’ll be looking for a bigger challenge.
Yes, John, I was quite surprised on how much the prices have increased over the years. Was not happy with it. That’s why I bought something cheaper. It will take a bit of time to increase the rides further. Thanks for the comment.
Well, Les, I’m actually 74 and ride my bike about 5 times a week. One of the main reasons is my knees aren’t what they used to be. I spent about $250 U.S. on my bike (21 speed I think) and absolutely love it. Go climb those hills! I actually did the Angels Landing when I was 72 so there’s still plenty left for you to do. Cheers
I know what your telling me. Just turned 74 in March and my ole’ legs are not the same anymore. I bought a used 12 speed bike, and it seems to work fine. I must be careful climbing hills. Heart might give out!