Bargain Hunting in the Blood

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends these days is make the rounds of the neighborhood shops on my bike. It’s never a long ride — 4 miles roundtrip, max — but it’s relaxing, and going on Le Peug keeps me from buying too much. I especially like visiting the thrift and antique stores in the area since I’m always looking for a bargain.

Yesterday my mom left a comment that proves this runs in the family:

I live in Anniston, AL and decided this would be a day of “firsts” for me. I took my first bike ride in about 20 years and I’m now writing my first blog ever!
After receiving a bike for my birthday last week, I took a short ride (about 1.5-2 miles) with a yard sale as my destination. The yard sale was a total bust, but the bike ride was great! My legs did feel pretty wobbly after the final incline to our driveway though (it was a breeze going down). I never did figure out how to shift, but will work on that for my next ride.
By the way, I’m Trisha’s Mom and very proud of her commitment to cycling!
I hope my legs don’t hurt too much tomorrow!

My mom's new bike

I think mom needs a rear rack or basket next so she can haul some major yard sale bounty home this summer. I’m so happy that she got a bike so we can go on some rides as a family when I go home for a visit. (My dad already has a bike).

Some pics of mine from various errands this week:

No bike rack? No problem?

Well, not a big problem, anyway. Outside the  Cat Shoppe on an errand to pick up a new collar for Willie, I just fastened my rear wheel to the frame a la Sheldon Brown and looped the cord through the front wheel. Unless someone picks up my bike and plops it in a van, they’re not going anywhere. Of course, I would still prefer a bike rack or at least a railing. Maybe one day.

Cats can't read.

We have a Goodwill Outlet!

I actually emailed this to my mom because I knew she’d be excited too.  It just opened yesterday. Cheaper than Goodwill? A guy inside saw me carrying my helmet and asked me what kind of bike I rode. When I said “a Peugeot” he looked blank — and I realized that once again, someone had mistaken me for a motorcyclist.

My favorite area store, Pre- to Post-Modern.

I have my eye on a martini set in here. They’ve got amazing prices on cute home accessories from the 60s and 70s.

This is one of the best things about cycling — it lets you realize how much you have close to home.