Since I'll be moving soon to a fishing village in The Bahamas complete with family farms, I finally have a chance to go back to being nearly car free. But, first I need to get a bike again! I've finally gotten over the worst of my grief after my beloved 1965 Raleigh 'Superbe' (green) was stolen… It was a gift from my parents, which I rode constantly from 1965 - 2012… It was the best Christmas gift I ever received.

So, I've decided I can finally bear to replace her, but I'm no bike expert - I just know I've never ridden a bike that felt like my old girl. I'm currently living near Riverside, California, but I'll be moving soon to a fishing village in the Bahamas (not the fancy Bahamas!), but I've told my fisherman fiancé that I want a bike, not just a sturdy house! The only way I'd consider an alternative to finding a vintage Raleigh, would be, perhaps, to get a new Danish Raleigh, although I just discovered Dutch bikes tonight. But how would I even go about getting a Danish Raleigh? When I saw how sturdy, classic AND utilitarian the Danish and Dutch bikes are, I'm getting very excited about them -- but where can I see them in California or perhaps Florida, where I have family?

So, in the beginning phase of research, I came across you! Can you give me any words of wisdom? I will, of course, start combing the online places like eBay & CraigsList, but again, I'm no mechanic or expert -- and live on modest means. I had to (had the good fortune to?) start completely over at age 55 - a truly fresh start, and I'll be moving to a world of self-sustaining fishing and a family farm! I'll probably not have the luxury of the kind of time it might take to find a good used bike and perhaps restore it, etc. So, I'm casting out a wide net, to try and gather as much input (and encouragement) as I can!

Raleigh regards,
Theresa