lilHinault

I'd gotten a used MTB for my load-carrying bike about a week ago, but I kind of bought it in a hurry and later realized it's too big for me, and was considering putting it on Craigslist or something. Today I was at a local hardware store where a another car-free person I know works. Suddenly the little thought wheels turn, and I realize that the bike is too big for me but should be just right for her. And while as a member of the working poor she'd not be able to afford to pay me much for it, it would be such a big favor (she rides bikes pulled from the dumpster etc and no not the nice Bianchis etc you guys seem to be scoring) that the feel-good factor would more than make up for the financial "hit".

So, I talked it over with her, she wanted the bike, we got together and rode to my place when she got off work, she tried it out, liked it, and we got down to brass tacks. Few seconds to determine the price, less than a quarter than I'd paid for it a week ago, but who's counting? And a fun hour or so taking the few good bits off of her old junker and transferring them to her "new" bike. It was Bike Monster Garage time! All the good bits fit, and I made a "FREE" sign and taped it to the junker, and she "did the honors", by wheeling it out to the street and leaning it against a pole and walking away. I feel sorry for the bum who picks it up!

Then it was off to get some cheap Indian food, our route taking us up a hill that had been a bugaboo for my friend, a stop-and-walk'er. With the "new" mtb, she was able to rid on up. The more she rode the thing, the more she raved about how it "glides" along, and how great it is.

It's fun being the Bicycle Fairy!

So, here's how to have some fun if you know someone who rides a lot and hasn't got the bux to get a decent bike. Don't bother with the occasional rider, they'll just sell the bike you give 'em or put it away next to the one they already have and don't ride. You have to find someone who will USE it and appreciate it.

JohnBrooking

Good for you!

khuon

Oh... that bicycle fairy...

I thought you mispelled "ferry"...




Anyways... good job finding your old bike a good and deserving new owner.

oboeguy

Well done!

chocula

Keep up the good work!

I've fixed up and given away three bikes in the last couple years to friends who needed them. These were bikes I scored for nearly nothing at thrift stores. They all required a little $$$ and time to get up and running. However, it has paid off. Working on donors provided me a relatively risk-free way to learn basic bike mechanics. Jobs previously trusted to the LBS, I can now handle myself. The interesting thing I've discovered lately is this: Word has gotten out and people have started giving bikes to me, knowing I'll find people who can use them.

konageezer

Now, THAT'S a good story. Very refreshing after all the road rage/drunk driver/bike path misery we've been soldiering through. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Hope it wasn't that yogurt…

solo54

Way to go. You've did a very kind deed. You've helped out a friend whom is less fortunate than yourself. This is what life is all about. Helping others less fortunate than yourself.

lookinUp

You made my day! Long live Bicycle Fairies!

KirkeIsWaiting

Love that story. You've reminded me to do something nice for someone today.

James H Haury

Did I hear you say cheap Indian food?That is a favorite of mine, either that or a good Burrito .When you play the bicycle fairy do you have to wear a pink tutu over your bike shorts ? I played the bicycle fairy and the bike sits on the kids porch, and I hate seeing it there because I know it will be stolen .

boog

lilHinault, you are my hero for the day. That is an awesome story!

boog

-=(8)=-

Great stuff !
I have NEVER sold a bicyle. I only give them away.
Its a kharma thing that would be too long and boring to go into here.
Im glad someone else is of the same mindset.
What you give in life is what you get....
Miss cleo see a classic Italian steel framer comma yer way, mahn !!

Seanholio

Unfortunately, many people place little value on things that appear without any cost to themselves, and take no care of them when they have them.

I applaud lilHinault for what he did for his friend. That is awesome, and someday I hope to do something similar.

For kids, sometimes they value things more if they work on them. So you find a frame, or bike that needs fixing. And you make them help you fix it up for them. When they are a part of the process, feel invested in the result, and feel a sense of pride in what they helped build, they take better care of the product.

I had little respect for the bikes I had growing up. My son is much the same way, and I'm working to change that in him, in hopes that he learns to respect his property earlier than I did.

Don Gwinn

Psssst!
I think Lilhinault is a girl. . . .

ehammarlund

reading this put me in a good mood. I've given things away but never anything as big as a bike--that must put a smile on your face.

phidauex

Rock on. Bikes are super useful, and deserve to be used by people who will get good use out of them.

A buddy of mine collects dumpster bikes, fixes them up, makes them into single speeds for easy maintainence, and then gives them to a nearby native american reservation once he has a trailer-full. Next time he prepares a batch, I should go give him a hand.

Again, bike karma is powerful karma, thanks for helping.

peace,
sam

lilHinault

Lem I'm with ya but ...... I have seen too many people just piss away things they get for free-free. So, $50 was real bux to my friend, there ya go.

And I still find myself looking around for bikes to fix up and pass on. I'm sick huh?

-=(8)=-

Same thing. Moneys not really the issue.
You had, someone else didnt. Now they have something and you
have a graced the world with a random act of kindness. Everybody
is richer even if not monitarily.

BTW....the title of this thread is what some of the cro-mags in the
warehouse area of my job call me

lilHinault

Challenge said cro-mags to "how many squats can you do before ya puke" and blow 'em away, then chuckle to yourself as they don't show for work the next day because they can't walk.