I bought the bike as a 30th birthday present to myself. Three or four years ago. Ahem. It was back when the mountain bike craze hit and I thought that peddling on dirt roads accompanied by cool mountain breezes sounded just great. Until I tried it.

Straight up dirt roads. Careening down steep grades. Not my thing. I'm slow going up and even slower going down. Mitch and I agreed long ago that this was not a sport we could enjoy together.

Happily I didn't invest in a serious mountain bike. Mine is more of an all-terrain ride, which I bought because of its pink accents. Perfect for peddling around town, which given the state of the world and my weight, I've taken to doing more often.

I've been lusting after these cute cruisers; I saw one at the store the other day with streamers and a basket. Caused a wave of nostalgia that just about knocked me over. When I was a kid I had a navy blue Schwinn outfitted with a white basket with flowers on it. That was before my grandfather updated it with sting-ray handle bars and a banana seat.

Anyway, Mitch just updated this bike with a rack on the back where I can hang panniers, which is a much more comfortable way to carry groceries than a backpack. We're seeing a lot more bikes and scooters in the 'hood these days, which makes it easier for me to venture forth. Fewer cars equals less fear.

Anyway, it may not be a cruiser, but it's a sturdy ride nonetheless. The bike that is, not the cat.