I have decided to go on a health kick and start to eat more sensibly and to get some more exercise. So I went with Lynn to the back streets and alleys around Mochou Lu to where the second hand bike men hang out. There we found a small number of men with a couple of bikes each. The first one I saw I liked very much but feared it was a new bike and didn’t want to pay the price of a new bike.
He could see that I was eying it up but I told the man that I didn’t want a new bike. He was determined that it wasn’t new but second hand. I asked him how much and he quoted me 200 (£20). I couldn’t believe it. Lynn had bought a really shitty rust bucket for the same price a few months ago.
I didn’t have the heart to bargain but told him I wanted a new saddle, a basket and a lock. He agreed and set to it at once. I asked him how much the new total was “200” he said. Blimey, what a bargain (I have decided that for that price it was probably stolen). Lynn and I browsed the new tricycles and all the other bric-a-brac in the maze of buildings (old wheelchairs, meat mincers, cooking appliances etc.). 5 minutes later we returned to my trusty stead all ready for me. I leapt on and took it for its first ride. A bit wobbly as my handbag was in the basket but fine.
I have taken it out a lot since, to work, to the fabric market, around the walls at Gulou. I am already attached to it. I hope it doesn’t get stolen! And so I am now one of those people who ride the wrong way down roads and ride on the pavements. It’s amazing how tolerant people are. But the road crossings, even with the help of traffic lights are a nightmare.