Steel is Real

2 weeks of rain hasn't left me with much time to spend outside working on Akemi.  I've managed a few hours here and there but no major leaps forward.  This is in part because my attitude towards this project has changed. 

Initially, I was looking for a 'beater' city bike.  Something functional, inexpensive (nee cheap), and sturdy, to be left locked up outside the Old Beer Garden or the Brooklyn Brewery.  I laid out my plan- tires/tubes, grip tape, quick tune-up, u-lock, done.  After a few hours working on her though, and noting considerable potential for cosmetic improvements, I realized that I didn't have a beater bike on my hands, I've got a gorgeous vintage bicycle. 

So my quick fix has turned into a labor of love. 

Akemi's Pedals- straight off the bike

Old.  Good as new.

It took me an hour and a half of chrome polish, degreaser, soap, water, and a toothbrush to get both pedals to something resembling clean.  There's still some grit trapped in the right pedal, which will probably require a bit more time to clear out.  It's amazing how well the grease held up over 35 years- despite the grit and dirt it trapped between the bearings.  The plastic reflectors- on the bike as a whole- are surprisingly in perfect condition. 

I'm at the point now that I need a nice day, several hours, and the buffing head on my Dremel tool to tackle the rust on the wheels.  This weekend is already spoken for though since I'll be spending Saturday at the New Amsterdam Bike Show.  Hopefully it won't give me too many 'good' ideas.

This year for me, is about experiences, about doing something worthwhile.  Finding what drives me, where I'm going, and enjoying myself along the way. 


Lately cycling has taken on a bigger role in my life.  From training for a century ride, to an ever-widening circle of 2-wheel-devoted friends, to gas prices hovering at 4 dollars a gallon, bikes matter more now than ever before.  

I love my Specialized road bike.  She's pretty. light, and fast, everything I want her to be.  With the edition of Light Action Speedplay Pedals and cycling shoes, she's all I could ask for in an entry-level road bike. She's great for starting at Point A and riding a loop (whether it be 5 miles or 40, or more) and coming right back to A again.  She's not exactly suited to going from Point A to Point B and being locked up to a pole for a few hours.

This is where my pack-rat family, a bit of elbow grease, the very helpful people at the bike store, and the internet come in. 

In my house we almost never throw anything out.  We're not dirty, nor are we by nature messy, but we keep stuff.  Every set of Legos I ever owned?  In their original boxes in the basement.  Father's Day cards I gave my Dad when I was 6?  In his nightstand.  China from both my grandmothers?  In the basement.  You get the idea.  If it a.) Might be worth something (we plan to sell it), or b.) Might be needed some day or c.) Has sentimental value, we keep it.    

Well, sometimes we do find a use for some of the stuff we hold on to.  In this case, a 35 year old Panasonic Sport Deluxe road bike.

Meet Akemi:

 

She's a little rough around the edges right now but with a little elbow grease and some TLC she'll be perfect.

By Brute Force, if necessary.

In 2010 I set 10 goals for myself.  I failed -miserably- on most of them.  Which is understandable since most of them were wildly unrealistic.  This year, I'm keeping my ambitions more reasonable- job search, workout, find life/work/love balance.

I want a new job, a fast century ride, and free time filled new experiences.

So far, so good.