Day #301 Specialty Bikes

1985
Vancouver Island
crossing from Bamfield
by Veronica and friend.

This bicycle was build in San Francisco especially to fit Veronica's physique and cycling needs at a price that was then about half the cost of a new car and at a time when long distance cycling was a rarity.
Not only did she do long distance cycling, but she also entered the BLT races in Vanc. - the 'over boulders, logs, and trees' race down mountains (on trails or not on trails). Both men and women raced in the same race and one year, although she finished 7th overall, she was the first woman to finish the race.
Today you can spend $16,000 on a bicycle that you can lift with just a finger or two. These touring bicycles are built as strong as they are built light.
The big problem with investing a lot of money, for me, particularly, is the worry of theft, and attack on the trail. I have already had one Raleigh bike stolen from my house, albeit an old one, but with lots up up-grades on it.
I prefer to take my chances with an old bike, but am also drawn to the lightness of the new and expensive touring bicycles because there are places where you have to lift your bicycle over obstacles.
Another quandry re: cycling the TransCanadaTrail. High-end bike, or cheap.
If you can't lift your bike, at least lift your dreams - high.
Karen