Almost two weeks ago, I decided to cycle to the city, to socialize a bit, visit my Stu-stu-studio and get some exercise (in) and some groceries.
On my way there, usually a 20 minute ride, I had to stop abruptly, 4 times, because my bike's chain came off. The fourth time it happened, was once I entered the small city's main street, that also has a bicycle shop, since a couple of months. In fact, this bike shop is located right next to the building where I rent my studio.
Fun fact: my previous bike, an E-bike, was gifted to me by the guy who owns that shop. We used to be neighbors, for a year or two, up till Spring last year.
At my neighbor's shop, I recently bought a bicycle helmet and a waterproof backpack. The latter, not the helmet haha!, can also be used as a bike bag, attached to the frame.
All in all, after having spend quite some time getting the chain in the right place again and getting plenty of greese on my hands, I decided that this was a sign to visit his shop, once again, to get my chain checked and possibly repaired.
Fast forward to last Friday,
9 days after bringing my bike in for repairs. I had learnt, the day before, that it was a bigger problem than just a broken chain. What was supposed to be a 20 to 30 Euro repair job, was going to cost me close to 500 Euros ( if I chose to install a secondhand motor ). A new one would cost me almost double the amount. A lot of money for a bike.
So, after letting all of this sink in, I decided to hand in my old bike at my neighbor's shop and told my neighbor to do with it what he wanted. Take it apart for parts or install another motor and possibly re-sell it.
After about half an hour in there, I walked out with a brand new BTT bike (Bicicleta de Todo Terreno/All Terrain Bike) that cost me quite a lot less than the cheapest of repairs possible on my previous bike.
I went for a short test drive and I already liked this new bike more. Not just the colors ( blue is my favorite ) but also the tires ( nicer than on my E-bike ) and the overall height and feel of it. My former bike was a little too low for me and this one is just perfect for a 6 foot 1 Dutchmen in Portugal.
I took it to the park ( where I had some lunch, bought at my favorite bakery )
And then cycled to the city's river beach...
from where I looked at the city itself, from a distance
My wheels and I also spent some time staring at some grazing sheep and enjoying the sight of the mountains in the distance.
Back in the city, I felt a little nervous, having a quick drink in this bar with a friend, whilst my brand new bike was parked outside, ready to be taken by any passerby.
To be more precise: it came without a lock and the bike shop didn't sell any
haha!
Bem-vindo em Portugal!
(Welcome to Portugal!)
or at least, to the Portuguese countryside, where many people don't lock bikes or even their cars or leave their phone or laptop on the table, while they are inside a café or bakery.
Lots of old men and ladies keeping a sharp eye on things, I guess, so it's pretty hard to steal something, without the entire town knowing about (who did) it.
I am Dutch though and many bikes have been stolen from me in the past. Therefore, even after 6 years in Portugal, I still like to have a lock on my bike.
So I ordered one that hopefully arrives next week. I also asked my ex-neighbor to order some click on LED-lights for me. If I'm lucky, both will arrive someday next week.
Meanwhile, I will be careful where I stall my bike, keeping an eye on it, when possible. It also helps that there will be a week or so of rain. Not having rain gear and being 'traumatized' of getting soaked in the rain, on a bike, way too often, back in The Netherlands, I probably won't go on that many bike rides though until the sun returns to our area...
How do you like my bike?
Ah I LOVE how the Dutch make biking such a big part of their lifestyle. Having been to the Netherlands a few times on business and pleasure, the bike lanes, parking areas and how much of a part of the traffic culture they are makes me wish everywhere was like that.
Grocery runs are a little more challenging but smaller shopping mixed with physical fitness built in is something North America could use a little more of. Awesome!
Nice wheels dude, looks a nice bike and much better for your fitness too than an E bike. Best of luck with it, hopefully it's reliable 👌🏻
It sure seems to be a nice bike
and yes, definitely healthier, although my E-bike only helped a bit to climb hills but I had to keep pedaling all the time and it was enough of a workout, out here, believe me. I like a good challenge though ;>)
Cheers mate!✨
Your new bike doesn't have a little engine? I find the Portugese countryside wuite challenging with a normal BTT
Nope, no engine on this one. It will sure save me on possible future repairs and make me fitter.
It was quite the workout to go back home, from the city, I must say. Let alone on a warm day with 10kg of groceries on my back,
Nice bicycle!
Quite risky leaving it outside without a lock.
In The Netherlands it surely would have been stolen already.
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Possibly
and "hoi, lang niet gezien!" :<)
I still don't have a lock, but might cycle to the city tomorrow,
to see if the bike shop has (ordered and received) a lock and some bike lights for me already.
Groetjes!
Wij zijn niet echt actief in dezelfde communities denk ik.
When cycling isn't that popular bike theft probably isn't either I guess.
But better safe than sorry.
Dat denk ik ook :>)
True. Less cycling is less bike theft.
I actually received a message today from the bikeshop that a chain and some bike lights that I have ordered have finally arrived. I will cycle into town and pick them up tomorrow.
This kind of weather is the best for cycling and you have done it well, it also keeps one healthy and the view and air are also good for one.
It was actually almost too warm. I was dripping with sweat, once I arrived home. Also from climbing and 10kg of luggage on my back but I loved the outdoor workout.💚🚵🏼♂️
Chain going off used to happen me too back in time and no lock Is Crazy here
I like your bike
Thank you!✨
says my bike ;<)
In this weather it is very good to ride on a bicycle
#hive #posh
It was actually almost too warm but I sure enjoyed the exercise ;^) ✨
Great
So it is safe to leave bikes on the street in Portugal? Imagine, the neighbour country España - our BTT bike was stolen from the garage and it was locked 🤦♀ plus I live in a place that is considered as low in crime hahaha... oh, and my son's electric scooter was stolen as well, from the hall of the healthcare centre. I guess we should move to Portugal 😅
That landscape is also pretty awesome 😉
Perhaps you should indeed move to Portugal ;<)
Do you know I lived in Spain and on Las Islas Canarias, briefly, in the past (2009 and 2016-17) and that I considered settling there, in 2018, after leaving The Netherlands for good.
But after a month or two in Andalucia, I wasn't feeling it and crossed the border to Spain's little brother/neighbor.
Un abrazo!
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It looks like Portugal is safe since you can leave your bikes on streets
We dare not try that here in Nigeria
It would be different if I would live in one of the big cities.
I'm sure there are many but less and less in big cities.