It has been almost 24 hours now that I returned to a broken chain and runaway bike. Just like Pee-Wee’s adventure, I was struck with terror, horror, and in disbelief. The night was so beautiful, and I was so looking forward to a nice bike ride home from the mission. I was forced to walk however, and stumble over my should haves, and sorrow over the loss of my bike.
This morning, I woke up, hoping that it had all been a dream, a nightmare, but my puffy eyes told me that I cried real tears. My bike wasn’t going to be hidden safely in the house, but out in the world, somewhere. So I set to work, getting the word out that there was a rad bike that got stolen, and I would love to see it returned, or clues to its whereabouts. I posted on craislist, all over facebook, and sent out emails hoping to get tips or words of advice. In return I received a lot of condolences as well as a single tip from a man living in Oakland. He saw my posting on craislist, and said that he saw a bike that was very similar to mine at a Flea Market in Oakland. With that, I got dressed, and ran out the door to catch the Muni.
I traveled on the Muni and Bart to reach my Oakland destination, all the while thinking of the joys of a bike and seeing smiling cyclist. Within minutes of getting to the Flea Market, I spotted my bike. I asked the security guards what to do, or who I should contact, and they told me to just walk up to the vendor and tell them that my bike was stolen, I that I would like it back. Unfortunately the vendors didn’t immediately hand over my bike, so I threw a little fit, and called the police. As I was waiting for the police, the vendor told me that they had bought the bike that morning for $250, and if I had $250, I could walk away with the bike. A bunch of crap that was. I was not about to pay for my bike back. If it was someone other than himself that stole the bike, and he did in fact purchase the bike, he should know better than to buy stolen bikes, although I’m sure he makes a good profit. I waited for a really long time for a police officer to stop by, and never did, so I negotiated, kind of. I had 10 dollars in my pocket and offered that in return for my bike. The vendor said he would take it, as long as I came back next week to drop off more money. Does he really believe that I would come back to give him more money for my stolen bike?
So, happy ending, I have my bike back. It is minus my lights, but still has my bell, and missing a few spokes from the trauma of being stolen last night. Thanks goodness it’s all over.
