Living in Provence is inextricably linked with cycling for me. They go hand-in-hand. In fact, when there are days I can’t cycle due to weather or work, I feel quite out of sorts. Without a doubt, if I lived here full-time, I wouldn’t feel as anxious about not wasting one moment. But for now, as my time is limited, I try to make every sunny second count.
Alongside the ride is my trusty old girl, my Cramerotti. This steel bike has been with me for many years. I raced on it à l'époque and have had her here in France for over a decade.
When I first got the bike almost 20 years ago, she was put together with random parts so I could get the best bike for the price. Jason and the team and bike shop I raced with all contributed hand-me-down high-end parts. At the time, it was a pretty spiffy bike. As the years have progressed, almost every bit except for the frame has been replaced more than once. The last piece of the old bike, the saddle, which desperately needed replacing, was sent packing just this past week.
There are times I really wish I had my lightest, most current bike here. As much as I love my old girl, it would be nice to experience riding here on something a little lighter. Though it’s astonishing how long a bike can carry on. While they might become less stylish, less up-to-date, they are still completely functional. Unlike a car, with a little love and the occasional new item, a bike can carry on through generations. Something is comforting about that and the history you can create with a machine. So crazy how a piece of equipment can make a person’s life so much more enjoyable. One little thing, so much freedom, so much joy. Allez, allez !
