I just started taking ballet classes a few weeks ago. Naturally, I ride my bike to and from class. Last week it was 27 degrees and windy, making my riding attire pretty hilarious, but tonight was balmy and perfect. Riding is actually the perfect warm-up and cool down, making me less sore the next day.

Somehow on the way, I cut my knee (I think it was carrying the bike up the stairs at Alabama Ballet Company). Because you do not hold up ballet class, I just put on my shoes and got in line on the barre. Throughout class, I kept feeling the cut get bigger every time we pliéd. By the end of class, I had a 3 inch trail of blood through my tights. Back on the bike to ride home, then finally peeling off the bloodied tights and taking a hot shower.

I told a friend of mine this story and her response “You are just that kind of girl.” Yes I am, and I like it.

Bici had a few cans of Frame Saver that I bugged Heath to get for us months ago. When we got it I found out you had to strip it down to just a frame, spray it, let it sit for 12 hours, spray again and let sit again. Considering Freddy was my only mode of transport this was a challenge. So I did as I normally do…nothing. Until Tyree scolded me. “fine!” I thought, “geez, I’ll do it”.

Then it sat at the shop for 2 weeks due to random circumstances. damn. Last Monday I finally said to Heath “This must get done”. So we started…and immediately ran into trouble. The bottom bracket was stuck. Some pulling, cursing and a busted nose later, it was off. Everything else came of with no trouble, we sprayed it, plugged it up and I was happy. (btw-that shit is toxic…spray outdoors ONLY)

The week got away so the next chance I had to work was Thursday during open shop hours. No mechanic, no problem…I can do this.

Girls night at the shop!

Friday after work and a nose piercing outing (not mine), I went to work at the shop. 2 hours, tears, blood, cursing and a couple of phone consults, I had a completed bike. Turns out the expander plug for my handlebars was in my fork, and I scoured the floor thinking I had lost it. sigh. I was covered in grease (all over my face from wiping tears!) but feeling triumphant.

I called my mechanic friend and he said “you can’t ride that Elisa, it may not be safe”. “What?!”, I exclaimed “I have to ride it tomorrow morning!”. So I called Tyree and asked him to double check my work. 2 hours later he walks in with a bottle of wine and proceeds to tell me I did a great job and the bike was rideable!! I could have kissed him. SWEET! I had done it, all by myself (mostly).

Freddy is resurrected

A house in my 'hood (not mine!)

ready to roll out

A Christmas-time miracle.

Wonder how many I can get in a month? This is going to be fun!

You can catch it tonight (Sunday) at 10 on CBS 42.

Thanks to Mike McClanahan for making it a fun experience. Also to CommuteSmart for setting it up.

crossing my fingers it looks good!