Susan in transit
(Susan Transit: Glasgow, Scotland)
It occurred to me that although I write about where I have been and what I have been doing, I never reveal how I get there; so this is how. Unless it’s tipping down with rain or slick with ice, Susan Transit* can take me there. She has been with me for about four years now and we’ve been through a lot. She was almost stolen once through my negligence, but the thief (a ten year old) was reprimanded immediately and we took her right back.
I once managed to explode one of her ancient original tyres by inflating it too much; my flatmate and I heard a huge bang and didn’t figure out what it was until the next time I took her out – the rubber was shredded to ribbons. The men in the bike shop told me that the other tyre was also so old and ready to split that I should replace both, or (they said) I should consider simply replacing the entire bicycle. Of course, I was affronted at the very suggestion, so insisted they order some fresh tyres. They were an outdated gauge and had to be ordered specially, but it was worth it. She has a tiny little white pouch on the back for holding a puncture repair kit and has a beautiful gleaming bell on the handlebars. I replaced the seat too as it was very uncomfortable when we first met. She and I go everywhere together, as long as it isn’t snowing – oh, except today when I will catch a bus to my Gran’s house. I once took rode Susan there but it caused my Grandmother such undue panic to see me sidling off that I decided against it in the future.
* Susan Transit is the name I gave the bike when Ying gave her to me. The previous owner’s name was Susan and the bike is a Raleigh Transit. And there we go.
– Today Rosie is visiting her Gran and changing her curtains in Glasgow, Scotland –
