Stolen Bike Post !

[bvar22]

It happened yesterday, and I'm over the worst part of the BLIND FUCKING RAGE.:mad:

The bike taken from me by a lowlife scum who undoubtedly hasn't enough intelligence to appreciate it was a Gary Fisher "Zebrano". I bought it in early July of last summer in response to having another bike stolen:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=324x566

The theft was a result of "letting down my guard". I live in a duplex apartment in an older part of a "residential/small business" area the fringe of Downtown St Paul. The extreme local area around my apartment is fairly secure, but areas just a block away are still in decline. My building is isolated (no immediate neighbors), corner location with open grassy approaches. I have fenced in off street parking and small yard in the rear of the duplex which I share with the couple who live in the other 1/2. There is no "cross through" traffic, and the parking is not visible from the street.

I have a car top carrier which regularly use to access the many Bike Paths in the Twin Cities area.
I had returned from my daily ride (35 miles) later than usual. It was after dark when I pulled into the parking area. I went inside planning to return later to take the bike down and bring it inside.

I became distracted talking with my mate about our plans for moving. We recently bought a log house in the rural Ozarks, and we are excitedly planning the move in October. I FORGOT that my bike was still on top of the car. When I went outside the next morning (yesterday) my bike was gone. I was absolutely DIZZY with Grief and RAGE. It seemed such a PERSONAL attack!

THIS bike has become a HUGE part of my life.
I have spent MANY hours and pedaled MANY miles on THIS bike.
I have averaged 700 miles/month since June on THIS bike.
I pedaled through a Minnesota Winter on THIS bike.
I have explored new places, and had AMAZING adventures on THIS bike.
I have seen GOD pedaling on HOT days on THIS bike.
I have discovered new parts of myself on THIS bike.
I have lost 35 pounds on THIS bike.
I have been given a NEW body by THIS bike.
I KNOW THIS bike.
I have grown comfortable with THIS bike.
I trusted THIS bike.
I LOVED this bike.
Now THIS bike is gone.

I know that it is only bits of metal, but THIS bike had become a part of me, and I need to say goodbye and let it go.

The last time a bike was stolen from me, I received a blessing in disguise. It was past time for me to graduate to a better, more capable bike, and losing one led me to another. I am moving to another area that will have different bicycle challenges than the URBAN environment I am leaving. It is time for me to upgrade.

[peacebird]

1. that just sucks... hopefully you are insured?

That would help with the new bike purchase....
I am so sorry to hear about this...

:hug:

Has it been long enough to start thinking about what type bike you will check out next? Ozarks instead of urban sounds like a fabulous change!!!
Mountain bike or cross bike perhaps?

[bvar22]

2. Not insured.

The bike was not an expensive bike, fairly modest at about $400.00 new, and I had alot of mileage on this one, some of those miles in pretty severe conditions.

Not sure what I will upgrade to next. I will have to wait and see what is available in Arkansas.
Probably pure off-road, though I truly love the beauty of the light weight road bikes.

A friend has offered me an acceptable bike to ride until the move.

Thanks for the kind words.

[peacebird]

3. oh jeez - now that just really sucks... I am so sorry...

I had hoped insurance would help...

:hug:

[Gregorian]

4. That's rough!

I know the feeling. It's a form of rape. That's how it feels to me. The only advice I can give is to get into the next "mode". If you are going to be riding mountain bikes, put some money into it and get something really cool. Personally, I don't go on the road anymore. I just got off Mtbr.com, and a biker was killed on the roads I used to ride as a youth. It's happening a lot these days. And maybe this was something that was a blessing in disguise. I LOVE road riding. But right now I'm putting on my tights to go into the forest. And that is one of the coolest things on earth. I hate to belittle, but a Zebrano is hardly worth getting blood pressure up about. I know, I'm sorry to be so insensitive sounding. At 700 miles a month, you got some really good use out of that thing. That's great! I'm betting the Ozarks have a ton of great mountain biking. Shocks and disc brakes are so cool. I never thought I'd spend big bucks on a bike. But it's totally worth it. Anyways, I hope this post doesn't offend you. And check out either Roadbikereview, if you're going to get a road bike, or Mtbr for mt. biking. And both of those have forums for locations and the places to ride, and the reviews from members.

Don't do what I do. Go with the flow, and let this get behind you. Something good is in your future. Also, I really hope your new place is everything you expect.

[bvar22]

7. Thanks

The new place is in the heart of the Ouachata Mtns.
Should be lots of trails.
Looking Foreward.

[mopinko]

12. having your bike stolen is not rape. rape is rape.

a bike is a thing. no matter how much you love it. it is a thing. don't trivialize rape.

[happyslug]

5. My was taken Saturday AM (i.e. 9-16-06)

I am helping a friend run her old fashion, 1900 era, hotel. I have been keeping the bike in the old Kitchen behind the closed Bar. Someone just took it from that area sometime between Midnight and 9:00 AM when I went down to ride it. The area was locked up, but so many people go in and out of the place I just do not know who to suspect first.

Here are some pictures of it:

On the back of my Jeep with panniers:


In my office while I was taking pictures:


On the Ghost town Trail:

[bvar22]

6. Oh Man......

I can honestly say, "I share your grief".
I know from your posts how much a part of your life THAT bike was.
BASTARDS!

[Kolesar]

8. My sympathies, or

I'm mad with you. I don't know what else to say. I hope the police have some insight or some methods.

[happyslug]

9. It has returned.

I was biking my Phat City cycle home and I saw my bicycle. I told the person on it that the bike was mine and he told me he paid $50 for it. I told him to go after the person who sold him the bike, I did not sell it anyone. I believed him for I saw him biking right past my home. I will have to lock it up better than I have been.

[bvar22]

10. Woo-Hoo

That's GREAT. :party:

[Kolesar]

11. I am very glad to hear that!