So I had my bicycle, the Jake the Snake, stolen last Thursday as I sat in my accounting class. I came out to find nothing. My bike was locked up in a way that prevented pedaling of the bicycle. The first thing that ran through my head was anger. I know what a shocker. I went on an hour walk around Fullerton and I believe I just scared some homeless guys into moving to another city.
The next thing that went through my head was sadness. That bike was my first geared bike that I bought when I got back into bikes. I rode it at least twice a week on the Fullerton Loop. I used to do back to back loops and the only time I did four loops in a row was on the Jake. That bike was raced on by me, and Beatriz Rodriguez. She actually won races on it. When I stopped riding it as much, my girl, Jenna used it as a commuter to get to school and work. With me going back to school I rode it everyday. It brought back memories of friends that I met while on that bike and ones I made because people were in awe of the bright safety cone orange bicycle. The sadness came from the fact I felt like I was reacquainting with a long lost friend. I jammed through downtown Fullerton once again and felt safe because I had my trusted steed under me. When it was take from me, all those feelings seemed ripped apart, just one more time I would have to hold on to the memories and not the physical item. One more time that something that was important to me was taken and I am left with just my mind.
But really is it that bad? It was a possession, a physical item, that can be replaced. I still have my Girl, my dog, my house, food, all my limbs, a family that loves me and friends to hang out with and talk to. I have friend that within hours of me posting the loss, let me borrow my old fixed gear bike, that I sold to him, to run around town on. I have two other bikes to still go on rides with. I feel bad for making a big deal out of it considering that others have had their bikes/cars stolen and that was their only form of transportation. I still have other forms. I feel like it is wrong for me to be upset considering all that I still have.
But then I think fuck that. Fuck that. I am pissed who is/are these assholes that feel that it is okay to take something that I worked for. I didn't get paid in cash at the bike shop when I purchased that bike. I was paid in parts and the first few months were all dedicated to that bicycle. I watched as others rolled their bikes out everyday, while my bike sat in the window and couldn't go home with me for weeks. I would have to test ride every other bike and build them and fix them, while my bike just sat there. I worked my ass off for that and some chump just walked up and took it. I want to hurt them. I want to break their legs, put them on the bicycle, find a really long hill, put a rope around their neck, and attach it to a car going 12-15 mph. Start going up the hill so they have to pedal with broken legs or die by a drag hanging. I want to make them work all the hours I did to get that bike, then give them nothing in return for it. I know I know I'm a vindictive asshole. Stop saying it, it is becoming way too cliche.
