Thursday, January 29, 2009

Ode to Josephine. (By: Courtney Weatherly)

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." John F. Kennedy

Some people scooter, some people walk; I... BIKE. I love my bicycle. I ride it everywhere. Sophomore year, I told my parents I wanted a bike, preferably a beach cruiser but I would take anything. To my surprise, a week later my dad called with news that would change my life forever. He said that he was given a black beach cruiser and it was mine. Immediately I imagined myself riding my bike in a cute dress, wind blowing in my hair, flowers in my basket and of course ringing my bell. My dad warned me that the bike wasn’t in top condition but he could make it work. However, the first time I laid eyes on her she was nothing but perfection, my dad had completely “tricked out" my bike without telling me. He added a basket, a bell, new handle bars (complete with stylish and girly flames), white walled tires, a new seat, and my name on the back (on those little license plates). Ever since, my experience at CBU has been pure bliss. I have even gone as far as giving my bike a name, Josephine Martinez (don’t be alarmed, my friend Julie has named her bike too, Belle) and am willing to stand up for her if anyone thinks their bike is superior. My roommate also has a bike and we are convinced our bikes are best friends just like she and I. We never leave our apartment without them. We feel naked without them. Walking seems to take "for-ev-er" (think Sandlot). I think deep down we like the feeling of riding our bikes to chapel passing herds of people who left at least 4 minutes before us and we still beat them. More than anything I like riding my bike around campus with friends late at night. Usually, not many students are out, the Southern California weather is just perfect and I tend to forget I am in Riverside. It’s always enjoyable, it's a great study break, especially if you are writing a paper. Michael Scott would probably say that we would be more productive (when we got back) to make up for time we lost actually on the bike ride. Regardless its always a good time and I would much rather remember bike rides than papers. As you can see, I love my bike. I would not trade her for the world and am thankful she has been my trusty steed these past years.

I leave you with some pictures:


Celebrating my Birthday!


She even dressed up for it...


Check out that fancy license plate!


Courtney Weatherly

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