New Bike

Eau Gallie, FL
28 08.02 N 080 37.46 W

We're here in Eau Gallie for the SSCA gam. Don't know what that is? SSCA is the Seven Seas Crusing Association. A gam is: An exchange of visits at sea by the crews of two or more whaleships. The Gamming Chair at left was used to transport individuals from one ship to another.

While here, our very good friends Dave and Jonnie invited us to dinner and also lent us a car to run local errands. Great. This morning Libby went to do laundry while I shopped for a new bicycle.

When we started cruising, Jenny, John and David chipped in to buy us a nice folding bicycle for use on the boat. Unfortunately, it only lasted 3 or 4 years, before rusting away to an unusable state. You see, we have no place to store a bike other than up on deck where it gets salt water spray all the time. It is tied on the foredeck right now. I'll use it in Vero and Marathon in coming months.

For the past 1-2 years, we had no bike at all. It was missed. A bike is great way to extend our range beyond walking distance. We really should have two bikes, but Libby can't ride one. It makes her back hurt.

Since new folding bikes are expensive ($300-$450) and since they don't last anyhow, I bought this new bike at Walmart for $79. If it lasts only one year, it's still much cheaper. If it lasts two or three years, I'm way ahead of the game. I chose the retro model with balloon tires, single speed, coaster brakes and a kick stand. I also bought a 1 year replacement contract from Walmart for $6. If it rusts that fast, I can get a replacement.