Today, at Our Community Bikes!, I was scrounging for a trashed tire
to trial fit for frame clearances and to buy some cable housing
ferrules. Jay was busy with a couple at the counter looking to buy a
bike. David missed Halloween and was just back from cycle touring
Germany. We chatted. He gave me some ferrules. I wanted to buy a
dozen or two so he gave me more and charged me a quarter. I gave him
two bucks and put the change in their coffee fund.
At the counter I came to understand the couple was looking to replace
the woman's bike which had been stolen and they didn't feel like
spending a lot. (OCB! sells only donated bikes)
Jay told them to look over the bikes on the rack, some reconditioned,
some needing work, and make their selection.
I revealed my Halloween persona to Jay, chatted and was interrupted
by the woman, almost breathless, exclaiming that she'd found her
bike. There were tears in her eyes.
Not the bike that had just been stolen. No. A much nicer bike that
had been stolen when almost new - eight years ago!
She recognised it by its colour and the handlebar she'd put on before
it was stolen. She positively identified by a worn but still visible
top-tube decal of the Buddha she'd bought in Tibet.
Jay gave her the bike.
We helped them dig it out of the rack. It needs a saddle, a chain,
and probably some other work so they'll be back.
Seeing a forsaken bicycle reunited with the person who loved it first
gladdened my spirit. I felt blessed to be a witness.
--
zk