Enter the #Batmobike - I bought a bicycle!

I've mentioned a couple of times that I've been bike shopping.... and I made a purchase!  Woohoo!

Background: I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was nearly in middle school.  The only bike I ever owned had tassels and one speed.  After I outgrew it, I rarely ever rode.

Upon moving to Franklin, I realized I live (literally) within a 4-mile radius of everything I need.  In fact, I'm less than a mile from my main grocery store and less than two miles from downtown Franklin's restaurants and shops.  I figured it would be awesome to be able ride there (and burn some calories).

How I romanticized bike ownership in my head... (source)

I got braver after talking to my blogger buddies, and super pumped after reading pretty much every post on Let's Go Ride a Bike.  I also started talking to more people about my itch to buy a "grown-up" ride... and promptly went from thinking about a Walmart Schwinn to a used bike to a new hybrid.

Today:  I sadly didn't get the bike I thought I was wanting (they sold it before I could test it, and it wouldn't be back in stock until summer's end)... but I happened to call MOAB Bikes after Duke told me they had a great selection there.  One of their guys, Jeremy, was able to figure out what I was looking for immediately.  I met him after work and tested out a bike, which was my size and my style.  Love!

Trek Verve 1 WSD

I got the Trek Verve 1 WSD hybrid.  It was not a small investment (somehow over time I went from wanting a $200 Walmart bike to buying a $400 one, welcome to my world), but the store gave me a good deal.  I managed to sell a bunch of crap I don't use stuff on Craigslist that I didn't need, so I used that $$$ towards the bike.  I also love that I can bring the bike back for tune-ups for an entire year, it's a great brand, and it fits my needs.

As Jeremy brought out my bike post-tuneup, he was remarking on how the bike's black matte color was super stealth.  I agreed, and said it's a total "Batmobike".  Before it even left the shop, it had a name!

One thing I definitely anticipated (fortunately!) was the startup cost to buying a bike.  You can't just buy the machine.  I ended up with: a car bike rack, front/rear lights, kickstand, helmet, lock, adapter (for the step-through frame)...  it definitely adds up.  I still don't have a rear rack or basket or any other doodads like that; I want to get comfortable riding first.

Last night I took my bike out in the summer heat, and I had a blast!  Sure, I may not do well at shifting gears (Duke has already had to adjust the bike for me), and I will probably wear out my brakes because I'm a little scared of going too fast.  But I loved getting places quicker than walking/jogging, and I stayed out until I was drenched in sweat.   I'm definitely sore, like I went horseback riding!  And I slept like a baby.  This bike may be one of the best investments I've made in a while.  I hope.  EEK!