Alpina the Awesome

This blog update is long overdue, but I wanted to make sure I fully understood the personality of Alpina before introducing you to her.  So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Alpina, my slightly run-down and hardly attractive two-wheeled friend which has a can-do attitude and resilient style.  Alpina has been (and will likely continue to be) my main mode of transportation while in Joensuu.  She is my bicycle.

To give you a little history on her, I found her in the back alleyway of a bicycle rental shop.  With three gears, two fenders and a softer-than-stone seat, it was nearly love at first sight.  She has a frame the color of dirty snow and a seat the color of a faded mustard seed.  Her name is inscribed in delicate red letters across the top bar of her frame.  Determined I could take good care of her, I signed off on all the official paperwork and away we went.

Unfortunately, the quick transition proved to be a bit much on her.  Within the first week, her front tire got a flat.  But, let me remind you, she has quite a resilient style.  After an hour walk in the cold, pouring rain and a free appointment with the bicycle doctor, she was all fixed up.

Since then, we have had many good times together exploring the nearby river, navigating the city streets and taking trips to the market.  She is also an excellent companion on the half-hour rides to and from school.  Recently, I outfitted her with a basket, and removed the piece of chewing gum that her previous owner left on her spokes.  I have also found that she likes it when you say nice words to her in the morning (however, when doing so, you need to keep in mind that she only speaks Finnish).  So, there you have it.  Alpina the Awesome.  My bicycle.

Alpina and I explore rain or shine!