After an incredibly frustrating week searching for a bike that would be 1) of an acceptable quality AND 2) not cost an outrageous amount of money (new bikes starting at 199 Euros), I decided to move to the larger market of Amsterdam. I was dead-set on going to Recycled Bikes, a shop that takes discarded and donated bicycles, fixes them up and paints them all sorts of lovely colors, then sells them for a reasonable price. I really liked the concept of the shop... However, by the time I got there a mere one hour after opening time, all of the inventory for the day was already sold out, much to my disappointment and that of the line of people out the door.
My trip was relatively brief, since I was so annoyed that I could spit. Where are all the used bikes in this country!? No wonder stealing is a much-turned-to option. I trotted back towards the train station, eyeing lamp posts for unchained cycles, while apparently skirting the Red Light District on my way. I remember Amsterdam very well from my time there with my parents years ago, but don't remember getting a contact high from passing the coffee shops.
Once back in Den Haag I started perusing the Dutch version of Craig's List with a vengeance. To make a very long day short, I am now in possession of a gorgeous Lowlands bike, shiny and nearly new, with an equally lovely price tag. I do need to tighten the bolts on the back wheel, since it's riding a little squirrely at the moment - the wrench my dad mailed to me is coming in handy after all. Other than a quick tune-up at the shop, I think this cycle and I will get along famously. Keep your fingers crossed that my days of bike dramatics are over.
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