Back on June 18, 2018, I wrote a post I called “An Imagined Chat with Sophie, My Fairdale Weekender Archer Bicycle.” Over the last three years, she and I have traveled a fair piece — to put it mildly and modestly. Now that it’s reflected in the Strava statistics of 10,000 miles, though, it is official. To commemorate and celebrate this major milestone in our journey, I asked Ms. S. if she’d fancy another chat, and she said sure. Weird, right? Well, things are pretty strange, these days. But I think you’ll enjoy this (imaginary? real? does it matter?) chat with Sophie.

Sophie, are you awake? It’s A Dude Abikes, your rider.

Well, I’m a bicycle, so not awake or asleep. But I’m always ready to go for a ride with you, my Dude! Is it time for another one? Let’s go!

Good. We’ll ride later, Soph. I’m only human. Anyway, do you know what happened yesterday?

Yes! We went downtown to retrieve your mail. And to look for zombies. But there was none of either. Neither. Still, it was a nice easy 12-mile ride on a beautiful, cooler than usual spring evening.

Well, that is true Sophie, thanks. But speaking of miles, do you know that we passed a really big number?

I don’t really keep track, that’s your watch’s job. I just love to go on rides with you!

You’ll be happy to know that we just passed 10,000 miles!

Dude, that’s fantastic! Awesome job. I guess I am showing my miles a bit.

Yes, it is. But I want to congratulate you for such an accomplishment. I could literally not have done it without it. Thank you, Sophie.

You’re welcome! And you’re right, we’re a team.

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What a long, strange trip it’s been! Any thoughts about how it’s been going?

Well, this riding every day for six months has been really hard, but good.

That’s true, 180 Days in a Row of Bicycling = 3,622 Miles is a lot of work. Averaging 20 miles a day took a lot of effort. But we did it, together.

Like I said, I don’t count the miles, but I have enjoyed the rides. Especially after you got me a new drive train. I like it when you keep me clean and oiled.

Yeah, I need to do better about that. Someday we’ll get you a professional tune-up. Anything else?

I could go on and on, but you know me, I’m all about the fun. Speaking of which, falling down on Saturday was not fun. We almost never fall down!

That was a freak accident. The wind blew a banner into the sidewalk and caught your handlebar. I got some flesh wounds, but I’m glad you’re ok.

Yeah, me too. We take a licking and keep on ticking.

Final comments?

Two things. I’m glad you gave up the candy bars. You were getting a little, you know, um, more zaftig than your usual fathlete self.

OK, fair enough. You’re no skinny Sookie, the Fuji yourself, girlfriend! With the way things are going in the world right now, I may gain it all back. But you can handle it. What was the other thing, Sophie?

Hey, no fair. I’m heavy steel, but I’m in decent shape for a gal with 10,000 miles on her. Do you think we’ll make it another 10,000?

Maybe, though maybe not. You could get a younger sister again some day and take some breaks on the weekends. But I’m game. You?

You bet your sweet bippy I am, Dude! Let’s ride! Now? How about now?

What’s a bippy? Later, we’ll ride again, Sophie. Now with a handkerchief over my nose and mouth, even though it’s not required while exercising. Clear skies and 65 F high — another great day to be alive and ride a bike while I’m still able and alive and it’s still legal. Rest well, S.

Like I said at the beginning, I don’t sleep, Dude. You’re a little weird sometimes, you know?

Weird is chatting to a bike! But hey, Austin’s logo is “Keep it weird.” But I know what’s real. I’m in control. I’m not William in Westworld, after all. I’m A Dude Abikes. On a steel horse I ride… Until next time Sophie, take ‘er easy. Abide, like The Dude.

That I will, A Dude.

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