I recently had a client tell me that I am a part of her day, everyday. That when she sits to read this blog here, she learns something, gets inspired and celebrates the life that I am sharing with all of you. I therefore decided that you, my sweet readers, should know of a major shift happening my life.
I am officially saying good-bye to my faithful flowered bicycle whom I have affectionately referred to as Betty for over seven sweet, and completely life changing years. Through it all, Betty was by my side, or rather- under my bottom- getting me where I needed to go. She has had a long, well appreciated life with me- but it is time to put her down.
When I was 9 years old, I was hit by a car and swore I would never ride a bike again. I help that promise over ten years. In 2003, when I was graduating from University, I convinced my best friend Vanessa that we should buy bicycles and ride to Montreal with the Friends For Life Bike Rally. So we did. Vanessa was actually the person who named my bike. She said it had to be something cute and sassy like me. Betty it was.
We bought our bikes the day before the first training ride and rode our hearts out for three months preparing for the ride to Montreal…
And together we rode all the way there.
After this long, long ride. I was inspired. Since the ride to Montreal I have had the opportunity to cycle in South Africa, Jamaica, Belize, St. Lucia and England. One of my favourite places though is taking Betty up to my cottage for the weekend.
And then I got sick. Oh so sick and wasn’t able to ride too much. After a time, I moved down to California for my treatments and bought a bike to use while I was down there. The bike was none to pretty but I bought a basket to put on it.
Something was missing though. I was in sunny California with this drab-poopy bike and so I added a little something. And there began the flower thing…
People responded very differently to me, once the flowers arrived. Everyone was so nice! People always said hello and waved and my afternoon bike rides with my flowered basket were an important part of my day. At the end of my stay in LA, I was fine to leave the bike, but that basket was going to have to come home with me. And so it did. As carry on.
My friends over at Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop, came up with a creative solution to attach that flowered basket to Betty.
I added the back basket and a few more flowers! I needed more room for cargo as I was now riding Betty to and from nutrition school- an hour each way, by bike. There was a great bike path that took me most of the way. Betty always enjoyed the view.
I also needed the cargo room for going to the market and shopping for my cooking classes.
I would even take Betty to the park so she could play with her friends.
We mustn’t forget the apple giveaways!
Betty also escorted me out on the town in the evenings and also on many second dates. I wouldn’t bring her out until the second…
The most special times however, were at the beach. Our early morning sunrise rides, daycations and of course the picnics.
Betty has now been deflowered and with her decorations and fancy dress removed, it is clear that Betty has seen better days.
And here ends the tale of Betty. Her flowers have now all be removed and she is awaiting transport to her final destination- maybe you’re garage? I will miss you Betty and all we have been through- but it is time for you to move on!
Would you like Betty for your very own? Post a comment that you want her and she is yours- at no charge at all. You just have to give her a good home and you have to come pick her up from her home here in Toronto. I will be away from today (Thursday) until Saturday, I will notify you on Sunday if she is yours.
Now, another contest. Name my new bike!
My new bike is a beauty. He still needs a few final touches, but .he is a beauty. He is a boy, with a bit of an identity crisis due to all the flowers. I need help naming him. He is bright green. Start those wheels turning- he’s excited to meet you!
Now, all this attachment stuff to this bike, has got me thinking about stuff and our attachment to stuff. What possession of yours would you find it toughest to part with?
Hello Meghan! I think you should name your bike new bike Gerrard. I was going for names that start with “G” seeing as he is very green..
The only material item I have that I just could not part with is my DSLR camera. Although I am only still an amateur, my baby has captured some wonderful pictures.
Also where was that picture of your new bike taken? I loooove those gorgeous white trees. I am moving to Toronto for school around August, and I want to know so I can visit there!
Fergus!!
Bernie!
Jolly!
Forrest!
Bernard!
Hi Meghan,
I am a fellow student, currently at IHN, I just finished up Sym 1 with Josh who I might add is an amazing teacher. I think Sym 1 has been my favourite class.
To the point – Betty – I would love Betty. I want to challenge this 46 years young butt to ride to IHN from the beach everyday. And then there would be those long bike rides by the water and she would not miss her trip to the cottage. I am looking forward to getting my nose out in the sunshine out of the books.
She would be much loved and appreciated.
Smiles.
Gwen.
Perhaps it is something in his green sheen, but all I can think of is Murphy!!
Not to wax all philosophical on your comments, but I truly think everything happens for a reason… Yesterday I was trolling Craigslist for a bike, but nothing seemed quite right. Then Betty came along. Beautiful Betty!! I live in Toronto and while bike lanes give me a bit of the heebie-jeebies, I desperately want to get out there- it would be a speedy alternative to walking to work and I love the idea of cruising with Betty’s basket for weekend trips around the city! Betty would have an awesome home, hanging out indoors with cars in a parking garage every night. Betty’s endurance ride background is awesome- homegirl might accompany on some long rides, perhaps duathlon/triathlon endeavors? I’d love to adopt her!
Oh yes! I love her already!! Tree hugger? Eat organic? Health food? That would all be me too! I’d totally love Betty and give her a very good home. What name would I give her? I talk to my oven, microwave (when I was still using it a couple of yrs ago) and sewing machine, but haven’t named them..yet. So, this is interesting. Hmmmm ……. I’d name her Celine!! Something about it very feminine, but not too over the top, and sassy and mystic too!
About the contest of naming your stylish green man, how about Jaden – After that green
What possession of mine would I find toughest to part with? That would be my vitamix, you’d have to kill me first!
THAT’S IT! I’m moving to Toronto NOW… I have a crush on Betty! lol…
It reminds me of my brother in law’s bike (rofl his doesn’t have flowers however) So I say Lenny! My bike’s name is Daisy. I think I shall decorate her basket up this summer. I’m so glad you name things. My Vitamix should arrive today and he is named already. Clark. After superman.
Meghan, I’m going to be motherly…are you riding around Toronto without a bike helmet?
I like Oliver!!!
You could call him “Ollie” – kind of brings to mind the color green… like olives
I will take Betty! We are in desperate need of two bikes in our house . . . we’ve just been too busy to go bike shopping.
For the new bike . . . how about Kelly, you know for the colour Kelly green (not that your green is exactly kelly green but it’s the name that has come to mind)
Hi Meghan,
Oh, this post almost made me tear up! I love my bike just as much. Her name is Honey, and sometimes I give her a pat on the handlebars after a good ride
I haven’t traveled much with her, but she is my feisty urban navigator.
As for Betty, I would ask to have her on behalf of my friend Lauren, who is currently looking for a bike. I met Lauren in September when we both started at the CSNN. We were desk buddies, and soon became real buddies. Lauren has been an awesome friend so far, and recently for my birthday she bought me this gorgeous, glossy rubber tree plant. Lauren is currently looking for a bike, but she is on a tight, tight budget. I know a FREE bike would make her do cartwheels!
Whoever Betty goes to, thank you for this post, Meghan! This is not always a friendly city to bike in, so sometimes our bikes begin to feel like our trusted allies…we have a relationship with them!
Hope you have a great weekend
See you on Sunday ifor the class!
As for the bike name…what about Wolf?
(and no, no coincidence with the Wolfe you already love
Meghan -
For the new guy . . . Luigi!
Loved your story about Betty (my first car was named Betty)! But alas, I live too far away to give Betty a new home. I read your blog everyday (and love it!) from the heartland of the US – Nebraska!
I like Barney or Clyde!
Oh I like Fergus too! That or Henry.
Your new bike should definitely be called Marley!
okay…love this story of Betty and your journey together..it was a beautiful one! As for your new mean green..how Renple! It’s your last name reversed:)
Will miss Betty!
For some reason, when I saw your new bike, I thought Bernie/Bernard, too, as previous comments mentioned. Hmmm…kismet! 
Looks like a Kermit to me!
How abt Advaith? It means ‘one and only one’ or ‘unique’. It is a Sanskrit name.
COME TO ME BETTY!!!
Oh sweet Betty, I will you forever! You’ll feel so at home with me. I promise to ride you in your favourite neighborhoods, Kensington, the beach, maybe not as far as Montreal, but other places just as enjoyable! You will love the feel of my squishy butt on your seat, and my tight grasp on your handle bars!
Oh Betty! COME TO MAMMA!!!!
Meghan, ever since my friend Lindsey told me about you and sent me the link to your site, i have been obsessed! Seriously one of the best sites I’ve visited. So much to read, to watch, to be inspired by! I bought 4 of your tutorials the second day, I’m so excited to keep learning from you! And soon we shall meet, cause i’m planning on going to some of your cooking classes next month! Great job!
Why did I get teary reading this post?
You inspired me to flower my bike… need to add a few more as some were lost in the move.
Fergus or Wolfe is fun… maybe Bobby?
Name for a green, male bike with an identity crisis….hmmm. Something androgynous seems to be in order. How about Bailey or Mackenzie?
Bye, bye Betty! Enjoy your new home!
Darby!!
How about Woody (’cause the woods are full of great green things) or Nate (for nature)?
Peter!
Wow! These are awesomely delicious ideas. I am currently up North at my cottage harvesting Spring goodies like wild leeks and dandelion- and accessing the internet likes its 1998- with dial up. Will have a closer read and make some choices when I am back home. Thanks for the inspiration! Will also give the Betty-mobile to one of you lucky ladies! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this lovely and beautiful story about Betty. It absolutely teared me up. Although there are a number of comments already of lovely people who would like to adopt Betty, I would also like to humbly request to adopt her. I have been a long time reader of your blog and was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s. A huge part of what helped me through the initial shock of the diagnosis was your The Healthy Cookie. Reading it so soon after y diagnosis made me realize that I needed to change my life and live a more healthy life full of sunshine, rainbows and sparkle magic. I would like part of that life to include Betty. A bike that has been a wonderful journey and has seen first hand all of the wonderful healing and miracles that can occur. If I get to adopt Betty, I will take excellent care of her and make sure to take her to High Park and farmer’s markets regularly. I will also make sure she is a part of my healing journey.
Your new bike is a beauty. I cannot wait to hear all about the new adventures that you have with him.
Awww Meg, this post made me tear up!
Reminds me of my old girl Billi-Jayne (my 4 door Hyundai Accent). We had to part ways a couple of years ago when it was time to “embrace” the public transit system… sigh. When I tucked her in for the night she got a “good girl Billi!”, a squeeze on the hand(le) and a pat on the bum(per). I may have been caught having a little chat in the parking garage on occasion too
Sounds like there are some amazing candidates who would take great care of dear Betty and could give her lots of exercise. I would like to donate my entry to vote for Alex on behalf of Lauren, as I would seriously LOVE to see some cartwheel action in Bio-chem on Tuesday!
~
For the handsome new boy… I vote for Kirk! No clue why, just looks like a Kirk to me.
I like Bernard too…but i also like Markus
[...] 4. The Adoption of Betty [...]
Mr. Florabund Tipplewink!
xo
Bailey or Bailee