The first sign was buying a new bike, my Susie Q Public. My excuse was needing a bike that was light enough to carry on to the Caltrain and had a chain guard so I didn’t have to tie back my pants leg. I wouldn’t want to admit that I just wanted a pretty bike to ride everyday since I can’t commute on my sturdily-built Dutch bike Juliett anymore.
Next it was the desperate need to accessorize Susie Q: a classic Brooks saddle and a FastRider basketweave pannier to match her Peterboro front basket. But when I chose to spend a beautiful Sunday riding to the mall instead of taking a long road ride in the hills or a dirt ride on the trails I knew I was coming down with something. I had spring shopping fever.
The upside is that Stanford Shopping Center was landscaped with the most glorious spring flowers. And I found a coat, dress and a pair of shoes that I really like, and will make Fashion Fridays far more interesting. I was starting to run out of ideas for my weekly shoot.
When spring fever comes, how does it affect you? Do you skip work or school, does it bring out the romance or does it inspire you to do even crazier things?
Rachel Unger
April 6, 2012 at 12:40 pm
For me, I find excuses to ride my bike places. There’s an intersection in PA that gets decorated from time to time – I’ll go visit. The gardens you mention are a trip I plan to take at some point, and a trip up Kings Mountain Road is also on the list. I tend to blow off practical things to go ride.
ladyfleur
April 7, 2012 at 9:15 am
Rachel, you should definitely visit the Gamble Gardens. The camellias are almost finished, the tulips and daffodils are in full bloom now, and next month the roses will be out. So go every month or two to see it all. The bike rack is inside the picnic area which is near the small parking lot along Embarcadero.
Rachel Unger
April 10, 2012 at 8:56 am
Cool, thanks!