PastaQueen - Comments on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Bunnah commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:22:22 -0500

By Bunnah]]> I love her! The imprinted flowers just make her awesome. I think I need a bike now. Regular performance bikes scare me, I think because they're so tall.

Ingrid commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:46:21 -0500

By Ingrid]]> Congrats on the new bike!
Biking is sooo much fun!

Miss_Thing commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:07:26 -0500

By Miss_Thing]]> Oooh....shiny! Congrats on the new purchase. I've been eyeing the Trek Navigator WSD myself. Have fun!

Benita commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:09:24 -0500

By Benita]]> Congrats on the new bike - Bluebell is beautiful!

I recently got my bike fixed up after about 10 years of not riding her. Now I ride as often as I can. It's fun! Since I live out in the boonies, I find it fun to see how fast I can go by pedaling downhill as fast as I can. Unfortunately, there are very little chances to do this on our prairie. :)

Helen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:11:01 -0500

By Helen]]> I've been thinking about getting a bike and Bluebell looks like just the ticket. Also, now I want a cupcake and have started trying to calculate if I can fit one into my alloted calories today.

Donna B commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:13:07 -0500

By Donna B]]> Glad to see you got a bike! EXCELLENT choice, it is my twins! Bought the exact model a few months back and I think it is one of the best purchases I ever made. Love to ride the trails. Enjoy!

butterfly commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:18:21 -0500

By butterfly]]> Beautiful bike Ms Bicycling Brownie Bandit!

I'm definitely going to look into purchasing one myself.

You should post a pic of your new coif!

Jill commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:31:24 -0500

By Jill]]> She's beautiful - and so girly!!! LOVE. IT.

The geese probably killed the owner of the hat just for the fact that he was wearing such a stupid hat. Who knew geese had such strong sense of fashion?

David Crowell commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:53:19 -0500

By David Crowell]]> Congrats!

After 20 years of not riding a bike, I bought two this year. A hybrid first, and later a recumbent for the comfort.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the bike. Traveling a good distance, at a decent speed *completely under your own power* is awesome.

Add some fenders, and you'll be able to ride in the rain without road grime in your face.

You may want to learn how to change a flat, and carry the stuff you need to do so. I learned that lesson after walking my bike 3 miles.

Dinah Soar commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:04:28 -0500

By Dinah Soar]]> You're bike is beautiful!! I want one just like it.

wilma commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:29:41 -0500

By wilma]]> love the bike. if you're going to use it for carrying things around (even your purse, etc.), you may want to get a rack thingy for the back of it (i have a similar bike and i love the rack thing). i put one bike bag on one side, which is more than enough room for anything i may want to pick up or take to work or whatever. i would suggest getting a rack rather than a basket (even though a basket is much prettier), simply because it's easier to steer with weight on the back of the bike, rather than on the handle bars. happy biking!!!

Jen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:56:10 -0500

By Jen]]> I've been lusting after a Trek WSD road bike, but this makes me want a bluebell too... So many gorgeous bikes, so little money!

EG commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:58:55 -0500

By EG]]> Oh, she's pretty. Does she have a bell? Ding ding!

Congratulations on the brownie and cupcake victories. We do not have a cupcake store, but we do have a cookie store. We were in there one night with some friends and the owner came in and we chatted about business and our kids, and later my husband said, "Who is that and how do you know her?" I said, "She owns the cookie store, and I know her because she owns the cookie store." Probably not a good sign.

Alexia commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:58:57 -0500

By Alexia]]> That's beautiful! I have a mountain bike for regular riding, but I'm dreaming of this one for my cruising girlie bike.

Helen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:34:17 -0500

By Helen]]> LOL @ EG!!

Just_Kelly commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:44:48 -0500

By Just_Kelly]]> Your spurring bike envy over here!

http://choosinglosing.blogspot.com/2008/09/wannabe-biker.html

Zandria commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:59:55 -0500

By Zandria]]> Yay for finally getting a bike! I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with it. :)

I'm adopting this as my unofficial quote of the day: "Safety first, cuteness second." Love it!

Erin commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:18:18 -0500

By Erin]]> Wow. That is girlie. Don't feel cheated; any accessory not included by the bike manufacturer is extra. Bike shop "standard procedure," if you will.

TOWR commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:27 -0500

By TOWR]]> Ooooo, she's a beauty! The beautiful thing about going up BFH is that on your way back you get to go down them and yell, "Wheeeee!"

I want to open a cupcakery! But I fear I'd eat all my inventory.

RG commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:59:51 -0500

By RG]]> OMG, I've bought expensive bikes and I have to say that looks like a NICE one. Ally frame and shimano parts, plus the WSD design? That is not a low-performance bike. The one I bought for that much money got stolen within about 2 weeks, SAD. That's even with two bike locks on it (front and back wheel).

Cari commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:07:36 -0500

By Cari]]> I love it! My husband used to sell bikes--Trek is a great brand. Mine is a Specialized, but it's definitely not that pretty. And I heart Avenue Q--enjoy it!

PastaQueen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:08:45 -0500

By PastaQueen]]> @RG - Yeah, I'm paranoid to leave her anywhere. I need to buy some super lock or a cloaking device.

RG commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:14:06 -0500

By RG]]> @PastaQueen - I was stupid and left it locked up outside overnight. I lived in Chicago at the time and took to assuming that my commuter bike would get stolen in ~6 months. It looked like the bike thieves needed a welding tool to cut through those bike posts. But I also had one stolen in broad daylight on a one-hour stopover at the downtown library. And two stolen from inside (one house and one apartment building lobby).

Deanna commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:54:05 -0500

By Deanna]]> I want a bike now, seems so liberating, and the idea of grabbing a brownie and pedaling as fast as my ass can sounds so daring and exciting - I may want to try that!!

Pamela R commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:14:00 -0500

By Pamela R]]> I'm jealous, she's so pretty and I want her...or at least her sister. I know I'm not supposed to be jealous but that's the way I am! :-)

emi commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:22:17 -0500

By emi]]> pretty, pretty bike!

kris commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:15:01 -0500

By kris]]> I'll be spending the rest of the afternoon perusing bikes online and trying to figure out when I can afford one!

She is lovely.

p. potter commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:20:24 -0500

By p. potter]]> so exciting! i bought myself a single-speed, light blue, Electra cruiser in early July and I LOVE IT.

i never got to bike much as a kid (my parents were, ummm...overprotective) so having my bike now is like living out childhood fantasies of freedom. nevermind that i've been able to drive a motor vehicle for almost seven years, i never knew how far a bike could take me!

i'm so happy for you, and i hope you get as much enjoyment out of your bike as i do from mine.

(i'm tossing around the idea of a roadbike; sooner than you know it you'll crave something with more speed!)

Amy commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:42:50 -0500

By Amy]]> @PastaQueen - Capture your serial number and register it with the mfr! May also want to see if it's covered under your renter's insurance or something.

PastaQueen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:50:06 -0500

By PastaQueen]]> @Amy - It's written in my owner's manual and Bicycle Garage Indy also has it on file in their computers. Thanks for the tip though!

MaryK commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:24:28 -0500

By MaryK]]> Great bike!

And you are gonna love "Avenue Q!"

Shawna commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:00:02 -0500

By Shawna]]> That bike is stylin'! I wish it had been available when I was shopping a few years back. I got a similar Trek model, but it's isn't so pretty :)

Ringlet commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:09:33 -0500

By Ringlet]]> Awesome bike! I totally lack the balance, or I would get one.

Linda commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:51:08 -0500

By Linda]]> Have you been to Goose the Market at about 25th or 28th and Delaware? Check it out

Sara commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:52:39 -0500

By Sara]]> SO cute!

I'm full of two-wheeled perfection jealousy over here.

I bought a bike last year as a -100 pound reward to myself, and I HATE it. Loathe it. Can't STAND it. I'd drive it into a lake if there was insurance money in it for me.

I wanted exactly what you have, instead I bought something of the 'sleek and fast' variety. Maybe it was the equivalent for me of the mid-life crisis sports car, something for me to ride upon that was all the things I'll never be. Alas, the barely adjustable handle bars make my lower back scream, the seat (even with the protective ass-pads) makes my butt cheeks ache, and the least objectionable color they had in stock was a shade of blue I detest.

Why did I buy that thing at all? What am I, an idiot?

I must have a new bike. Soon!

cindy commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:05:44 -0500

By cindy]]> Congrat's on the new bike. You won't be sorry. I LOVE my bike and find riding it to be one of summer's greatest pleasures (and spring and fall, too, just not as often!). I swear I feel about twelve again every time I ride my bike (and at 47, feeling twelve is a good thing!). One of my favorite things to do is take the BFH's standing up on the pedals (I am not that fond of shifting, even though my bike has something like 24 speeds). It is such an empowering feeling. So next time you are out on Bluebell, stand up on the hills and really give it your all. You won't be sorry!!!

Tish commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:37:47 -0500

By Tish]]> Great bike--I'm with you on looks vs performance. You'll love it. I got mine last spring and as I have lost weight, feel increasingly confident riding. I can even ride with no hands for about 5 seconds now--something I hadn't done in about 45 years! I'm up to 15 mile rides on weekends and hope to be able to master the loooong hill between my house and the great Mount Vernon bike path in the next little while.

Amy commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:43:22 -0500

By Amy]]> Love it! Biking is the one exercise that I enjoy even though I am an FBW -- freakin' big woman! My dh once taped a videocam to his bike helmet and recorded a trek he made on "ride your bike to work day." Maybe you can do that some day.

John's Weight Loss Blog commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:33:44 -0500

By John's Weight Loss Blog]]> I've got a bike
You can ride it if you like
It's got a basket
A bell that rings
And things to make it look good
I'd give it to you if I could
But I borrowed it.

ironsgirl commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:20:11 -0500

By ironsgirl]]> NOW you can do that triathlon you were talking about!

Lydia commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:42:25 -0500

By Lydia]]> Good for you. You are really living the maintenance/changed lifestyle thing! That is wonderful.
I started reading your book -- it is so funny. I loved the story about meeting the two teachers while you were trying to find a white graduation dress. I laughed and laughed -- truly funny story.
I was wondering, though -- did all those events and experiences seem funny at the time -- were you able to see them the way you do now -- or was it not so funny the first time around? I saw myself in your description of changing the channel if you thought someone was coming and might witness you watching a weight-related TV show.
What a great book you've written there, as you know.
You should be thinking about your next book -- real-world "maintenance" living. How it is to be a vigilant yet realistic maintainer of weight loss.

Tara commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:15:51 -0500

By Tara]]> I love the new bike. I hope you enjoy it. I expecially love the color & the detail on the handle bars. :)

Julie commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:57:33 -0500

By Julie]]> What a cute bike! The best thing about the BFH is the coasting down!

Lis commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:58:03 -0500

By Lis]]> Congrats on the bike! I bought one last spring and riding it has become my raison d'etre. While I named her 'bike' (I somehow have a real problem naming inanimate objects), I love the name bluebell (also the name of Geri Halliwell's new baby). Enjoy the ride!

Meg commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:58:53 -0500

By Meg]]> I totally have a crush on your bike. Mine is in cold storage awaiting a much needed tune up, a new bike seat and for me to transport it from the very bike friendly city where my parents live to the scary car and taxi infested city where I now reside.

Canal paths are the best. I miss the one where I grew up. I took it for granted for far too long.

Happy Riding!
-Meg

PastaQueen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:48:11 -0500

By PastaQueen]]> @Lydia - I don't think the teacher incident was funny at the time, but I'm able to look back with a sense of humor.

Leslie commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:15:27 -0500

By Leslie]]> After seeing you post your new bike, I sent the link to my boyfriend and said "THAT's the kinda bike I want!" I ended up getting a similar one today! Thanks for posting about it and thanks to you, I found the bike I've been looking for!

PastaQueen commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:51:29 -0500

By PastaQueen]]> @Leslie - I hope you enjoy yours! Bluebell has be great so far.

Cassie commented on 'Bluebell and the Bicycling Brownie Bandit'

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:43:29 -0500

By Cassie]]> I LOVE your bike. She's a real beauty. You've inspired me to go out and buy one. Bicycling may be the one exercise I can do theses day -- neuropathy of both feet prevents me from walking, dancing, and doing a lot of the things I used to take for granted.

Thanks for posting the pictures - looks are everything when it comes to biking!