Spring.

 Spring-zilla is here... Yay! There have been warm, sunny days and spring storms. However, it is fleeting quickly. I can feel it in my bones. Summer is coming. Summer. The best season of all. The season of vacations. Of love. Of late night adventures. Of SnoShack. Of BBQs. Of pool parties. And warm memories.

Back to spring. It's doesn't stick around in the valley. It will be 101 degrees before you know it. But while it is still wonderful, I am soakin' it up. Here are some Diana pics to prove that is can be beautiful in Bakersfield. Taken on, none other than the Bike Trail!

 I love the green grasses and white puffy clouds.

Makes you want to go on the Bike Trail, huh? I know... I have really been promoting it lately. But what can I say, I love it. 

The Bike Trail!

There are some things you need to know. For the betterment of your life in general. I live in Bakersfield. Bakersfield get a bad rap. But you know what, it is my HOME. And like I have said before, I am still deciding whether or not I love it. However, one of Bakersfield's main attractions is... The Bike Trail!

The Bike Trail is 20 miles long going from Lake Ming to Enos Lane and follows the Kern River. Once I got Motobecane, I found a renewed interest in the Bike Trail. BUT, I was tired of going on the bike trail alone. That's when I talked Jay into buying a bike. And here it is: 

So now, I have a bike trail buddy. YAY! The beginnings of a biker gang! Sweet.

Whoa!! Hat on backwards! Who does he think he is? And flying towards me!

While on the bike trail, PREPARE YOURSELF!!! You will see all sorts of wildlife. Here, you can see two white Herons. They kinda look like Storks. "Where are my babies you lame ol' stork?!? Bring me my baby!"

SEE. There is even a sign warning you about the wildlife. Five miles before Enos Lane, you enter a wildlife conservation area. Watch-the-Heck-Out! Last time we were on the bike trail, we saw a couple jogging with Two Shetland Ponies! I kid you not!

Other wildlife includes(but not limited to): cotton tail rabbits, TONS of squirrels, dead squirrels, silly little birds, an occasional snake, the endangered Kitfox, Shetland Ponies, and the mythical Cupacabara.

Also, be prepared for the oil derricks. Cuz they're everywhere. So get used to them being in your view.

Motobecane{my french bike!}

So, in case you didn't know, Jay and I are poor. We are newly-weds. What do you want? Believe me, I'm not complaining. Being poor has been SO fun. That why we use palettes to make all of our furniture. And eat beans. Yum, beans.

Anyway, last Christmas, Jay and I decided to not spend more than 25 bucks on each others gifts. I, like a good wife, abided by this rule. In fact, I didn't spend a dime. I made a video using the footage from our honeymoon. I will share this later. You'll love it. Well maybe. I shouldn't speak for you. So Jay, being the naughty boy that he is, thought that since I wasn't spending any money, he could use my share as well as his own to buy me a road bike. And this is where my story begins.

Jay set up the bike, had me cover my eyes, and walked me out into the living room. I open my eyes, (gasped of course), and immediately start crying like a sissy. I loved the bike instantly. And then in my mind, I was ashamed of my lame $0 present that I made. But anyway, I was so excited. Time to learn about what I got.

 

First, my bike is a used Motobecane Grand Touring from the '70s. Motobecane is a French manufacturing company, or was (until they were bought by Yamaha in 1981 and moved to Taiwan), and was the second most prestigious brand in France. Known for making very lightweight bikes, they were one of the first companies to use Japanese parts in the '70s which were much better than the French parts. Also, I know that my bike has a lugged frame (which means that the joints are much stronger and help to keep the bike light).

Here it is. Isn't she a beaut? I love riding her. One time, I complained to HeyBrother that I was sore, and his response was, "Train harder." And that is what I plan on doing.

This was my VERY FIRST ride. I know what you are thinking. Where are you? I don't even see you. That's because I am not actually in the frame. But you CAN see the front tire and the bright red bow that was still on the bike. It was Christmas morning. That's why SisterFriend looks so festive. And Diana (you'll meet her later) isn't that accurate of a camera. Even though she is awesome.

Here I am with Moto. On the bike trail. It is love.