Today was the first day of my biking adventures! Of course, Greta (my bike) wasn't ready for the road until equipped with basket and bell, which I purchased this week, making it vintage fab for a sunny, Saturday morning!
The morning began when I met Natalie for a Fuzzy breakfast taco, complete with a Fuzzy driver. After our breakfast, we hit the trail! I was a bit nervous about riding on the main streets for the first time, so Natalie followed behind me in her Tahoe. Can you imagine? Natalie is coasting behind me with her hazards flashing, while I leisurely ride down Broadway Avenue!
As we approach the corner of Broadway and Avenue Q, we see a horse parade! I'm not kidding, either! Today is the annual Cowboy Symposium festival, and a horse parade through downtown is part of the festivities! We watched the cowboys, buggies and stagecoaches stride down the street. Incredible.
After watching for a few minutes, we decided to continue on towards the Downtown Art Market. This event is once a month at the Tornado Gallery on Buddy Holly Ave and it's definitely one of the coolest events this city has! It reminds me of the outdoor markets in Europe, where vendors bring all their different goods. Flowers, vegetables, folk art, jewelry, and much more are on display and for sale. I went first to the Therapy booth, products made by my sweet friend Marci Gutheil and her sister, Val. The booth is filled with wonderful creations like felt flower hair pens, floral satches, jewelry and dresses. Across from Therapy, I found a children's clothing booth that had a bright red poodle skirt calling Madilyn's name. Madi wears her black poodle skirt EVERYWHERE, so I thought I should encourage her collection. I saw many friends, old and new, and enjoyed visiting with them all. Next, I purchased fresh garden flowers that looked mighty nice in my pretty, little wicker basket. After all this fun, it was time to return home. I loaded my basket, hopped on Greta, and rode through the red brick downtown streets toward home.
Ok, maybe not home, just Fuzzy's. This first trip I parked my car at Fuzzy's and rode the bike downtown. Natalie had to go on to work, so I made the trip back on my own and I was feeling confident about my new found hobby. Until I see the parade. ANOTHER parade! This time it was some sort of Mexican parade, I think celebrating Mexican Independence. Well, I start trying to figure out how I'm going to cross the street and get back over to Fuzzy's, when I see the low-rider boys. Let me explain.
While at Fuzzy's Taco shop earlier in the morning, a group of Hispanic guys in a low rider pull up to the restaurant. Natalie and I were sitting on the patio, and I guess we looked friendly, so they said hello. They also watched our comedic show in the parking lot, as I clumsily learned to steer my bike, as Nat laughed hysterically. So, what are the odds these same guys are in the parade and happen to be right in front of me as I come to the parade route? Likely, because they were, and they asked me to join the parade!
"Get in front of us! Come on, just do it! Get in front of us!" They shouted.
"I can't!" I replied, but quickly decided it was the only way to get back over to my car. I thought for a moment and I did what any sensible person would do.
I joined the Mexican parade.
What a morning! What a beautiful morning; the sun shining on my face, the wind blowing through my hair (what's left of it) and candy falling into my basket as I rode in a parade. This I know: Greta and I are going to be great friends.
~Truly, Cinderella
