This is harder than I thought.

So last week I finally received my Vancity bike and was excited as ever to begin my trek.

OK, I said to myself, this will be a synch! I have my trusty bike route map, I have my helmet, yup - the bell is in good working condition... so there I went... but not very far. I began my ride from Hastings and Howe attempting to get to the Cambie street bridge. Made a few wrong turns, but thought "hey this isn't bad, at least I"m enjoying myself." Finally got to the bridge and I was just heading up the ramp and *SNAP* - The chain fell off.

Not only did the chain fall off, but it became lodged in the chain guard somehow. Needless to say I didn't panic, I mean, this wasn't the first time I'd be putting a chain back on a bike. I've done this millions of times. It wasn't nearly as simple as I had been hoping. It was stuck, and the only way I could fix it was to take the guard off (with tools) and remove the chain.

My 25 minute bike ride home turned into an hour and a half long walk... I had to take a stop by VGH to try my luck again, and the nice thing about this time was some lovely ladies tried to help me by holding up the bike while I attempting the re-chaining. Problem was they didn't speak english - but I appreciated the help all the same.

Giving up on the chain situation I decide just to finish the walk. I mean I got that far, why stop now? Only seven more blocks to go.

Got home, fixed the bike - and sat around. Boy was I exhausted!

All in all, my first bike experience wasn't really a good one. With chain problems, and the option of having only one gear I think I've been discouraged from commuting on the bike for work. For putting around the neighbourhood or perhaps a small grocery run a the farmers market this bike would be perfect.