Ever been to a Shriner's Parade?
If so, you've seen plenty of men my age acting like kids or clowns.
They wear their funny red Fez-caps with floppy gold tassles.
And they buzz and weave around the other parade participants in miniature cars or on tiny 2-wheel 'clown bikes'.
My 'clown bike' is a 7-speed Dahon folding bicycle. It folds into a ballistic nylon carry duffle and fits easily into the trunk of my little BMW, leaving room to spare for other luggage and gear. (The elegant cardboard mango crate seen on the rear wheel rack in this photo is my own tasteful inspiration for farmer's market forays.)
Folding bikes have come a long way since the first ones were created for urban commuters, sailors, the RV crowd... and Shriners.
Not that long ago, serious cyclists realized that the use of lightweight materials and high-tech components could transform the sturdy fold-o-bike of the past into a superbly sensible vacation Touring Bike for the 21st Century. Properly tricked-out, a modern folding bike -- some with as many as 21 gears -- can reasonably approximate the weight and ride quality of a competent road bike.
Bring it as safely checked luggage on an airplane. Throw it in the trunk of your rental car. It's always there, ready to ride. BINGO.
Surprisingly, the bike generates much more admiration than amusement from passersby and other cyclists. Do you suppose that's due to the Street Cred that I command by wearing a bike helmet instead of a Fez-cap?
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