Post date: Nov 23, 2013 2:50:05 AM
A common method of transport around Granada is the bicycle. The city is relatively flat (until you try to pedal up what you thought was a flat street), and most streets are not super busy.
So this week I rented a bicycle from La Esperanza Granada, which has bikes to rent to its volunteers. They are all old, but serviceable. Now that I use a bike I realize how much more efficient bikes are than walking. I walked six blocks to the most distance volunteer residence and arrived soaked in sweat and tired. (It is hot here, generally 28°C and humid.) Now I ride there in a quarter the time and arrive comfortable.
My original reason for getting a bike was to carry my tools more easily. But these rental bikes had no rack or basket. So I asked around where I could buy a basket or rack. This was an exercise itself!
First I asked the bicycle mechanic at the volunteer organization. He didn’t know. Then I asked the commercial bicycle rental agency on the tourist street. He gave me some directions that I had trouble following. Next I went to a tour agency that has a (different) bicycle rental in the back.He gave me a map and showed me generally where to go.
When I went back outside I was greeted by a man sitting on the bollard with his two crutches and only one leg. His English was quite good and he was very friendly. I was a bit suspicious, because there are a lot of people looking for handouts here. However, John turned out to be very helpful.
First we stopped by a second-hand store because, as he said, you often find some amazing deals here. They did have a lot of toys and used clothing, but no bike racks. We went into a department store that sold bicycles, some of which had baskets mounted. But they had no idea where to get just the baskets!
Finally we got a lead to Comercial Tobias, which sells bicycles just across from the city-center auto dealer. (Not a coincidence, because both are owned by the Pellas family. The odd thing for me is to find an auto dealer in the middle of a colonial city.)
Bingo. He offered me a basket for US$8, including installation. Through all this goose chase I did not have my bicycle, but I arrange to return the next morning, after he opened at 8am.
When I arrived he checked the bearings and recommended greasing and replacement of any bearings that were broken. Since I knew the poor condition of the bike I rented, I agreed to have the mechanic check the bearings. One of the bearings had to be removed to install the basket anyway.
Sure enough, I needed new bearings for the crankshaft, but the bearings and the basket together cost US$16. The handlebars had not been tightened when I picked up the bike, but when I took it back the boss himself fixed that and a loose brake cable.
So now I join many Nicas and volunteers (few other gringos) riding my bicycle over potholed streets, dodging taxis, horse carts, parked cars, and street vendors, not to mention pedestrians. (The sidewalks are often interrupted by steps, making the street and easier place to walk.) But my commutes between houses are much quicker and less tiring. Happy camper!