I highly recommend listening to this song as you read this post, which has become my theme song for life. At least for the moment.
Last week I took myself on a date to Seattle with one goal in mind: buy a bike.
As you can see from the above photo I was successful in this endeavor, but before I get to that I want to relive my Seattle adventure.
Despite my many trips to the city, I can never take just one photo upon arrival.
I may be bias, or just sheltered, but this is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen. If anyone wants to take me to Europe and change my perspective that’d be great.
I had the entire day to myself so I wandered, wandered, and wandered some more.
My first stop in Seattle is almost always the same, a trip to Pike Place Market for good coffee, fruit, treats, and entertainment.
After I got my caffeine and sugar fix I headed to REI. On my way there I saw many signs I was doing the right thing. Not that I needed any convincing.
I’m not an impulsive person, and most of the time I miss out on things because I am too afraid of making the “wrong choice” or because I don’t know enough about things.
I’ve been planning to buy bike for years now, but wanted to do some research first. After no effort on my part to do so, I decided to buy a bike based on feel.
Complete and utter impulsiveness. I regret nothing.
A 15 minute test ride, 30 minutes of paperwork, and nearly 2 paychecks later I rode away on my brand new bike. The color was not at all what I planned on, but I love it.
I made this purchase based on the feel of the bike, and partly on the brand name. Cannondale makes great bikes, this much I knew.
My ride back to the ferry was a bit scary as it was getting dark and I didn’t feel comfortable riding in the road like all the other bikers. Total newbie over here trying to maneuver around walkers on the sidewalk.
I had to ride my bike onto the ferry (back to my car) among a sea of commuters. I pretended I knew what I was doing, but really I didn’t.
At least I wasn’t the only one wearing sandals.
The cool kids.
A successful trip to the city, and I now have a new mode of transportation.
Now all I need to do is get my butt used to the seat, and figure out a better way to pack this into my car. For now, I’m content riding around my area.
I also need a bike lock, a basket for my cat groceries, and strobe lights.
Post purchase selfie after stuffing the bike into my car.
Q: Do you have a bike?
Blissfulbritt 
76 thoughts on “I Want to Ride My Bicycle”
danaelizabethx
CONGRATS on the bike!!! Awesome color-I have a cannondale as well- HAVE FUN!!! 🚲
Brittany
Yahooo!!!
allisonfiorini
When I read the title of your post, I immediately began singing “I can ride my bike with no handlebars” (the Flobots), lol! I need to get on my bike before it gets too cold for me! Fair weather cyclist right here!
Brittany
Haha that song cracks me up.
Angela
Firstly I LOVE that song and now have it stuck in my head, Thank You!!!
I also love the colour of your bike and love all of you photos! I don’t have a bike bit would like to! Happy cycling, stay safe 🙂
charissarunning
BEAUTIFUL BIKE! Have fun riding it 😀
Leah
Ooh pretty pretty! Can’t wait to see all your adventures on it. A friend helped me build my new bike last year and it’s one of the best things in the world… I ride it to work most days! Now you just have to name yours 😊
Brittany
Yes! I have been trying to think of a name all week. 🙂
kathy at more coffee, less talky
NICE! my husband has a Cannondale for when he rides to work and i have a Trek which i love. i love the color too!
Anthony
I have a Cannondale too. I think you made a great choice and I look forward to your stories of epic rides. Congratulations.
David Lazar
May it be a mode of Inspiration, as well as Transportation, BB!
I have four bikes in two states 🙂
Two suggestions:
1. Get lots of lights, especially for now/winter.
2. Chamois cream – will make the tush feel nice.
Ride safe!
Brittany
Thank you!
pickyrunner
Your bike is so prettyyy!!! LOVE the color. It took me a few weeks to get used to the seat but now mine doesn’t bother me at all! Well, I did get some bike shorts which helped a lot.
carrie
my boyfriend bought me a bike for my birthday in July and i’m slightly embarrassed about how happy it made me. he even paid extra to have an basket attached to the front. best. boyfriend. ever. happy riding!! 🙂
Brittany
Best boyfriend indeed!
PR-Bike
Luckily you have at least one friend who knows a thing or two about bikes, to whom you can ask any bikey questions. I wonder who that might be? Nice choice. I’m not a C-dale guy myself, but they do make some great bikes.
not to worry, I guarantee that you were not the only cyclist on that ferry who was uncomfortable or even a newbie. It takes a little while to get used to riding in “traffic” but it’ll come. And really, the rules are mostly common sense, which unfortunately many riders out there completely lack.
Enjoy, and ride on!
Brittany
It’s been fun despite my “newbie” title. 🙂
Amy
I’m not an impulsive person, and most of the time I miss out on things because I am too afraid of making the “wrong choice” or because I don’t know enough about things. <– Story of my LIFE. Seriously. I'm trying to work on that but… It's hard to change that personality trait! Anyway… I do have a bike, and it's currently sitting in a storage locker because I haven't ridden it in about 2 or 3 years. I went to UCD, which is in the bike capital of the US, and it was a necessity to have a bike to get around. The town actually has more bikes than people! I love love LOVE my road bike, but it's a little too scary to ride around in my current city that is totally not bike friendly. Hopefully I'll get back on it soon!
neilirving
I’ve had my bike for over 20 years and its only the last 3 years that I’ve used it regularly, I ride as often as I can to the stables in the winter months, when I’m doing the morning feed and mucking out
GiGi Eats Celebrities
OKAY WTF are you coming to me in LA – I WANNA GO TO SEATTLE! BAH!
shellybartz
Wow! Great bike! I think you need to name her! And a bell… You must have a bell🚲🛎🛎
Brittany
I DO need to name the bike! Working on that haha.
Angie
Ah! I just sold my Specialized Mountain Bike in preparation for our move, and I will truly miss riding it! Have fun riding yours! It’s beautiful. 😉
And I do agree that Seattle is one of the most beautiful cities in the US. I can’t say it’s the most beautiful when compared to other cities around the world, but it’s definitely my favorite in the US. Note, I may be biased though, since I was born and raised there! 😉
Phil Lengthorn
Bought one about 3 months ago. Don’t seem to get out on it as much as I’d like to.
Lindsay @ A Runnaroundd Life
She’s beautiful 🙂
Violet of Violet's Veg*n e-comics
Great post! I listened to Queen while reading it – great advice! Great pics of the city, you’ve made me want to go there! 😀
sweatyandfit
OMG! Your bike is gorgeous! Absolutely love the color. I bought my bike in April and have been on it non stop since then. Such a dream to get around in (especially in Toronto where traffic and public transit is a nightmare!)
fionajarrett
Congrats! I love your new bike and it matches the Seattle ferris wheel / eye (not sure what the proper name is…!) at night-time, which seems like a good reason all of its own to buy the bike. I love my bike and have NEVER regretted buying it. I’m sure you won’t either. Happy biking!
Brittany
You’re right! Although the wheel changes colors non-stop and I just happened to get a photo while it was blue. 🙂
fionajarrett
Some skillful photography right there!
Shawna
so i ride a bike nearly every single day of my life — bike share/Citibike to work! — but sadly don’t have my own. i looooove this bike! that color is one of my faves. and Seattle looks like a dream. i need to get there!
Brittany
Those bike shares are great! Yes you DO need to get to Seattle.
AlexF
Great colour. If you want to make the seat a little easier on… well, your seat… check out a sporting goods store for a gel seat cover. It adds just a little cush for your touche.
Brittany
Thanks girl! 🙂
My Life by Jen
If you do get a gel seat only use it until you don’t need it any more. Should only take a few weeks of regular riding. I’d go for a cheap pair of padded shorts under whatever else I’m wearing though.
Kelsey
That is one gorgeous bike! Congrats girl!
Ellie
I share my best friend’s bike 🙂 She has a basket and lights so I don’t need to worry about them. I should get a helmet…but I don’t use it enough for that haha. I wanted to get a bike last year for about a week when I wanted to do a triathlon. Then I LOLed and realized I’m a runner and I cannot swim 🙂
Your bike is the PERFECT color!
whostardis
you have no idea how happy i am your link was to the queen song…because thats totally what i was singing in my head before i actually read the post 😉 i love seattle too!! its one of my favorite cities in America. Pikes Place market is so darn cool and had the best hot apple cider i have ever had…ever! you are so fancy now with a fancy bike 🙂
Christina Does It All
I love it! A beautiful bike indeed, friend!
themauritiangeographer
Oh I do miss my bike! I used to have one when I was living in London but cycling around here in Ankara would be equal to suicide. I didn’t how we got to the bike shop for mine, I bought it off amazon 😂😂 I do love cycling and it’s a lovely colour! Have fun!
P.S. You’re always welcome in Europe
Nicola
I’ve got an ex triathlete bike under the house. Not so appropriate now I’ve got a bun in tow tho.
Mary
Having a bike has never really appealed to me until just recently. I like the idea of heading out on Sunday Autumn bikerides and biking through all the pretty leaves on the ground.
Brittany
YES! That exact autumn scenario is magical.
globalrunnergirl
Seattle looks like a fun place. Enjoy the bike ! We love riding ours, and my husband is doing his first bike race this weekend.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I have that song stuck in my head now. Thanks 😉
Seattle is an awesome city, but go to Rome and then you might change your mind on the best city 🙂
Brittany
I’d say you’re right about Rome. 🙂
Diane @ Life of Di.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – I’m so jealous of where you live! I so wish we lived in the Pacific Northwest. So absolutely beautiful. I would love to bike around the Seattle area. I miss biking! I used to bike everyday (I’d bike to my Ohio State classes.) I stopped biking when I was about five months prego with Charlotte because my belly was just too big to bike. I didn’t bike much this summer either; however, I plan to get a bike seat for Charlotte so I can bike next year 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Yay for the new bike! I do own a couple of bikes (street and mountain), and I definitely make it a point to get out there and ride them on the regular when the weather is nice. That being said, I seriously want to take my bike up to the mountains and do some trail riding up there. Without flying off a cliff or anything 😆
Kat
That bike is so gorgeous girlie! My hubby and I are looking to purchase bikes as well. Our new town is a small one, so we really dont need to drive everywhere. There’s also a lot of rivers nearby that have paved roads you can ride around – so while we would have to drive our bikes there, we could then ride around the river all day and pack a sweet picnic to nosh on after. Wanna come? 😉
Brittany
I love those river roads!! Arizona has a ton of them and I rode on them a lot last time I went to visit. YES I WANNA COME!
Deena
Completely green with envy! I love your bike… and dream of one day owning one myself. Enjoy your new ride!
dave379
Congrats, Brittany! A good looking bike for sure. My Specialized road bike is ten years old now, wow that’s a while but still working good. Also just got a cyclocross bike a month ago from bikesdirect for around town and easy trails.
thehealthyfoodblogger
Love your photos! I like how you are enjoying life!
literaturemistress
Of course I have a bike! Unfortunately I can’t use it as much any longer because of my stupid commute. Also, it’s really old by now. If I’m ever in the position to actually cycle to uni (or work by that time), I’ll have to buy a new one as well. I’ve had mine for almost 10 years now and…it shows… -.-
Emma @em-poweredwellness
I love the bike color! I went to school in Davis, and everyone rides bikes there. Such a great way to get around!
Jane
Congratulations on your new bike! So exciting. I am sure you will have loads of fun. I got a bike after a 30 year break. It was awesome! 🙂
Jess @hellotofit
Nice ride 🙂
I do not own a bike…but did ride one a LOT in Thailand haha. Countryside and downtown Bangkok…both very different experiences!
P
Biking through Seattle on a cool fall day…it seems so magical!
My dad insists I get a bike here in LA but I just find it convenient to just get up and walk (or run, haha). But having a bike would save a lot of time though!
Jade
Seattle is so pretty! Two more months and I’ll be there. 🙂 I love your new bike. I had a bike for college but I prefer walking so it’s gotten rusted. 😦
Jim Brennan
Saddle up!
Rhonda
Great bike. Love the color too.
I just learn to ride a bike few years ago and since then I got best experience from it.
I can go to the place where I can’t just drive into.
This is the really good time for me.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’ve been singing that song in my head ever since you first posted the picture of the damn bike. I love it: the song, the bike, the impulse buy, the color, everything about it.
Once you figure out how to transport it in your car, you’ll need to figure out how to transport it here to Cleveland. I figure I’ll be bicycling in a couple years. In fact, I’m looking to upgrade my own model.
stateeats
Niiiiiice! I love my bike! Ride it all summer and fall until it gets too cold and snowy here. I have a Gary Fisher which is actually made by Trek. You might want to invest in a bike rack eventually instead of stuffing the bike into your car…. but you can wait on that for now. The lock and lights are more important. -Kat
Brittany
I think a rack is definitely in my future. That will allow for more adventure! I also want a rack ON my bike for a basket or something. Alllll the bells and whistles slowly but surely to come.
Allie Zottola
*sigh* you are making me want to visit Seattle even more than I already do. Which is a lot, haha. I love, love, love your new bike! Cannondale is a wonderful brand and that color is stunning! I am so with you on not being impulsive (at all) but never regretting the odd impulse purchase once or twice a year!
Sarah @ irunieatilive
I’m not much of an impulsive person either! But it’s so funny that you posted about this, because I too had made a trip to REI to purchase a bike and impulsively chose my hybrid. I’ve had it for about 2 years now and I’m still obsessed with it. It’s a fabulous bike and it’s been a great impulse buy. 🙂 However, I’m still not one of those brave bikers who owns the road. Working on that one!
Brittany
Oh how funny!! Yea I enjoy back roads much more than the main ones. 🙂
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
YAY for a new bike! It’s so Purrrrty! I wish Tampa was more bike friendly. There are parts that are OK, but not where I live. I’m not an impulse buyer either, you should see how many times I’ve changed things on my baby registry and I’m not even the one purchasing it, haha. Glad you had a fun, successful trip 🙂
gyingst48
Love the color! I bought a bike I have a brand new mountain bike and I think I need to see if they have a book, ‘Bike Riding for Dummies”…LOL. Whoever said you never forget how to ride a bike was lying…:)
Brittany
HA! I am all about the trial and error…the gears are totally foreign to me, but I just switch them around until it feels right. Uphill and downhill require different things for me!
Dr. J
Nice wheels!! I just rode my old cruiser “Desperado” this morning.
Never been to Seattle, but have been to Vancouver, and I imagine they are very similar. Both great cities. You would like Stockholm.
Hayley
I want to get a bike so bad! It is definitely next on my shopping or Christmas list 🙂
Melanie
I LOVE Seattle and I LOVE your new bike!! Yay!!!
Rach @ This Italian Family
How did I miss this post?! Love your new bike! I’m so glad it was such a good fit for you. I’m bad about over analyzing and over researching stuff too. Sometimes it’s just good to go with your gut! Glad you did and that it worked out so well. 🙂
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