Bicycles

I'm bloody glad that bicycle helmets are not obligatory in this country because as it is I am already leaving my flat each morning with a "shit ton" of gear to prevent the following two situations from arising:

          a) Freezing 

          b) Bicycle Theft 

I am told that over 2 million bikes are stolen annually in the province of Zuid-Holland, however over half these thefts go unreported as the owners have already frozen to death.  In spite of these very real dangers, the bicycle still seems to be the preferred mode of transport around the village of Lekkerkerk, especially with children, old ladies and Australians. 

My bike cost me just on €60 second hand from a small bike shop in Niewe-Lekkerland (over the other side of the river) and he even threw in a little bell.  It seemed like a great deal at the time but I have since discovered that this is in fact quite expensive especially compared to some of the great deals that are available in the city Rotterdam.   

Apparently if you go to the right place at the right time you can very easily find a bike for as little as €5.  It sounds crazy I know, but apparently these "street vendors" have very low overheads and are highly motivated to sell.  One girl I met at the hostel got her sweet vintage racer for €20 and a disposable lighter from a very friendly chap wearing an imitation Adidas tracksuit.  He was reluctant to give her an extended warranty but at those prices who's complaining.

Een Fiets (http://racefietsblog.nl)

Dutch Lesson #2

"Fiets" is the Dutch word for bicycle.  The way to remember it is this simple mnemonic that came to me on my way to work this morning.

          Frozen,
          I
          Endure 
          The
          Snow

No phlegm is required for this one and the word is pronounced "Feets", like the plural of Feet.  As in One Foot, Two Feet, Three Feets.