Meet Stockard

The name is sort of a convoluted thing, but it works for my convoluted brain. See, Stockard is a 7.3 FX, so I went to Wikipedia and started looking for noteworthy things that happened in 1973. Turns out that was the year of the Norrmalmstorg robbery, whence came the term “Stockholm syndrome.” The idea of being held hostage and developing an allegiance to one’s captors struck me as sort of analogous to my growing enjoyment for biking, developing while I have no other options. I went looking for names that could be related to “Stockholm,” and Stockard clicked. Eric suggested that if I wanted to further the sort of “Six Degrees” thing I’ve got going, I could nickname the bike Abbey, but I don’t think she looks like an Abbey.

(He then expressed his opinion about the validity of naming inanimate objects, but we agreed to disagree. )

Anyway, I’m pleased. She’s so much lighter, faster, and smoother than what I’ve been riding, and…well, she’s a little intimidating in that regard, as I’m still such a beginner. But here’s the thing, and what decided me when I was debating between this bike and one other lower-end model I was also testing and considering: I’m recovering from an overuse injury. The last thing I want to do is repeat the injury when I start running again. Seven days a week of running seems like an excellent way to do that, so I want to be cautious and give myself other options. If I want to cross-train two or three days a week, putting in solid mileage, I need a bike that will hold up well and allow me to challenge myself. I don’t intend to just toodle around town; that would be a surefire way to get bored and wind up turning to running more and more instead. I need cycling to be “worth it.”

Stockard is a good fit for me and my purposes. She’ll hold up to whatever I throw at her. Not a road-racing bike or hugely expensive thoroughbred of a machine, but more than adequate for me! And she came with a little bell. Awww…