Bike Alert!

I'm a biking enthusiast and have always taken precautions when locking up my bike in Toronto. I lock my back wheel and frame securely with a U-lock and also lock my front wheel with a cable lock. I have a quick release seat so I make sure I take it off and carry it with me at all times. A lot to do, especially when you're only stopping by the library to return a few books. Unfortunately, entirely necessary when you're biking in Toronto.

You would think that with all my precautions my bike would be safe from possible theft. What could they steal? Well, on Saturday July 13, 1996, just outside Hart House at the University of Toronto's St. George Campus, I found out 'what'. The culprit stole my quick release from my seat post!!! Luckily there was a nearby bike shop and I was able to buy a replacement. Unfortunately, it costed me $17.50. Not terribly expensive, but not the point.

To my surprise, I wasn't that upset. It was the first negative thing that happened to me while riding my bike. Not too bad considering bikes go missing everyday. I just accepted it, told everyone I knew to curse the person who did it and left it at that.

Tuesday July 15, 1996. I bike to the University again and decide to lock my bike outside the mechanical building. While doing so, I debated whether or not to take my quick release with me. I decide not to. Reason being that I've locked my bike there many times without any mishaps. Well, with that set up I'm sure you've already guess what happened to my quick release. Yep, it was stolen AGAIN! Three days later and my quick release was stolen yet again. Three days later and I had to fork out another $17.50 to buy a replacement yet again.

Well, as you can imagine, I wasn't as calm and collective as I was on Saturday. Talk about bad luck. Unfortunately, I also lost a bit a faith in the idea that Toronto was a safe and friendly city. Now when I lock up my bike I make sure that I take my quick release with me. And if you have a bike with a quick release seat, let me give you a little advice - take your quick release with you.

For an update on the bicycle situation, please click on Bike Alert II