Which they helped me do. Last weekend, when I was (duh) visiting my family.
Last summer I did some cosmetic fix-up on the red BRC Harrier that had been sitting in my parents' garage for the past 20 years. It was originally bought for my Mom in the 70s but she doesn't remember riding it much. Then we dug up some photos of myself, my sister, and my Dad with our bikes when I was elementary-school age, and my Dad was riding this bike. So it seems to have gotten a bit more use in the early 90s.
Anyway, I didn't want to ride it around too much without knowing whether it was actually road-worthy. So last weekend we took it down to North Park for a tune-up. They were admiring of its good condition (except for the fender rust and sawdust-covered chain) and sparkly red handgrips.
They also sell used bikes and on the way out after dropping of the bike I noticed this gem. Upon checking their website it was identified as a 1985 Pashley Princess 5-speed, selling for $700.
A few hours later, I got a call: my bike was ready! Wow, that was fast!
We picked it up the next morning after a tasty breakfast at Pluto's restaurant (which is a converted gas station-- very cool and one of my family's favourite breakfast haunts). Once at home, I took it for a ride up and down the street and practiced taking panda photos.
Still needs practice.
In searching for more info about the bike on the internet, I came across this thread on bikeforums.net where someone already looked into it. Apparently BRC was based out of New Westminster/Coquitlam and closed down around 1990. Interesting.
Now that's she's all ready to be ridden, I think this lovely bicycle needs a name. A BRC Harrier...hmm... it's really a no-brainer.
Harriet!
What a beautiful bike!! Your parents were so wise to save it for you - its a gem! :)
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