My white bicycle is 15 years old this year, which I guess is pretty old for a bike. I remember when I got her, it was spring of 2004, probably this month. I rode a lot that summer, and got a lot of compliments on my bike. Before I bought this bike, I got a lot of guffaws and comments to the tune of, “how and why are you riding that?!” In reference to my heavy mountain bike. I assumed this is just how nice bikes got treated, but after a few years, the compliments stopped. I guess she got old. The resale value on my bike is about 5% what I bought her for. One would think it’s time I get a new bike. But my white bicycle is perfect. I gave her a bath yesterday, and she still glimmers and shines when cared for. Sure, she has dents and dings and scratches galore, but she still rides light and nimble and smooth. I still feel better on this bike than I do anywhere else. I project her taking me where I want to go for at least another 5 years without a hitch.