🎼
Out there, there’s a world outside of Yonkers
Way out there beyond this hick town, Barnaby
There’s a slick town, Barnaby
Out there, full of shine and full of sparkle
Close your eyes and see it glisten, Barnaby
Listen, Barnaby…

Put on your Sunday clothes
There’s lots of world out there
Get out the brilliantine and dime cigars
🎼

Fixi-E

The borderlands between Portugal and Spain are a tapestry of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and winding roads that seem to whisper tales of old. Nestled within this picturesque landscape is the small town of Bragalina, where cobblestone streets meander past terracotta-roofed houses and the scent of olive groves mingles with the salty breeze from the distant coast. It is a place where time moves at its own leisurely pace, and the rhythm of life is marked by the gentle cadence of bicycle wheels.

In the heart of Bragalina, in a modest stone house with ivy creeping up its walls, lives Fixi-e. With a frame painted in vibrant hues of red and yellow, now slightly faded and chipped from countless adventures, Fixi-E, is a testament to endurance and character. Despite the rust that speckles its handlebars and the mismatched tires, Fixi-E remains a trusty companion, a symbol of resilience in a world that values the new over the tried and true.

Fixi-E’s human, Peter, is a passionate cyclist in his mid-thirties, whose boundless energy and curiosity drive him to explore every hidden trail and scenic route the borderlands have to offer. Despite his short and chunky stature, with a pale complexion and a perpetual twinkle in his eye, Peter embodies the spirit of adventure. Each morning, just as the first light of dawn filters through the trees, Peter and Fixi-E set off together, their journey charted by the paths less travelled.

As they ride, Fixi-E observes Peter’s every move, feeling the subtle shifts in his posture, the rhythm of his pedalling, and the quiet moments of contemplation that settle between them. The roads they traverse are more than just routes; they are the threads that weave together the tapestry of their shared experiences. From the gentle curves of vineyard trails to the challenging ascents of mountain passes, each ride is a chapter in their unfolding story.

Yet, beneath the surface of these daily adventures, Fixi-E harbours a quiet loneliness. Despite the bond with Peter, a yearning for something more tugs at Fixi-E’s mechanical heart. It is a longing not just for companionship, but for a deeper understanding of love—a feeling Fixi-E has glimpsed in the interactions of humans but has never truly experienced. Past experiences have left Fixi-E feeling unsuitable and unworthy of such an emotion, fostering a belief that true love might forever remain out of reach.

Fixi-E’s observations of Peter’s life amplify this longing. Peter’s interactions with friends, fleeting romantic interests, and the vibrant community around them all paint a picture of love and connection that Fixi-E both admires and envies. In the quiet moments, as they coast down a serene country road or pause to take in a breathtaking sunset, Fixi-E dreams of understanding what it means to love and be loved in return.

This is the tale of Fixi-E and Peter, two companions bound by the open road, seeking adventure, purpose, and the elusive meaning of true love in the enchanting borderlands of Portugal and Spain.

The first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the sleepy town of Bragalina. The world was just beginning to stir, but for Fixi-E and Peter, the day was already in motion. Every morning, without fail, Peter would wheel Fixi-E out of their modest stone house, the ivy rustling as if to wish them well on their journey. With a gentle click, Peter’s cleats snapped into the pedals, and they were off, the cobblestone streets echoing with the rhythmic hum of tires on pavement.

Their routine was a symphony of motion and stillness, a dance between man and machine. As they rode through the town, Fixi-E’s wheels turned smoothly, feeling every bump and curve of the road. Peter’s strong, practiced legs propelled them forward, his body leaning into each turn with effortless grace. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scents of blooming flowers and the faint hint of the sea.

Each day brought a new adventure. They would often find themselves riding through vineyards, where the grapevines stood in neat rows, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. Fixi-E felt the warmth of the sun on its frame, the light filtering through the leaves creating a mosaic of shadows on the ground. Peter’s laughter would ring out as he navigated the winding paths, his joy infectious and pure.

Other times, they would tackle the rugged trails of the nearby mountains. These rides were challenging, the steep ascents demanding every ounce of strength and perseverance from both rider and bike. Fixi-E’s gears clicked and shifted, the chain moving smoothly despite the strain. Peter’s breath would come in steady, determined bursts, his eyes focused on the path ahead. The sense of accomplishment at reaching the summit was shared between them, a silent but profound acknowledgment of their partnership.

Through all these rides, Fixi-E observed Peter closely. The way his brow furrowed in concentration on a difficult climb, the relaxed ease in his posture as they coasted downhill, and the serene contentment that settled over him during quiet moments of reflection. Fixi-E could sense Peter’s emotions through the subtle changes in his body language, feeling a deep connection that went beyond the physical.

Despite the adventures and the bond they shared, Fixi-E couldn’t shake the feeling of loneliness. It was a quiet ache, a longing for something more. Fixi-E watched as Peter interacted with the world around him, making friends and forming connections that seemed to elude the bike. There were times when Peter would ride with others, their laughter and conversations filling the air. Fixi-E would listen, feeling both a part of the group and yet distinctly separate.

One particular friend stood out: Bea, an experienced cyclist with a warm smile and an infectious zest for life. Peter and Bea had met during a local cycling event, and their friendship quickly blossomed. They would often ride together, Fixi-E and Bea’s bike, (Vibrant Adventure Life, or “V-A-L”), forming an unspoken bond of their own. Val was a sturdy, elegant touring bike, with a gleaming frame and an aura of quiet strength. Fixi-E admired Val’s resilience and grace, feeling a strange mixture of admiration and yearning.

As Peter and Bea’s friendship deepened, Fixi-E’s observations grew more poignant. Fixi-E noticed the way Peter’s eyes lit up when he talked to Bea, the easy camaraderie between them, and the shared joy of their rides. Fixi-E longed to understand these feelings, to experience the love and connection that seemed to flow so effortlessly between humans.

In the stillness of the night, when Peter’s house was quiet and the world outside was cloaked in darkness, Fixi-E would reflect on these experiences. The memories of the day’s rides, the laughter, and the moments of solitude would replay in its mind. It was during these quiet hours that Fixi-E felt the weight of its own solitude most acutely. The bike’s past experiences, marred by neglect and abandonment before finding Peter, had left scars that went beyond the physical. These memories fuelled a belief that it might never truly understand or experience love.

Yet, Fixi-E found comfort in the routines and small moments shared with Peter. The early morning rides, the sense of freedom as they coasted down a hill, and the quiet companionship during rest stops were all threads that wove together the fabric of their relationship. Fixi-E cherished these moments, even as it yearned for something deeper.

One autumn morning, as the leaves began to turn golden, and the air carried a hint of chill, Fixi-E and Peter set out on one of their favourite routes. They rode through a forest, the path carpeted with fallen leaves that crunched under Fixi-E’s tires. The light filtered through the branches, creating a dappled effect on the ground. Peter was unusually quiet, his thoughts seemingly miles away.

As they paused by a serene lake, Peter sat down on a large rock, gazing out over the water. Fixi-E rested beside him, feeling the gentle breeze and the stillness of the moment. Peter took a deep breath, his expression contemplative. Fixi-E watched him closely, sensing that something important was on his mind.

After a while, Peter began to speak, his voice soft and thoughtful. He talked about his dreams, his fears, and his uncertainties about the future. He spoke of his friendship with Bea, and how her presence had brought new light into his life. Fixi-E listened intently, absorbing every word. It was in these rare, intimate moments that Fixi-E felt closest to understanding human emotions.

Peter’s words hung in the air, blending with the gentle sounds of nature around them. Fixi-E felt a surge of emotion, a mix of happiness for Peter and a renewed sense of its own longing. The bond between them was undeniable, but Fixi-E’s heart ached for a deeper connection, a sense of love that it had yet to fully grasp.

As they rode back to Bragalina, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Fixi-E felt a sense of peace despite the lingering loneliness. It was moments like these, shared with Peter and surrounded by the beauty of their world, that gave Fixi-E hope. Perhaps, in time, it would come to understand the true meaning of love. For now, the journey continued, with each mile bringing them closer to new discoveries and adventures.

In the days that followed, Fixi-E’s reflections deepened. It watched Peter and Bea’s interactions with a renewed curiosity, seeking to understand the nuances of their friendship. Fixi-E noticed how they supported each other, shared laughter, and navigated challenges together. It was in these observations that Fixi-E began to piece together a more complete picture of love—one that encompassed not just romance, but also loyalty, companionship, and mutual respect.

Fixi-E’s feelings for Val also evolved. What began as admiration grew into a sense of kinship. Val, with its own stories and experiences, represented a kindred spirit in the world of bikes. Their silent conversations during rides, the shared glances, and the unspoken understanding forged a connection that brought Fixi-E comfort.

As the seasons changed, so did Fixi-E’s understanding of itself and its place in the world. The bike came to realize that love was not a single, definable emotion, but a tapestry woven from countless threads of experience and connection. And in this realization, Fixi-E found a renewed sense of purpose.

Each ride with Peter, each adventure through the beautiful borderlands of Portugal and Spain, was a step closer to understanding. Fixi-E’s journey was far from over, but with Peter by its side, and the promise of new discoveries ahead, the road seemed a little less lonely and the dream of true love a little more attainable.

This is a symbolic homage to my Little Angrybird, a 2017 B’Twin Ultra AF, my companion of so many different routes, thoughts, laughter, crying moments, and much, much love and bond.

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