photos by David Halterman

One early October morning in 2006, a fairly common thing occurred: a bicycle was stolen. Trust me when I say that nothing can ruin your day faster than finding out someone has just made off with your loyal two-wheeled companion. Several weeks of searching turned up nothing, and all hope of finding the missing cruiser was lost. The leaves turned brown and snow fell, and all memory of the bike faded. Miraculously, seven months later, the bike was found and reunited with its rightful owner, after suffering a bit of abuse by its gutless bikenappers. A few replaced parts later, and the blue cruiser was good as new. Unfortunately, not all missing bikes come around so easily. Gone are the days of village bikes, the honor system and leaving your ride unattended for hours in front of the local watering hole without a worry. In these times, if you want to keep it, you have to lock it. This goes out to the thief, wherever you may be.