Taking the old NightHawk to breath fresh air in the mountains

There is something mystical about riding an old bike on country roads

There is a feeling of achievement; when you ride a new bike, you expect it to get you there an back, but with an old bike you get to say another 300km on this old lady, and it went like a charm.

There are no deadlines and you get to ride at your own pace. And this feeling of “I don’t need to get anywhere tonight” gives you time to look at the scenery, to enjoy the green of the fields and the mountains in the distance.

An older bike has it’s own story to tell. When you’re telling people you’ve been here and there, you feel the need to mention it was with the old bike. You take pictures to show where your old bike got you.

An old bike has it’s own personality. If you change gears too late it won’t like it. If you don’t change gears when going up the hill, it will tell you that. It’s not so shinny anymore, and people passing by might notice that. But it doesn’t matter to you because you went through a lot together.

It doesn’t matter where you stop, it always seems like a good place to take a picture if your bike will show.

Riding an old bike is personal. Very personal, you don’t want to share it with other bikers. Sharing would feel cheating your old bike.

Riding an old bike means you can take the country roads. It’s amazing what gems you can find 10km away from the big roads.

An old bike gets you to travel to distant paths. You see the road disappearing on the green hills. It’s like going on a discovery trail.

My Nighthawk turned 17 this year. And it becomes better like aging wine. There is something romantic about riding an old bike. Something a new bike will never give you. Many, many miles of stories, feelings and love.