Reason #1, I live in a condominium in Bukit Panjang. This is an exclusive estate. Thus, it has to be an inside job. This is the last thing I expect from those who live in such privileged environment.

Reason #2, It was a reconditioned bicycle.

Sometime during the third quarter of last year, the condo management conducted an exercise to get rid of all the dilapidated bicycles lying around the premises. The bicycles were collected and put in the garbage yard. Notices were sent out to all residents to reclaim their bicycles, otherwise they would be disposed of.

I needed a bicycle. Instead of buying a new one, I wanted to choose one from the discarded bicycles and recondition it. I approached the condo manager for permission. He told me to wait until they were certain that there was no claim before they could allow me to pick one.

Sometime in December last year or the following month, I was allowed to make my pick. I then spent time and money to repair it and make it serviceable. Considering the amount of money and time spent on reconditioning the bicycle, I could have bought a new one.

I was pretty proud of my achievement and left the bicycle in the bicycle parking area. About a month or so back, the management informed me that a resident had claimed that the bicycle belonged to him/her. I told the management about the background of this bicycle. I declined to speak to or have any contact with the claimant. I did not see any purpose talking to any one who can make such a claim.

To avoid problems, I moved the bicycle to the front of my flat. It was a futile effort. On April 22, when I returned from work, the bicycle was missing.

However, it was missing when I returned. I informed the management of my loss. I have my suspicion as who the culprit might be. However, I doubt the management can do much. As I said, I do not want to have any contact with this person.

Above all, I take great pride and pleasure, knowing that the owner is now riding a bicycle that I have reconditioned for him/her. Whoever you might be, enjoy the bicycle on my account.

Anybody has a bike for me to recondition?

Chan Whye Chuen