banerjek

I rarely drive for any purpose, but it occurred to me that when I do, it's almost always for a frivolous reason. I might not be able to stand the idea of taking the car instead of my bike to work even in the dark and the winter but if I have a hankerin' for some fried chicken or feel like tossing down some good beer getting home from work, I'll drive to get there even though it's only .5 mi from my house.

If this weren't dumb enough, the beer and chicken places are on my way home and the first thing I do when getting home is walking the dog for two miles. The drive happens after the dog walk. Like many cyclists, I think there are too many cars on the road because people drive when they shouldn't. I probably do this once or twice a month. Does anyone else do things like that, or am I a hypocrite, insane, or stupid?

sbhikes

Maybe you have a compulsive eating disorder?

scarry

Most of my driving is to bring my bike to a faraway century ride, or to go skiing.

Totally frivolous. But I still have twice the miles on my bike in '05 than my car.

noisebeam

It makes sense. Sometimes after getting home, showered, clean clothes, hunger strikes and the last thing I want to do is get ready again go out in the dark, lock up bike at bar and grille. Worst part is putting on a still sweat soaked helmet on wet hair. (yes I know buy a second helmet)

Al

chipcom 

2manybikes

All the time spend on the bike is a benefit compared to using the car for everything.
I agree with not wanting to put on your bike clothes again sometimes. I think you're fine. You don't have to be all car free to get the benefits of riding a bike as much as you do. I occasionally have to drive relatives long distances, I use a car for that. Not even every month, but I'm not taking my sickly mother in law 60 miles to the hospital on my bike.
My car sits in the driveway most of the time, but it's there.

I-Like-To-Bike

I assume you have not taken an oath not to drive, so what is there to apologize for or explain? If driving meets your needs for any purpose it is not a frivolous reason, hence no need to rationalize your actions to anybody else or yourself.

cooker

yeah, you're all of the above! No...wait, you bike to work every day in all weather and seasons, and you feel bad that once a month you drive a mile? Give yourself a break. Besides, who wants cold takeout chicken (or warm beer), anyway?

jnbacon

Yep. I did it last night. I got home late last night, and realized the cats had no food, and that I had forgotten to pick it up on the way home. As I walked to my car to make the 1/4 mile walk or ride to the grocery store, I passed my bike, considered it, and got in the car anyway. Reason? I wanted to get it done faster. Oh, well: I gave up being perfect a long time ago, but I can't seem to drop the habit of expecting perfection.

webist

Any guilt I might feel would be from the satisfaction of frivilous vices rather than using the car. I know I shouldn't be eating fast food, or snacking on non-nutritious fare, or wasting money on lottery tickets, yet I do all these things at least occasionally. Use of the car instead of the bike isn't even a factor.

My riding is an event in itself. Generally I have no purpose other than to ride. Sometimes I ride to visit folks but will skip the visit and keep riding if I don't feel a need for a break. It may seem odd to some and a rationalization on my part, but I see riding and driving as unrelated. My riding goal is to achieve 5000 miles in 06. I don't intend to do it by logging half-mile rides to the corner for a lottery ticket.

bullethead

No matter how you slice it, driving is easier, though not always quicker You definately are not a hypocrite. Even you need a break now and then.

I-Like-To-Bike

And why not? Don't let the dang puritan moralists or Do-what's-good-for-ya nannies take control. Enjoy living!

Redrom

I hear what you're saying, I'm trying to eliminate the short trips by car and switch to the bike when possible also. I had a meeting to go to tomorrow, and just assumed I would drive. When I first considered riding I thought it was too far (then realized it was less than 2 miles by bike), then I thought it would be to cold (it will be cold, but the wife got me both wool and silk base layers for Xmas ). So I ended up talking myself into it. Now I'm realizing that I can stop by the grocery store on the way home, as well.

Maybe you need to allow yourself to differentiate between the commute and the beer ride. Take an old junker bike, and don't change the clothes you changed into, take your time so you don't break a sweat. Is it ok to have different types of rides? Maybe think of it as a recreational ride since your going for a beer... uh, just don't weave your way home...

jyossarian

Just pick up the chicken and beer on the way home from work, toss 'em in your panniers and there ya go. It's only 0.5 mi so the beer'll still be cold and the chicken'll still be hot. The nearest KFC to me is close to 0.5 mi and I walk instead of bike cuz it's TOO close to ride my bike.

oboeguy

Move to a city?

Honestly, I fear leaving the city because I am very forgetful (and thus tend to run out at all hours to the 24 deli/minimart for something I forgot).

Dogbait

Insane... but it's not your fault. They put something in the fried chicken. The government makes them do it.

Dogbait

2wheeledsoul

It's that Iraqi oil they fry it in.

I'm guilty of the occasional Wendy's fish sandwich fix. But I bike there, so it's all good.

banerjek

Good point. Once you get home from work, the day is done and there should be time to relax. Putting on anything sweaty or soaked once you've dried off is no fun.


Bingo! When the heart is set on something, it's really nice when everything is as good as imagined.

Mmmmm... Crispy fried chicken and cold beer. I will earn it tonight. Today, my HID flaked out 5 miles into the ride so I rode the rest of the way on LED. I have a 1 hour ride in the rain with 3 measly LED's to light my way this evening to look forward to.

MarkS

If its KFC, then yes, you just might be insane .

I carry a mylar bag (was a chex mix bag) for carrying warm food. Nestled in the bag, keeps burritos warm or frozen tamales cold for many miles (but not at the same time).

There's always that scooter option too ...

John Wilke

It's okay to drive. Really.

Sometimes I drive _just to drive_ ... usually during a blizzard though ... THAT'S FUN !



jw

genec

Ever carry beer on a bike? Chances are that you won't want to open it right away if you do.

2manybikes

I carried soda on a MTB once and gave it to my friend. He was smart enough not to open it though.

scarry

I had my worst crash many years ago. Riding home from work with a six-pack in my backpack. Drinking them up as I went along.

As I went through the parking lot that led to the Clearwater Beach causway bike path, a car drove into my path and I T-boned it. I was probably riding no hands at the time. Needed a few stitches. Of course no helmet in those days. And had never heard of "VC". Was there even the concept of "VC" in the early '70s?

Those were the days.

2wheeledsoul

I loaded a 20oz of Dew in a bottle cage one hot day last summer. 30 miniutes later and bouncing along a not-so evenly paved service street, POW, and a sudden cool wetness on my legs. Yup, the Dew committed explosive sueside.

chipcom 

One of them things where you and I are in total agreement.