Commuting - New job - how long before I start bicycle commuting?

I just started a new job with a new employer.

Bear in mind that this is an executive position and image matters.

If I show up on a bicycle on the first day, it will certainly seem more than odd and probably won't project a conservative "professional" image.

So the question; "how long shall I wait until I start bicycle commuting?"

There may be some hope in the fact that this place is starving for parking space. Maybe I can "volunteer" my parking space in the interest of the facility and "encourage others to do so as well".

What do you think, folks?

Congratulations!

In terms of workplace environment, I think the most important point is to be able to have the "professional look", whatever it means. It's probably not advisable to go in front of the entire stall with helmet and bike gear (even if you change afterwards), but they'll be interested or even amazed if they see you in business attire and then learn that you cycle and come to work "dressed like a professional".

In terms of the ride itself, what distance do you have to ride? A 5 to 20 km ride on a cool (not cold) sunny day looks fairly normal. Maybe you just want to get in shape, after all! So "train" them on days with decent weather.

Regards,

Give it two weeks tops that way you can scout routes integrate yourself in the system better and get a feel for what you'll need top accomplish your goal of daily bike commuting. I like the parking space idea, team orientated, but not in a brown-noser kind of way.

Before you show up with the bike, work like hell and establish yourself as a highly valued employee. Once you're considered irreplaceable, you can do whatever you want. I have a friend who took this approach. After a while, he was considered so valuable to the company he could get away with anything, such as: Grabbing the microphone at a company seminar, and insulting the chairman of the board's wife; Taking a secretary out to lunch, and three hours later, calling from Miami (our office was in St. Louis) saying they had jumped on a jet and used his company credit card to have lunch in Miami. He got away with it, and didn't even have to pay for the trip! At another company seminar, he got drunk and ran a company car head on into a tree, knocking out his front teeth. The company paid for the dental work.

I know many corporate boardrooms can be stiffling.. At the same time, lots of exec types spend lots of time keeping fit on the tennis court or racquett ball court.. being fit is often a part of the corporate image.
Sneak in the back door and just change into your corporate attire. Don't see whats the big deal.. I think something upscale of a beater bike is a status seeking symbol; if that kind of thing in important..
One thing about many of us- we are what we are and if we have to be something other than ourselves, then the game is not worth it.. Beating our way to the top is just not important, if it does not allow ourselves to be ourselves..
Possibly, you might start a new trend in the boardroom?

Maybe if you can find somewhere near your place of work to ride to, change there, and just walk for four or five blocks or so. That way, you can present a "professional image", and then drop a casual "oh, I rode my bike today".

well, i'm not quite in an executive position, so image is less of an issue for me, but i've generally waited 1 to 2 weeks before bike commuting -- to get to know people, where to park/change as well as establish a "normal professional" image. (and avoid too many questions right at the beginning). if the changing facilities are such that you don't have to walk around in your bike shorts (like i worked in a few high-rise buildings where the basement had parking and showers and i only saw colleages when i was in my bike gear as i entered/exited the parking garage)

alternately - say the 2nd week or so - you could also come in really really early so that you arrive before most everyone else (if you're there early and someone does see you it's "OK" if it's really early)

or Chris's idea is great - ride near work, change and all at a nearby location and then "arrive" in your suit or whatever... like in many downtown areas you could use a community center or fitness center nearby... (maybe sign up for a trial membership?)

good luck with the new position!

Make sure you get an excecutive bike. Riding a beater or dressed down old road bike may be the sensible thing to do, but a shiny titanium bike will help to counter the image of cyclist as loser/dropout.

I'm surprised at the answers. When I was being interviewed for my job at a new law firm I made it clear I needed somewhere to park my bike. They let me use the firms garage.Cycling is on my CV (resume), and in it I mention I commute by bike. The last firm I was at let me park my bike and motorbike.

I turned up first day at my new firm in my suit, then after that cycled. I think some people find it a bit eccentric, but I get in an hour before most others and I keep a suit at work so always look professional.

It helps that a couple of the partners are keen cyclists, we have shower facilities etc, and probably in summer 6 or 7 people cycle in, but I'm the only one who gets to use the garage! (They know my bikes are valuable)

Go on the "healthy body - healthy mind " approach. I'm sure they won't mind.

I learned a good lesson from my last job.
I waited until I had been there a few weeks so I could get my bearings. Then I had to ask my manager if he had any objections to me riding to work. Luckily he didn't and I got to park my bike in an out of the way corner of the warehouse.

When I find another job :( :) I'll ask about cycling to work and bike parking during the interview. I'll probably drive for the first few days to see what I'll need to bring with me each day, check local eateries, and drive different roads to see which ones are best for bikes.


Being a professional doesn't mean you don't bike.
I've met state legislators who bike to work.
I've known doctors who bike to the hospital.
I've known general managers and VPs who rode their bikes.
In the case of the general manager, he was from Germany and when asked why he didn't drive he said he only lived a few miles away and he rode his bike in the "old country". Makes sense to me.

I've never had an executive type position, so darned if I know. But: I'm willing to bet if you show up early on a bike every day, and never miss a day, they'll quickly forget/ignore you're cycling in. I don't think any of my employers have ever figured out that the bike keeps me healthy and productive and happy. One thing about a ride in is I find it clears the mind and wakes you up for work far, far, better than a commute via car.

ron and chewa.

i agree with you both, but each situation is different and unfortunately cyclists are way in the minority and in many situations a nice car is still a symbol of "normal and successful" and a status symbol.

actually, i find it interesting here in Germany... there are lots of people who are carless b/c they find public transit more convenient or just like cycling or whatever, but, partly because not everyone has one, a nice car is actually MORE of a status symbol here than in the US. - ok, i live in Munich the most "schick" and pretentious city in Germany so here is a little exagerrated

i work at the computer center for a bank and in my job i rarely see clients/customers, but if i were one of those guys and arrived somewhere in bike shorts and cycling shoes it would probably not go over well... (i dress casual, but banking here is VERY formal and can be very status oriented)

on the other hand, most everyone biked and walked and used transit for their school and university days and MANY workers still do, especially in downtown (i work in an officepark in the suburbs on the edge of town 10km from the center)... and you see guys who ride to work in their suits (they usually don't ride far) like one of our managers who lives 1.5km away.

like the US suburban office parks (although not so far away at only 10km from the center AND next to a transit stop) most people think 6 or 10 or 15km is too far to cycle (as you get sweaty and have to change clothes)... and this place is set up for cars. maybe 40% of the people take the train and the rest drive.

i am by far the most serious cycle commuter in this whole office park of a few thousand employees (i ride 12km x 2, 4 days a week, year round) and probably the only year-round commuter.

I don't get all this. You people are acting like we're doing something illegal, we're talking about riding a bicycle to work for god sakes. It's what we do, it's a fine thing to do, and it is socially acceptable. Listen to what you're saying, sounds to me like some of you are ashamed to be riding your bike to work, you should be proud of the fact that you are fit enough to do it. I'm in upper management and I want all of my employees to ride to work on bicycles, my health insurance would be lower, the overall energy level would be higher and parking would no longer be a problem. Come on now, lets be more supportive of each other. Ride your bike to work when you want to and as much as you want to. If someone objects, so what, Im sure it wouldn't be the first time, just smile and ignor. I have more miles per year than anyone that works for me, I ride a beater bike and keep the good bikes for good riding. Hell, I had a new employee once that thought I was the cleaning man, he watched me for 3 days and asked someone who I was, When he found out I was the boss he was quite shocked. I have an expensive car, actually three of them. I would rather ride my bike, I'm proud to be a cyclist and as Sheldon Brown said,"The most important thing you can do with your bike, is ride it to work"
Now, let's get with the program, be yourself, ride your bike to work and ride it with pride, because you can and because you should. Any effective manager will be happy to see you show up on a bike, it's good for his business.

What mrfix said.

But it's also true that corporate cultures vary, and there are some where cycling to work instead of driving a Lexus would brand one as a weirdo, and could stifle advancement. We each have to choose what's important to us.

Me, I would have been upfront about it during the interview phase, and choosing a cycling-friendly employer would have been a critical factor. If my services were in demand, it would have been in my contract.

Effecting change in the workplace may not be everyone's primary goal in life. Understandable. In that case, I think all you can do after starting a new job is to get the lay of the land, the feel of the place, and then make appropriate choices.

We each decide what's most important to us.

RichC

When I started here I used the first day to map out the "routine": where the showers were, where to park the bike, etc. I plotted the time/distance so I'd have plenty of time. I set up "shop" in the locker room area. Then, when I first rode in on day #2, I was customer-ready right away. When people asked I told them that I was simply blending commute with exercise time.

Just how obvious will it be that you rode in? Which is to say:

How far will you be riding? Will you have to change clothing after you arrive?
Where will your bike be parked?

If you ride in wearing your suit and lock the bike in the garage, no problem.

If you ride in wearing cycling togs and make a beeline for the locker room, no problem, especially if the helmet is left with the bike.

If the only safe place for the bike is upstairs in your office, then there could be issues (bringing dirt into the building, taking up space on the elevator, giving someone a "chain tattoo."

Hard to give any advice if I don't know your circumstances.

Paul

I use Andy's line quite often with people, especially the ones who think I am crazy for riding so far, OF course it helps that my Boss's Boss is a big cycling fan and racer. We don't even have a bike rack here but I have found a space in a high traffic area to park and when they get sick of it being there they will install a decent rack I figure. I forgot my keys the other day and had to keep it in my cube but I found it very distracting and wanted to keep tinkering with it instead of working, so if your bike distracts you don't take it into your office (that is if you are not yet one of those employees who can get away with anything huh?)!

well, if the only problem one has in life is being considered a weirdo, i think he's a luck person. The reality of it all is, THERE IS NO NORMAL, THERE IS A LITTLE WEIRDO IN ALL OF US, JUST SOME MORE THAN OTHERS. If you have to be someone you're not when you go to work, maybe you should find another job. If you can't be yourself and be relaxed and happy at work, you are going to be one unhappy person in general because you spend most of your awake time there. If you are good at what you do it won't matter if your ride, fly, walk of crawl to work you will do just fine, so go ahead ride the bike if you want. If your advancement is slowed or you get let go, chances are it's not because you rode your bike to work.

Does this mean no more business trips to Japan?

And, as far as cycling, just don't wear your sweaty clothes to the board meeting. :)

I'd suggest taking however much time you need to figure out what your routine is going to be. Where to park, where to shower and change, whatever.

While I agree with MrFix, I think he might be missing the point a little about being the new guy and being sensitive to the office culture. I'm not saying you have to be ashamed of your bike or hide it from your boss, but I think the question was motivated by trying to blend in when you arrive. It depends on the situation.

Sorry, I'm the type that never blends in so I'm used to it. I live my life for me and don't give a hoot what anyone thinks. Again, sorry if I bent a nose, if you want to blend in, well, blend in then.

I agree with MrFix to a extent, you need to map out your ride get to know a few people first never can hurt.

How about first week you drive, second week you take your bike and during lunch go cycling get them accustomed to it. Then on third week you start commuting. Gives them a bit of time to get used to the idea. If no officiol place for parking your bike, discussing it with your boss could never hurt.

I just got back from riding over to scope out my new place of employment (as of next week). I'm going to lock my bike up at the nearby Southport Transit Centre, and also get changed there it's only about 50 metres from where I work. I'll drop my casual line in on Monday at some stage and see what they can do for me. I haven't seen any undercover areas to leave my bike yet. :(

I've been debating with myself about what to do with my old bike. Looks like I might have found a purpose for it.

Originally posted by chewa
I'm surprised at the answers. When I was being interviewed for my job at a new law firm I made it clear I needed somewhere to park my bike. They let me use the firms garage.Cycling is on my CV (resume), and in it I mention I commute by bike. The last firm I was at let me park my bike and motorbike.

Cycling is on my resume too, but I've noticed in this country that while most people understand the 'sport' of cycling, to them the idea of riding to work is totally foreign. In short, most of them don't believe it's seriously possible, even though I've been commuting by bike for literally years. Sometimes they need a little proof.

Congrats on the new job Chris!

I have always asked about bike storage when interviewing for a new job, usually not the first but second or third one, by this time they have pretty much made up their minds, and I just ride on my first day. This job I was basically hired before I even interviewed so I didn't even ask it turns out that there are 4 of us that ride year round and the owner/CEO rides in the summer. Of course this job is in a warehouse with an office attached and my office is in the warehouse so I knew I wouldn't have a problem finding a place and my normal uniform is very casual in the summer I just throw on a pair of shorts over my bike shorts. I keep slacks, shirt and a sport coat in the office at all times swap it out about twice a year, for those meeting days.

Originally posted by mrfix
Sorry, I'm the type that never blends in so I'm used to it. I live my life for me and don't give a hoot what anyone thinks. Again, sorry if I bent a nose, if you want to blend in, well, blend in then.

On the whole I agree with you, and as I said before, I intend to be riding from day one of my new job. Having said that, sometimes there are better ways to solve issues like this than by confrontation or the old "if you don't like it then p!ss off" routine.

Congrats Mike and Chris!

Mike, wait until the first nice spring day and then ride in - tell them you couldn't resist. I think most people around here only seriously question a biker's sanity when they ride in during a downpour or ten below morning.

Will we be crossing routes? I start bike commuting again in about a week. With 41 tore-up it will probably be quicker than driving.

Biking to work is great, but public transportation also has a lot to say for it. My father commuted by train from New Jersey to NYC for 30 years, and absolutely loved it. In the morning trip, he had his coffee and read his New York Times. In the evening, he had a few pops in the bar car and played cards. Last year, I took a commuter train into Chicago each day for a week. Great way to go! We passed jammed highways going 60 mph! But nowadays, instead of reading the paper, most commuters seem to be getting their news on their laptops.

Chewa. In the U.S. the average work commuter worships his car. not using a car, by many is considered abnormal..
I hear comments like the guy is nuts to come in and play in the traffic.. I feel I am safer on the shoulder of the road, instead of out there competing for my bit of asphalt with the crazies..
Many Americans do not understand bikes and bikes needs.. Certainly bike clothes seem weird to many and they do not care to understand the needs of cyclists.. I think many Americans think cyclists are some kind of weird, drop out cult not like themselves.. Like we are all Critical Massers......
They resent us taking up space on the highways, since they can't control their driving patterns and tend to hit any stationary object that is in the way..
I am one to go against the grain. Not matter to me.. I hear anti-biking comments; I wear my favorite t shirt ... " Blow up your Car, Ride a bike." Really shock them if I wore a "Cars are Coffins" t shirt..
In spite of the fact I don't back down on certain principled topics, I really am not a type to seek out confrontration...
ps- My boss does not like my commuting to work, but I do it anyway and wear my t shirt, again "Blow up your car."....... We do have shower facilities, so I don't gross them out..And days I ride, I am of a better attitude and certainly feel more energetic..
I would think bike commuting would be popular. Lessens demand for gas making it cheaper for all, if enough of us commuted by bike...

Originally posted by cyclezealot
Chewa. In the U.S. the average work commuter worships his car. not using a car, by many is considered abnormal..


And also, in terms of this thread, carlessness is a sign of lack of status or, worse, poverty -- especially in contexts where upward mobility and big salaries are the only measures of success.

Mrfix's take on it works only if you are in a position to not be employed in such a context. If bike commuting is important in your life, it's something you include as a condition of employment. And sometimes that either requires rejecting certain jobs, or else going to some lengths to put a buffer between your commute and your workplace.

It's possible to be a positive influence, to change a corporate culture from within. It's also possible to be marginalized right out the door if you try.

RichC

Originally posted by cyclezealot
ps- My boss does not like my commuting to work, but I do it anyway and wear my t shirt, again "Blow up your car."....... We do have shower facilities, so I don't gross them out.

So why does your boss have a problem with you commuting by bike? Why is it any of his / her business? Just curious...

My new boss nearly collapsed on the floor laughing when he first saw me coming to office in my biking gear. Black bike shorts, normal t-shirt, normal sandals, rather conservative, I would say. He cracked a bad joke along the lines of "well, look who's trying to look like a pro racer". I replied something like "you don't know a whole lot about pro racing do you?" (neither do I, but that's not the issue :D). In time he has developed a kind of respect mixed with disbelief when it comes to me and cycling.

--J

Rich. Yet I don't understand the anti- bike attitudes. Americans worship fittness, even if we are among the least fit in the world; and among the most obese.. There is lots of discrimination against heavy poeple. So why dump on cycling?

Juha.. We are inadequately staffed. Afraid one of the whacko drivers will kill me.. Also, thinks it drains me of energy for the job. I tell him otherwise. I tell him I am more energetic...rarely tells me he dislikes my biking, but tells others. And in general just does not like bikers on the road, thinks they get in the way and bikers have no rights to the road, so I have heard..

Originally posted by cyclezealot
Rich. Yet I don't understand the anti- bike attitudes. Americans worship fittness, even if we are among the least fit in the world; and among the most obese.. There is lots of discrimination against heavy poeple. So why dump on cycling?

Cycling for transportation is just perceived differently, I think. Non-cyclists don't see it as a fitness activity because most of the cyclists they actually see during rush hour are dressed in street clothes, riding beaters or *mart bikes, and "getting in their way." Kids, and other marginal-type people, in their eyes.

Even among the gym crowd, social standing and appearances matter.

And of course, there's the ever-present 800-pound gorilla: American Car Culture. Ordinary people feel powerless in their lives, in their jobs, in the political world, in the economy, in their relationships. There's one place where you can "buy power": at the auto dealer. And that power is exercised on the road.

Since almost every American drives, even cyclists know what that feels like. And so, as cyclists, they have to train themselves not to fear drivers. Those who haven't -- which is almost everybody -- are simply afraid to ride in traffic. And they believe people who do are either crazy, or are riding bikes because they have no choice (=no power, =no car).

And that attitude pervades many corporate environments, which is why bike commuters have to take it into account when they're auditioning employers.

RichC

Originally posted by cyclezealot
[B]Chewa. In the U.S. the average work commuter worships his car. not using a car, by many is considered abnormal..[/B

Yep I got a guy I work with that looks at me with pity in his eyes whenever I come in when it has been raining (thats 364 days a year here :) ) and says you must be miserable in all thaat wet, I h\just smile and think nope wet on the outside dry on the inside

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cyclezealot
[B]Rich. Yet I don't understand the anti- bike attitudes. Americans worship fittness,

I think americans worship the idea of going to a commercial gym and participate in the ritual of percieved fittness. They like to socialize, it's usually more act than workout. Those who live a fit life, live it full time, not only at the gym. You will never hear a truely fit person mock your cycling, it doesen't matter if it's sport or utility cycling, it's all fitness.

Find out where to park, shower & change. Then just do it.

You are leader

Originally posted by mrfix
[QUOTE]Originally posted by cyclezealot
[B]Rich. Yet I don't understand the anti- bike attitudes. Americans worship fittness,

I think americans worship the idea of going to a commercial gym and participate in the ritual of percieved fittness. They like to socialize, it's usually more act than workout. Those who live a fit life, live it full time, not only at the gym. You will never hear a truely fit person mock your cycling, it doesen't matter if it's sport or utility cycling, it's all fitness.

Yeah, it's weird. Seems all the more so here in California, the land of driving your Explorer to the gym to run on a treadmill. A coworker caught me in the elevator the other morning as I was heading to the showers and asked "So, do you work out in the morning?" I said, "Well, yeah, I ride my bike but it's also how I get to work." Her reaction was like it had never occurred to her that commuting can be fitness.

But if you really want your coworkers to think you're some sort of nut, run to work. Only a freak would do that.... ;)

I like Caloso's idea, run to work. I get weird looks in the summertime when I am stretching in front of the office to run home. Everyone knows about where I live and think I am nuts. It is good training since it is a half marathon to my doorstep :)

Back to the orignal post, I asked my boss if it was okay if I road to work. Along with the question I also possed the answer to just about any question she would. I told her that I would be at my desk ready to work at my normal time, I would be dressed in proper clothing and I would smell/look like a normal employee. For awhile I did not keep shoes at my desk for work, so I walked around in my cleats (mtb shoes). One day the boss mentioned my funny shoes, so the next day I brought in a pair of shoes. Since I started communting, there are now two others that do it in my department.

I do have to parade in front of my department when I arrive in the mornings. That is only because the restroom is opposite of the back door entrance. The first month or so people thought I was crazy, now they see how much better I feel and think it is great.

If you think it would be a problem, I like the idea of changing down the street from the office and then walking a couple blocks in.

I work for a plumbing design/build company, you would think we would have a shower here. LOL

Frankly, I can't believe we're all mulling over this question as if the world depended on it.

If you feel like bike-commuting to a new job ... DO IT. If they don't like it, then you're in the wrong place because, if so, sooner or later, whether it's the bike-comuting issue or something else, the discontinuity between you and the job will surface.

I think there are a few issues at stake:

- The boss doesn't own you at the end of the day, so whatever means of transportation you take is yours.

- In some positions, especially executive ones (which is the situation of our original poster), people may have to move during the day for business-related meetings. In some cases, using the bike to get there might be faster; using a taxi might be cheaper, less stressful (depending on who is driving). Still, people might wonder how someone would be able to accomplish all these outside tasks if he/she doesn't have a car at his disposal. Eventually, people realise that most meetings are planned, anyway, so the car may be used on a given day if really necessary or convenient.

- The original posted didn't say how long his commute is, nor what are the facilities. It's easy to do a 2-3 km commute in street clothes with an old bike and to lock it outside, but it takes a bit more organisation if it's a 30-km commute in a snowstorm or in sweltering heat..

Regards,

Originally posted by mike
I just started a new job with a new employer.

Bear in mind that this is an executive position and image matters.

If I show up on a bicycle on the first day, it will certainly seem more than odd and probably won't project a conservative "professional" image.

What do you think, folks?
I think you have the best of intentions, Mike.

You will hold out for your new employer as long as possible. After a few weeks, you will begin to have trouble sleeping.

"A nice ride will cure this insomnia," you'll say. "Tomorrow, I'll ride my bike and hide it while I change in the public restroom." Die-hard cyclist that you are, you will actually try this, and like it.

One day, your boss will say to you (while you are dressed up neatly in your suit and tie,) "Mike, I saw you riding your bike this morning. How's about going out with me and the guys for a little weekend ride, say, 50 miles or so?"

The next day your bike will be parked in the corporate garage, or by your desk.

;)

Anyways, I didn't know you had a new job! Congratulations! Every new situation is an opportunity for expanded horizons.

I have a feeling Pete is right. I am already thinking that two weeks may be the limit for how long I can hold out. Then I will be two wheeling it to work. Summer is here - how can I not bike it? I might end up at work on a bicycle almost by accident.

Hey, a number of guys mentioned that I should ride in on a snappy new bike. I like that idea and have printed them for my wife to see with her own eyes.

Here is a question, though, what does a new high-end bike mean to a group of people at work who don't know the difference?

Mike. I think Pete's comment that the only problem is do you have to make trips to other locations for the job? If so can you work around that...? I could not stand a job that disallowed my obsession. It saves gas, good for all, makes you more energetic..Lessens traffic.. You might very well start a new trend. Maybe a corporate sponsor for a club team? That is pushing it?
I would soon share your love of cycling and to be disallowd your right to commute in the fashion you choose is to me a violation of your constitutional rights..

I'm not so concerned about what the official "rules" might be about bicycle commuting. I cannot imagine an employer who forbids bicycle commuting.

It is the unspoken image that is a concern. Ya, I know that it should not concern us, but it does affect us. Those of us that are lucky enough to be artists or work with a group of open-minded colleagues are the lucky ones.

Many of us work in conservative corporations filled with square headed thinkers. It is a delicate art to bring something as simple as bicycle commuting into the world of SUV's, cigarettes, and people who form most of their opinions from info the get from the Gannette News Service.

Go with your feelings and check it out first. Congrats on that new job!!! I'm working up to commuting every day. My only problem is they could make me lock the bike to a railing out back, in a bad neighborhood, but so far, I can put it behind a railing on the loading dock (inside). If they don't like my bike clothes, I can always wear a USPS cycling jersey. It would be hard for them to criticise that, since we sponsor the team.

Mike,

Congrats on the new job. When I graduated from college I was hired by an executive who happened to be a cyclist. When he began commuting to work it was great. If I hadn't been his admin I wouldn't have known he commuted because he was always at his desk early. I was so jealous, and started contemplating how I could commute too.

I think you should go ahead and do it, you never know who you may impress or encourage. My old boss is one of the reasons I developed an interest in cycling.

MIKE THE MAN:

This is something only you can decide. You alone must weigh the
consequences of going against the corporate mindset. You alone will reap the blessings or curses of your choices. I won't.

After you have considered all the ramifications, remember two things:

1) You must become that which your whole life says you were born to be. By doing so you might change the world. You weren't born to go along with the crowd. This comes with a price. It's not cheap, but then, nothing worthwhile is.

2) You still have to make a living.

3) You might save some lazy person's life.

4) Who knows, you might inspire someone.

5) YOU WEREN'T PUT ON THIS PLANET TO BE A LEMMING.

6) Watch your back.

7) Did I say, "two things?"

:eek: