Living Car Free - Hi all, new to the forum.

Just wanted to introduce myself. I just recently picked up a new bike paid for by the future sale of my car. I have been car and bike-less for 5 months so I am very excited to have a new machine. The amount I have saved by taking the car off the road is huge. In fact it has allowed me to stay in University. So again, just wanted to say hi, seems like a nice community that you folks have built here. BTW I bought a Norco VFR One, does anyone else own one of those. If so please share your experiences with it, I have not been able to find any info on the net about it (reviews, critiques, etc.) Thanx everyone.

No one wants to say hi?? :(

What made you want to become car-less? Was it just the money you saved?

Hi Mr. RetsiM! Though I don't know anything about Norco VFR Ones. Welcome to the carfree forum!

G'day Mr.retsiM

what are you studying at uni?

Mr. Mister??? :p

Hi, and welcome to the forums!

so is that screen name a reference to the '80's pop band, the musical "The Cradle Will Rock," or none of the above?

Hi all, to answer all the questions:
I decided about a year ago that if I was to become truly happy I needed to live properly. To me living properly includes helping everyone around me, treating people with kindness, not being overly material, and reducing my desires and dependancy towards towards thing that are not solid. Basically, to live the most complex and fulfilling life I believe that one must, ironically, simplifly everything. Getting rid of my car is one of many steps towards this goal. I don't need it at all, I want to live locally, and support my community.

So no its not about the money at all, except for the fact that money is not 'solid' therefore I won't depend on it, it is a tool for us to use, not the other way around.

My screen-name was spontaneously created on the spot. It doesn't mean much right now, but hopefully it will one day. As for the 80s pop band, well I am pretty young, never really got into the 80s pop scene.

Cyclaholic, I am studying History and philosophy at university. One more year left in the undergrad then going to study military history in grad school.

Hi and welcome. I bet that owning a bike will make life a lot easier, after being "bikefree" for a while. You can easily quadruple the distances you travel, compared to walking or even public transit.

Are you in the military? The reason I ask: a guy I went to college with (I was a philosophy major too) was planning to get a MA in military history. The army was paying his way--I don't recall if he was active duty or reserves.

No I am not in the military. I was in the reserves for 5 years (CDN) but my reasons for studying history are beyond that. I am not a big fan of war, but not a pacifist either. I am studying it because it is very significant to the development of the modern era.