Introductions - Car Culture Survivor

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View Full Version : Car Culture Survivor


Bridget
04-28-07, 10:57 AM
Greetings Friends,

A car culture survivor, I embark on my first bike commuting endeavor. I endured 20 years of concrete and metal car-culture in Los Angeles. Having moved 5 miles from a new job, I embrace this opportunity to abandon that hunk of metal in my driveway and lead a new life of minimizing traffic, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With a new bike, paniers, how-to books, helmet hair, face wipes and a nervous grin, I peddle out a big thanks to you all for your advice, stories and your welcoming attitude. I look forward to sharing this great adventure.


East Hill
04-28-07, 11:55 AM
Hello Bridget--it sounds as if you will be a welcome addition to the Living Car Free and Commuting forums!

There are quite a few BF members in the Sacramento area, so you may wish to 'bike' over to the Northern California regional forum.

What kind of bike have you got?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Bridget
04-29-07, 07:48 PM
Thanks for the forum suggesions, I am on my way! Today I purchased a 2007 Trek 7.2 FX - a hybrid with road tires. I was drolling over higher-end models but decided I have to earn one first - ride well and long, earn the finer investment!

I am heading out for a helmet and a lock Monday. I welcome suggestions on either, (am looking for a good, light-weight helmet for hot, Sacramento summers), of course I will check for those threads.


East Hill
04-30-07, 07:14 AM
The Trek you got will certainly get you off to a good start, but you will find that if you really like cycling that you will probably upgrade within a year or so...:) .

Locks depend on how much weight you want to carry. The best lock weighs around 3 pounds :eek: , and costs a fair amount. There are some threads which deal with the lock issue, and you might want to check Sheldon Brown's website for his suggestions on how to properly use a lock (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html). Very helpful!

Helmets...just look at the selection. Large vents will help with the heat, but they all have to meet certain standards, so sometimes it's just a matter of which one matches your bike the best :D .

East Hill