Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - ex-patriot shames...

I've got to get the eff out of America... I was out... I was out and I effin came back!! (think aged Pacino here) "Just when I think I'm out... they pull me back in"
So... now im doing it... I have a few places in mind... but I would like a consensus view from the Fixie community concerning righteous countries in which to live and ride... I am not concerned with the sole act of living necessarily... but more the symbiotic existence of living and riding... and where I might find and draw myself into this utopian urban dream...
Much love and appreciation...

A lot of people talk about leaving the US, but you need travel visas and all that.

You can't really just 'move' to another country without marrying someone from there or something. They'll boot you out.

The 'how' is more important than the 'where' is what im saying.

A lot of people talk about leaving the US, but you need travel visas and all that.

You can't really just 'move' to another country without marrying someone from there or something. They'll boot you out.

The 'how' is more important than the 'where' is what im saying.
Not really. Americans can get in pretty much anywhere and just overstay their visas. I don't think it's too hard to even find a job most places. I taught esl in Mexico for a year that way and know lots of people who have done it in England, France, and Spain as well. I'm not saying it's a good idea (and Mexico City ain't great for cycling) but it's really not too hard. There's lots of people doing it here and in your country too.

A lot of people talk about leaving the US, but you need travel visas and all that.

You can't really just 'move' to another country without marrying someone from there or something. They'll boot you out.

The 'how' is more important than the 'where' is what im saying.


Thanks for completely ignoring my question and passing on information that i'm intimately familiar with, and that you sussed as something I hadn't yet thought about... and thanks again for supposition that the how is "more important" than the where." Well to that I say... not to me... seems that you're just frightened that a mass of tobacco chewing morons wearing red, white and blue will invade your precious BC...
anyone else?

Don't let the door hit ya in the a$$ on your way out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/mxlogik/ba00188.jpg

when people heard that i was living in europe, everone
started asking me how it was in the military or why i
joined the military ...as if that was the only way to get
out of the country. i just started studying here and got
my visa that way. but in most countries in europe, if you
can land a job, you can get a work visa.

at first there was alot of paper work and bull****, but in
the end i'm glad to be here when i see alot u.s. news...

Not to be the spelling police, but it's expatriate :)

I've been to many countries, and haven't seen much of a fixed gear culture.

Singapore - lived there 5 months, saw 1 fixie. Lots of messenger bags there, everyone has Crumplers.
Hong Kong - Not many bikes at all
China - Lots of utilitarian SS bikes in Beijing
Taiwan - " " in Taipei

I've been to not-so-developed countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia) as well. Usually the craziness of traffic is inverse of the amount of money the place has. Lots of bikes in those places though.

with your jive i think you'd like amsterdam... or at least start there and see where the hell you end up.

me i'd get a big ol bag o weed and a map of pari roubaix couse... ride on down there just to ride the course. spend time in belium along the way drinking the worlds best beer.

why do i have a f@cking job...

Deutschland. I think any of the major cities should be good. Someone posted recently that they were very satisfied with their cycling experience in Munich. I only have experience riding a bike in Cologne, but it was long before I was ever serious about it. It seemed like a nice place to ride and I've heard the same from others. Plus, Germany is a beautiful country and the people tend to be really nice. Almost all of them speak English, so the transition shouldn't be too difficult. When I was there, people would just speak English to me even when I would greet them in German. I think a lot of them were just excited to actually practice their English with a native speaker.

Now get the **** out! (And take me with you, please!)

Just my comment as someone who moved out of the USA to persue a dream. First of all, you have to identify your view of Utopia - it isn't for all. I like where I am (Costa Rica) because where I live is rural and raw. Lots of single gears and fixed out here because of disrepair...

So, what is your idea of Utopia?

Hey there, Kerouac, I have an idea. If America isn't doing enough for you to stick, why don't you try and change your life by doing something for someone else instead of going on a looonnnngg bicycle ride some place you lack the imagination to think up yourself. Red Cross, Peace Corps, a slew of other altruistic orgs may have a place for you. How's your education? That helps. What do you have to offer? What have you got?

I taught esl in Mexico for a year that way and know lots of people who have done it in England, France, and Spain as well.


How do you teach English as a second language in England?

This is a good point, most countries really don't want people to come from other countries unless they are productive and have skills and such they are needing. Or, have a lot of cash.

This is true of course of the USA as well.

I know LOTS of people who have left the USA to come to Costa Rica - most of those who came because they hate the USA have been very miserable here. As the ole saying goes - Whereever you are, there you be. In other words, make sure that the reason you don't like where you are isn't you and your attitudes. After all, there are people dying, literally, to get into the USA.

How do you teach English as a second language in England?

the same way you do it in the united states

You sure those in England speak English? I have a friend from England and he speaks with a funny accent - isn't that a sign you aren't a native speaker?

(Sorry, couldn't resist)

Hey there, Kerouac, I have an idea. If America isn't doing enough for you to stick, why don't you try and change your life by doing something for someone else instead of going on a looonnnngg bicycle ride some place you lack the imagination to think up yourself. Red Cross, Peace Corps, a slew of other altruistic orgs may have a place for you. How's your education? That helps. What do you have to offer? What have you got?


Doesn't seem to me that asking the advice of a supposed group like minded gents and ladies deserves a place in the "Lacks imagination" column... I'm not asking anyone to develop a life plan for myself... I am a member of the Red Cross and have been a volunteer here in Philly for about 7 years... what i have to offer is a fairly precise reading comprehension, which you seem to lack... and an understanding that a "Loooong bicycle ride" is what keeps me sane and shows me my better angels... I dont think that what i'll do when i get there is of any concern at this point... Just want to know where people ride with passion... thats all... now if you don't have a legit suggestion as to my initial query... then go misinterpret someone else's post please...

I got you the first time. You're miserable where you are and you want directions to the Garden Of Eden.

I'm giving you real advice, as is the gentleman from Costa Rica.

What can you do?

The truth is that you should be asking on Expat forums - most people have very little experience in living in another country.

something I've heard about amsterdam, and correct me if I'm wrong, but they'll kick you out if you can't prove that you can do a job better than someone from there. probably because of all the kids from the usa who want to go there and smoke weed all day...

I'm moving to Thailand in a month and a half. I'll be in Chiang Mai in the north. about 150,000 people. very cool place. Inexpensive, many other ex-pats. Lots of people to ride bikes with (I plan to be the first street fixie).
My parents have been there for 10 years and my sister for three. I'll be there for at least one.
In general, if you get certified to teach any subject, there are many places that will be happy to have you. I'll be teaching secondary school math at an international school. Many places will have schools that allow you to teach in english.

The truth is that you should be asking on Expat forums - most people have very little experience in living in another country.

+1 on this. Most of the answers you get here will be uninformed or snarky. Nothing against the people here (I love you guys), but as it was said above, most people here haven't lived abroad and can't offer much in the way of advice.

Deutschland. I think any of the major cities should be good. Someone posted recently that they were very satisfied with their cycling experience in Munich. I only have experience riding a bike in Cologne, but it was long before I was ever serious about it. It seemed like a nice place to ride and I've heard the same from others. Plus, Germany is a beautiful country and the people tend to be really nice. Almost all of them speak English, so the transition shouldn't be too difficult. When I was there, people would just speak English to me even when I would greet them in German. I think a lot of them were just excited to actually practice their English with a native speaker.

Now get the **** out! (And take me with you, please!)


yes, this was my experience too when i visited. now why someone esteems an anonymous internet forum for advice about something as important as which country to move to is beyond me.

I dig India myself. Mumbai is amazing, but I love Ahmenabad and the kite festival most of all.

everyone has a bike... and it is a blast to cruise around the city.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v629/mxlogik/ba00188.jpg
**** happens +1

america....f@ck Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+1 on this. Most of the answers you get here will be uninformed or snarky. Nothing against the people here (I love you guys), but as it was said above, most people here haven't lived abroad and can't offer much in the way of advice.

Dude's going to hear the same information that he rejected here, in spades.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIaeAtus5jU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIaeAtus5jU
that shed a tear to my eye

Dude's going to hear the same information that he rejected here, in spades.
Probably, but maybe also something useful.

Doesn't seem to me that asking the advice of a supposed group like minded gents and ladies deserves a place in the "Lacks imagination" column... I'm not asking anyone to develop a life plan for myself... I am a member of the Red Cross and have been a volunteer here in Philly for about 7 years... what i have to offer is a fairly precise reading comprehension, which you seem to lack... and an understanding that a "Loooong bicycle ride" is what keeps me sane and shows me my better angels... I dont think that what i'll do when i get there is of any concern at this point... Just want to know where people ride with passion... thats all... now if you don't have a legit suggestion as to my initial query... then go misinterpret someone else's post please...
In every country there are people who ride with passion. It's not dependent on politics or national identity.

What *exactly* are you asking? It's not clear.

The only thing I can think of to determine what country to move to is how well the roads are paved there; there are ass holes and awesome people in every country. I hear Germany has good roads?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIaeAtus5jU

omFG

makes me want to move to the coast of america where all the heroic angels congregate

is it just me, or should this guy learn to read and write before he continues planning his magical vacation getaway? i've never seen so many inappropriately used ellipses in my life.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RcEqtGqZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Out-Leaving-America-Self-Reliance/dp/0976082276/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-6726723-9934044?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182012424&sr=8-1)
this book has everything you need

more like:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41914HT6ZEL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

burn!

How do you teach English as a second language in England?

Umm, the same way you do in New York, LA, Toronto, Sydney, etc.

If you care, here's an article from the Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409387&in_page_id=1770) about the number of schools in London where more than half of the students have a first language other than English.

is it just me, or should this guy learn to read and write before he continues planning his magical vacation getaway? i've never seen so many inappropriately used ellipses in my life.

Its edgy... man... You just don't get it... do you...

it does make it harder to read.

this thread is making me think a lot. not everyone has the option to leave it if they don't love it, but if the option's there, it's nice to be reminded that you're not powerless.

http://lh4.google.se/image/lifepac/RnRjjGH3mGI/AAAAAAAAAA4/m463wrhYyrc/800px-Uppsala_Central_cyklar.jpg

Scandinavia is bike centered. People are openminded and we ride bikes everywhere. Whether it is "righteous" or not, or if you will find the "symbiotic existence of living and riding" I don´t know. Attitude is more important than location.

Was that taken at a train station or something? How come there's only one person standing among a thousand bikes?

Nice building in the background. Nice photo.

It is my house and my bikes...



No youre right, it is a train station (Uppsala). Most of the bikes belong to people commuting to the train in the morning and back in the afternoon. At this moment it is dead, but there is serious bike congestion at times.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rq2_YKQGE_U

If you love your cycling like I do, go to Finland, Iceland or, apparently best of all, Netherlands.

From all I have heard about Netherlands, I must go there and cycle the heck out of it.

Deutschland. I think any of the major cities should be good. Someone posted recently that they were very satisfied with their cycling experience in Munich. I only have experience riding a bike in Cologne, but it was long before I was ever serious about it. It seemed like a nice place to ride and I've heard the same from others. Plus, Germany is a beautiful country and the people tend to be really nice. Almost all of them speak English, so the transition shouldn't be too difficult. When I was there, people would just speak English to me even when I would greet them in German. I think a lot of them were just excited to actually practice their English with a native speaker.

Now get the **** out! (And take me with you, please!)


This can't possibly be true. "Any of the major cities"???? I have been to Frankfurt, Munich and Duesseldorf. I have also been to a dozen smaller cities (my ex is from Germany). Neither has impressed me with it's friendliness to bikes, and Duesseldorf has definitely disgusted me. Maybe I have been spoiled by Finland, but umm.... nothing much to recommend about Germany.


EDIT: it IS a step-up compared to the US, I'm sure.

Thanks all... I appreciate the time and advice... my ellipses are my own... as are my decisions... Much love to you all...

This can't possibly be true. "Any of the major cities"???? I have been to Frankfurt, Munich and Duesseldorf. I have also been to a dozen smaller cities (my ex is from Germany). Neither has impressed me with it's friendliness to bikes, and Duesseldorf has definitely disgusted me. Maybe I have been spoiled by Finland, but umm.... nothing much to recommend about Germany.


EDIT: it IS a step-up compared to the US, I'm sure.

i'm sure it is.

Compiled from what I've heard, read and experienced first-hand, my top 10 countries for cycling would probably be:

1. Netherlands
2. Finland (some people put Finland first, because of the much richer and vaster natural scenery)
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Denmark
6. Norway
7. Austria
8. Switzerland
9. Belgium
10. Germany

Eccept for Iceland, I have been in all of those countries, at least briefly.

all of the above are good, but spain (Barcelona), UK (London or else), France (Paris), and Italy (Milan, rome), are all fantastic places, and rather good for cycling.

But most importantly, make the move! Any experience outside of your country of origin makes you a 'better' person. I actually mostly hang out with expats now, as I find it harder to connect with the one-sided mindset of people who have only lived in one place.
That's why London is amazing: on any given night, I'll be having drinks with Poles, Russians, Germans, Brazilians, Americans, Italians, Frenchs, Irakis, Swedes, Greeks, an maybe a couple of Brits (but quite rarely actually).