politicalgeek
11-24-08, 08:43 PM
I managed to shed 3,000 lbs today. Learned pretty quickly to better prepare myself and give a greater lead time running errands, especially when relying on the bus.
Living Car Free - Finally joining the ranks...
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Rowan
11-25-08, 03:16 AM
Congrats. One of the things you will find eventually is that your trip planning becomes so finely tuned that you will always arrive before time and often have to wait past the appointed time for latecomers in their cars... and for their lame excuses about traffic.
You'll also find that what you pack on the bike becomes second nature -- tools, puncture recovery, bad-weather clothing. But there will be times when you forget something; that will be a test of your (a) gambling skills, (b) bike maintenance skills, and (c) ingenuity.
Oh, and try to avoid becoming a fundamentalist. Most people don't want to be converted from driving to riding as transport, and you quickly wear out your welcome if you push it hard under their noses. Subtle is the name of the game.
You'll also find that what you pack on the bike becomes second nature -- tools, puncture recovery, bad-weather clothing. But there will be times when you forget something; that will be a test of your (a) gambling skills, (b) bike maintenance skills, and (c) ingenuity.
Oh, and try to avoid becoming a fundamentalist. Most people don't want to be converted from driving to riding as transport, and you quickly wear out your welcome if you push it hard under their noses. Subtle is the name of the game.
politicalgeek
11-25-08, 06:43 AM
Our local bike group is "Consider Biking" and thats very much where I fall. I think bikes, bus and rail are great options-but not for everyone.
I've worked some of the booths for different events and get the folks who don't live in a bike friendly area, so I'll just remind them of the great bike paths we have or the simple errands that can be done by bike. I often send them over to the 2 mile challenge website. I try to keep it pretty low key.
I've worked some of the booths for different events and get the folks who don't live in a bike friendly area, so I'll just remind them of the great bike paths we have or the simple errands that can be done by bike. I often send them over to the 2 mile challenge website. I try to keep it pretty low key.
bikinpolitico
11-25-08, 09:54 PM
Woop!
Roody
11-25-08, 11:06 PM
About time!
just kidding--I was pretty sure you would do this as soon as the time was right. I think it's great and I'm happy for you.
:beer:
just kidding--I was pretty sure you would do this as soon as the time was right. I think it's great and I'm happy for you.
:beer:
Rowan
11-26-08, 04:17 AM
Giving up a car is like giving up cigarettes for a smoker. You have to want to do it, and if you do, and you are determined, it will work for you.
politicalgeek
11-26-08, 02:03 PM
I had tried to sell back in September-I didn't like the offer at Carmax, posted on craigslist and then the US economy tanked. So I've been slowly lowering the price, with no hits. Finally got sick of it, was using it too much as a crutch, so I went back to Carmax and had them look at it again. Not what I wanted, but the savings in the long run will equal out.
The last few days have been good. Today probably the hardest, since I had to open at work. My legs ended up giving out, so I just hopped on the bus. You see a very unique side of your community when your without a car.
The last few days have been good. Today probably the hardest, since I had to open at work. My legs ended up giving out, so I just hopped on the bus. You see a very unique side of your community when your without a car.
Metzinger
12-04-08, 04:24 AM
Well done!
I will always remember the sensation of a weight being lifted as I watched the new owner of my Craigslisted car backing out of my driveway. Gone. And for a fraction of what I'd paid for it.
It helped that I was moving to a place where my future transportation needs would still be covered, even if I somehow forgot how to pedal. A year later, I look back on that day with an even greater sense of satisfaction.
Ten years from now, that car I saw driving away will probably have already been recycled into new things. My 35 year old city bike will be just starting to hit its stride.
I will always remember the sensation of a weight being lifted as I watched the new owner of my Craigslisted car backing out of my driveway. Gone. And for a fraction of what I'd paid for it.
It helped that I was moving to a place where my future transportation needs would still be covered, even if I somehow forgot how to pedal. A year later, I look back on that day with an even greater sense of satisfaction.
Ten years from now, that car I saw driving away will probably have already been recycled into new things. My 35 year old city bike will be just starting to hit its stride.