Living Car Free - Going free...

I guess you could say that 95-99% of the time, starting in about two weeks or so, I'll be going car free. I mean, I already don't have a car, but I get driven, or drive everywhere. It's not so bad, but, I hate relying on people, and I have goals for cycling this year and want to meet them, regardless of how. I say 95-99% because there are still some places I won't ride (like visiting my GF at college 50-ish miles away, or some bike shops 30 or so miles away - though I would like to do those more than drive).
I'm not doing this for green purposes. Largely I'm doing it because I love bicycles, I love riding bicycles, and I simply can't afford a car (nor do I want one).
Tomorrow I'm going to look at/test ride a Surly LHT. I won't be buying a new bike until atleast next wednesday. I'm really a C&V person, but, I'd like a new bike, unweathered by the elements, and one that will have my character, and my miles under it's tires. If I don't go with that bike, I'll keep looking. I want a touring bike, though. Something I can put racks and fenders on, and have a nice smooth ride. Though, really, I've had my heart set on one since I saw Mechanicalron's LHT on the commuting forum.
I'm intending to be all weather, full fenders, mudflaps, dynamo lights, brooks, racks... and everything. My friend Alex told me today that he practically lives out of his car (with all the stuff he keeps in it), and I told him that soon I'll be practically living off of my bike, which immediately lifted my spirits.
I'm really looking forward to this. And looking forward to spending more time on another forum here on BF.
-Gene-

good for you... you can even make the GF visits a fun trip by bike. although they will take more planning.

If you're in good shape, you can make those 50 mile trips in under four hours. That's not too bad for a two day visit. Millions of people spend that much time driving to their weekend cottages.

I put a deposit down on the LHT today. Thing rode like butter, though a triple crank will be an adjustment. And I could likely do the 50 miles there in 4 easily, probably closer to 3. Though trips there are infrequent as it is, she comes home more often than I go up there.
I'll pick the bike up either next Wednesday or Thursday, and likely ride it home from the shop if I can find a good route home. From that point, though. I'll largely be car free. The bike will be getting a B17 Champion and Honjo Fenders almost immediately. Rack(s) will be close behind.
I'm so excited.
-Gene-

With fenders and because you will be pulling yourself without the help of friends 4 hours is more practicle. 3 hours will require a 16.6 mph average. I am not saying you can't do it but unless it is real flat that is a pretty good pace for a semi loaded bike. Be sure to post pictures.

The LHT is great in regards to do-everything-utility, comfortable ride, and cool factor. You won't regret getting it.

It'd be the perfect bike for making weekend trips to visit your girlfriend. She will be impressed that you biked 50 miles to see her :love:

I got my LHT for touring, but it works very well for going car-free, as I use my 4 pannier set to go grocery shopping and errand running all the time around town.