commutedawg

Howdy,

I am slated to move to the Lawrence, Kansas area sometime around November/December 2009, and am interested in maintaining my mechanic status. I am the service manager at the same shop for the last 4 years. Reason for the move, my wife is heading back to school, and we will most likely be living in Lawrence near the campus. My preference for employment would have to be commuteable by bicycle. It seems that there are many shops in the KC area, but it might not be doable due to distance. My farthest regular commute was 18 miles one way, so I suppose Topeka is probably within my limits. If a super cool job became available I could be probably leave early. Any help, suggestions or connections would be much appreciated!

Chad

Banzai

I'm a KU grad! Rock Chalk!

The best bike shop in town is Sunflower Bike and Outdoors, which is downtown on Massachusetts St. If they don't have an opening, they can point you in the right direction, I'm certain.

I miss Lawrence so badly...you'll have a wonderful time.

When I was in college, Sunflower Bike burned down. It was widely thought that they would simply close their doors forever and go out of business. However, the town and the campus community came together and held numerous fundraisers, donation drives, etc. Between that and what they got for insurance on the building, they were able to re-open a little over a year later.

commutedawg

Well, everything I have heard about Lawrence has been positive. The only worry I have is the job market. I suppose if nothing works out, I will just have to go back to school and become a student again! Thanks for the positive reinforcement.

Chad

neil0502

Aunt and uncle are profs @ KU.

We've visited there several times.

It's an awesome town, and Sunflower IS a great shop, staffed with knowledgeable and like-minded people.

Have a great time!

dwr1961

Lawrence is really nice. I think the commute from Topeka or KC area would be a stretch for most folks during good weather and close to impossible during the inclement periods of the year. I guess it depends on if you're used to the Midwest...

As I recall (it's been 15 years) once outside of town the roads are limited to rural two-lanes with poor shoulders. Still, there's an active cycling community, so there will be plenty of support for your two-wheeled adventures...

Good luck. Kansas weather is not for the faint-of-heart (or California natives like me!)

EGUNWT

If you're commuting by car, the KC-Lawrence commute is not bad, I've had co-workers do it daily. By bike it would be really really bad. 30-45 miles each way (depending on where you're going, Kansas City is REALLY spread out) and the road between is nice but very busy. Choice of side streets for it is limited and likely unpassable after any significant weather.

stevemtbr

Go over the mountain bike section and look up chelboed. He lives in Topeka and is a Kansas Mt bike expert.