This carfree stuff is working for me!
 

Yesterday, on my day off, I took my stepson out to lunch, went to Meijer's and a couple other stores, hung out at the library, and visited two sets of friends. For transportation, I used a complex combination of bike, walking, bus, and a short car ride. The temperature never went above 25 degrees with a gusty wind.

I stayed comfortable and warm. The only time I got cold was when I was waiting for a bus. I felt safe and secure at all times, even though I was riding in heavy traffic and there was ice on some streets.

The total time I spent exercising (both bike and ped) was just over two hours. That is wonderful, in my opinion. One of several reasons that I don't have a car is to "force" myself to exercise. This strategy is working, and I feel pretty good about it.

I also had fun. In the last few years, there have been several tragedies in my life. Walking and especially riding have been the consistently enjoyable activities that kept me sane.

I pity people who have to drive everywhere.

I dont pity people that have to drive everywhere, I do pity those that refuse to even consider other options. The mindset that blocks all other ways of getting around cept for driving strikes me as, well, lots of adjectives fit here.........I guess odd or myopic would be the most PC of my choices :)

Roody, thats awesome to hear. 2 hours of exercise without thinking about it. Sweet.

Me too, Roody. Carfree living has made me feel serene, unhurried and vigorous. There are dozens of familiar strangers on foot and in parking lots who smile & wave to me as I ride around in my small neighborhood. What I formerly spent on car payments and expenses seems to just be piling up in the bank. I have never before been able to sleep so deeply and so well. I've found opportunities to make a living in my field that do not require any kind of commute. Life seems full and rich. Shhh, we'd better keep all this to ourselves!!

That's great, Roody. I recently became carfree also. Today, I rode 5 miles round trip to visit my Mom. I'm getting ready for another eight miler round trip to do christmas shopping (gift certificates mostly) and a little grocery shopping. Then tonight I am bringing a couple of tilapia filets, mixed veggies, and couscous over to my Mom's to cook dinner (another 5 miler round trip). When I got out there this morning, it was 7 degrees F with a -7 windchill. I was never cold, except for my thumbs (lobster gloves) and my nose. anyone who thinks this is too hard hasn't given it an honest go.

It isn't so hard now, but I do remember tha the first of my now 3 winters of commuting was rather dificult. I remember freezing and shivering and skidding all over the road on those gusty late night commutes! I didn't know then all that I know now about bicycles, riding techniques and gear. And I sure was not in the good shape for riding that I am now.

That first winter, there truly were times when I thought I might not complete my short 3.5 mile commute, when it was 0 degrees and there was a 40 or 50 mph headwind running against me. (Now, I at least know that my "engine" will keep running, even if I have to go all night.)

My point is, if you're new to cycling as basic transportation--hang in there. With knowledge, training and experience, what is difficult now will soon be simple and fun. I promise, and so do a lot of other riders here!

When I bike I feel like I'm getting VIP treatment.
I'm getting exercise. I get to park right in front of wherever I'm going. A fact that was hammered home when my dad and I spent a good 3/4 of an hour circling an underground parking lot looking for a spot while contending with stupid drivers driving the wrong way and arogant rich twits in their expensive cars (It was a bit more of an upper class shopping area).
Also I don't get stuck in traffic, I'm free to roam where I please. The road is my domain.
Now that's what I call VIP treatment.

You go guy! I admire you for doing it so far north.

Good for you roody. I feel you, it's great to have an exercise plan that works just naturally when you don't have to force yourself. And the cold... It doesn't take long to get warm if you walk a brisk pace and you have decent clothes.

Also, you can take your ride right into the house--no walk between garage and back door. And you whiz right by all those people in their indoor shoes who are trying to scrape the snow and ice off their windshields.