Actually, this little tiff is amsuing me. I probably identify myself first as a roadie, and yes, I own a car; but my car sits and gathers dust six or seven days per week. I go to hammer fest training rides on my bike and never understand the people who strap their Colnago's onto the top of their cars and drive ten blocks to get to the start. Yes, I occasionally drive to a group ride if my total mileage for the day would put me well over 100 miles; but it's very rare that I do that. I'm always trying to find a way to drive less and use my bike more. I see no reason why training for road bike racing and being car-lite or carfree should be at odds, but it often seems they are.

My one problem now is grocery shopping. I refuse to leave my bike chained up outside. All I have is the roadie, which is about a $3,000 bike. Even though it's insured, I'd be crushed if anyone stole it and doubtful that I'd get what it was worth from the insurance company.

I don't understand why someone with such a vitriolic tone towards our negative attitudes about cars and auto-addicted society would come in here and make the responses he has... as a moderator, nonetheless. Negative attitudes are really never attractive, but it shouldn't be a surprise that most of share these opinions as people who are trying our best to be carfree. It just seems strange to me.