schwinnbikelove

In regard to others (including family and friends), I'd say it's definitely a divisive factor in my life. Typically, they offer me rides, think I'm nuts, just generally don't understand the reasons to ride, etc., etc...

How about you?

What about significant others?

How many cyclists are in your area?

Cyclist0383

It's a Toledo thing. I'm from Toledo and commuted everywhere for years. People thought I was nuts. I didn't learn how to drive till I was 21. I had no need. It bothered my Father so much that his girlfriend bought me driving lessons! Toledo is a car city. The economy depends on it. The good thing is that there are no bike theives to speak of. Look at Bancroft High School (UT) how many people cycle there? Almost none! It's a university! Geez. I feel your pain as I had the same experiences.

I lived in the Old West End where many people biked and is rather bike friendly. Good Luck. And do you know that about 10 years ago someone was trying to orginize Critical Masses in T-Town? Ha!

BTW what bike shop do you use? Which are still around?

And I must say even though people think you're a nutter if you cycle, I still love Toledo and it's many wonderful people.

forum*rider

Its a uniting thing for me. My dad and uncle actually used to ride everyday in HS/College. My dad got out of cycling for awhile and is now back into it, my uncle has ridden consistently since 9th grade.

I got the rest of my family into it and now instead of family outings being trips to movie theatres or resturaunts we go for a ride. The ones who are too young to ride get to go in trailers towed by me or my uncle(as we are the strongest riders) and we generally just have a relaxing time. Sometimes we pack a picknick lunch and throw it in a trailer and ride out to the park for an outdoor lunch.

good times, good times

School is a different thing, I am known as the "Kid that rides his bike crazy distances". The guys think I'm gay because I wear lycra shorts and I'm not afraid to walk around in public wearing my cycling clothing.

The girls think lycra is hot

schwinnbikelove

Pfft, don't even get me started on Toledo and UT! (where the only 'cyclists' are exchange students!)...Car city/Jeep, GM...of course!

Yeah, OWE is a good, open-minded place. Of course, as long as you stay in the interior.

Bike shops- I'm almost exclusively a Reggie's customer, and good friends with all the guys there (even dating one). I consider Wersell's, too. As for the rest, I'm very unfamiliar.

F.Rider- I'm very envious. Wow. My dad and I used to ride quite a bit as well, just poke around the neighborhood for a few hours, stop for ice cream. Unfortunately, he hasn't wanted any part of that for the last few years, though.

You're right, I'd love to see guys in lycra.

Cyclist0383

I'm a Wersell's guy. Jill is great, she'll help you find what ever you want. I really like that place. Bikes and dogs. Where do you commute from and too?

Cyclist0383

A good thing about Toledo and commuting. When I worked at Murphy's Jazz Club they were REALLY cool about commuting. They let me keep my bike in the club. Cliff used to be a cyclist untill some bastard in Waterville ran him off the road. Hurt him rather bad as I recall.

schwinnbikelove

I do like Jill. Actually, had an interview there last week... I also like their product line.

As for commuting, I drive to work. Do most everything else by bike.

How long did you live here/have you been away?

Cyclist0383

I'm from Toledo. I lived there on and off for 25 years. I've been away for 5 years. I miss the place. Great jazz music, although I heard that Crusty's closed down...

schwinnbikelove

Good, so I didn't have to break it to ya.

It's nice to 'meet' another T-Townian.

Cyclist0383

Stick with the biking. It's not so bad even in the winter. I did it for years. And I still do it here in Lativa.

Chris L

The first reaction was going to be "dividing" -- simply because the mere act of cycling is an act of provocation to many in this part of the world. However, I've always trodden my own path in other aspects of life, so perhaps it's made little difference.

Non-Applicable. The other gender didn't really fancy me before, and they don't now.

There's actually a surprisingly high number of boy-racers who hang about on the suburban coastal strip, however, as soon as one ventures further afield (as I like to do), the number diminishes pretty rapidly. In short, in ten years I've only ever met one other person with any serious interest in the sort of rides that I enjoy -- this doesn't concern me overly. As I said before, I'll tread my own path. If others want to join me, fine. If not, so be it.

Cyclist0383

Uh, I feel like a cad for not answering your questions.

Cycling has a rather nuteral effect on my relationships with others. My friends laugh at my obsession, are shocked that I cycle all winter, but in the end don't give me any serious flack because they are my friends. My parents worry about my safety, but all parents worry about their kids safety, no matter how old said kids are. My coworkers think it great! The one day I frogot my pump I got a flat. I had to hike to the bike shop with my front wheel to change the tube. A lot of people asked if everything was okay. Many people were worried about my bike!

My wife is very supportive. She has just started commuting herslf. Today was her first day.

In the spring/summer/autumn there are many cyclists here. There are three of us who commute where I work in the winter.

DXchulo

I didn't vote because I think it's both. Everyone seems to think it's too expensive (and I really can't argue with that) and nobody likes it when you spend 6 hours away from them. On the other hand, my girlfriend travels to races with me and it's fun to travel around and see stuff we've never seen before. And people think it's cool when you do something like ride a century or ride across the state. That gives them a little more respect for you, which is a uniting aspect.

Most of the time it gets treated like a regular hobby. I don't understand some of the things my friends do for fun, but that's just who they are and that's what makes them unique.

By the way, I'm going to the University of Toledo next year. Small world.

phantomcow2

None of my family understands why i do. They ask "what was the total price" and i tell them above 1k and they are like WHAT?! And say im razy and whatnot. I try to explain the whole "its the price i pay for my enjoyment" but lol doesnt work. BUt its true though, they probably spend that much and more on their cable TV and video games.
As for my girlfriend, she does not get it, i tried to get her to ride once and she said she wont try again for 1 year. So its definantly a dividing with family, but ive gotten many friends from it also. Its not to say that its dividing like seperating family, just family and my fav. sport/hobby dont blend

Maelstrom 

Definately uniting. Everyone in town rides, something. And I got my gf and my cousin into riding. I don't know anyone that can refuse. Once they get into the mountains there is no going back.

Zin

Uniting here. Just bought my wife a Trek 1000wsd. She loves it!

Oops, Gotta go ride with my honey!

mntbikedude

Uniting. I have so many sweet exsperiences riding bikes with my children. From biking 700 miles of the pacific coast with my sons to a special picnic rides with my daughters. The all include many magic moments that were created by getting away from our normal hectic world.

My last big ride of last season was with my then 11 year old son. We rode the 10 miles to a nearby town and spent the afternoon exsploring its interesting shops. Many of which were antique/thrift. He came home with many treasures and spent a total of about $1.50. Somehow I don't think it would have been quite the adventure had we just driven the 10 miles. But on bikes it turned it into a magical afternoon.

PS and for me I found a vintage Texaco grease monkey shirt for 25 cents. A fun reminder of a great afternoon.

MBD

Doctor Morbius

Divisive? Ha! Not strong enough. How about fissures?

I've found that the non-cyclist crowd just don't get it. Best to not even discuss it with them. Had a close friend tell me "exercising for 3 hours is ********". They just don't get it. Never will. They'd rather sit on the couch and watch Oprah all day. Fine.

Litespeed

Uniting factor for my husband and myself, it definitely brought us closer together. Before cycling, we always did different things and never spent much time together. Now we ride together every weekend and hopefully with the time change we can even get the tandem out there during the week for afternoon rides. Neighbors think it's great that we can do it, people at work don't understand because they don't cycle (or exercise) themselves. There are hundreds of cyclists in San Diego.

phantomcow2

Yea I agree entirely. Most of the folks in my shcool aside from the athletes spend probably 4 hours playing video games, using their 300 dollar gaming systems. a ps2, an xbox, the one play station, game cube. Its noit uncommon for one to have every one available. Then a book shelf full of 50 dollars a piece games with their 52" HDTV. ANd they say im dumb for spending 1500+ on my bike.

Machka 

Where's the BOTH option?

My EX and I are divorced, and cycling was one of the many elements that drove us apart.

BUT I've met many cyclists who are now good friends so cycling has also been a uniting thing.

hubs

That was my situation until I totalled our minivan (Dec 30, 2004) -- no one was hurt -- collected the over $6000 insurance check -- it was all the other driver's fault -- and reduced us to a one-car family. Now we save on gas. The car is a Saturn and I ride more. There's no second car insurance. Whew ... I have finally laid to rest my husband's questions of the money I spend on bikes (well under $1K a year). Perspective ... it's all in the perspective.

Simplebiker

It is a uniting thing for me. I am not a very social person and I didn't grow up in this area. So cycling has allowed me to meet other people who have the same interest.

I have yet to convince my wife to ride her bicycle anywhere even recreationally. But her job is in a different place almost every day and she's going for her master's degree, so I suppose she has a legitimate time excuse. Maybe this summer or next.

There are certainly a lot more cyclists here than where I grew up near Memphis, TN. In fact, it was my observation of the cyclists riding down the bike path to work while I sat on the bus that peaked my interest.

caloso

Definitely uniting. I met a good friend through cycling, our wives have become good friends, and our kids will probably grow up together. Riding bikes, I hope.

angel

yes, i have often been the freak biking to work and for all other transportation needs. it gets frusterating because other women in my offices complain at how slender i am and attribute it to biking. it is true it could be the biking and some good genetrics that keeps me from tipping the scale. i think it could be laughter though, because i drink lots of beer and eat lots of bad food!
luckily i have finally stummbled upon a community of people who like to bike for fun and commuting and also my current work is bike friendly and likes to reward its non car commuters. finally!
there is lots of bonding over the advantages of not relying on a car for transportation at work and spending a lot of time here it is nice to be in a positive work environment.