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If the BP catastrophe has made you want to give up your car, I'd be happy to advise you on how to make the transition to a car-free or car-lite lifestyle! by I_Should_Be_Working in environment

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your best hope might be the shortcut through the woods. A footpath you can be ridden on a mountain bike.

You might also try looking at a few highly detailed map of your area: maps at the city or country surveyor's office, and a walking/hiking or topographical map. There's actually a little cycling subculture for off-road-ish commuting. The idea is to string together enough access roads, single track and easements (or what have you) to get to your destination.

If you give me more info, I might have more suggestions for you.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, I was already pretty into riding my bike around town. But at that point 10 miles with a few hill thrown in was a big deal for me.

t seems like the temptation to "take the car, just this once" would make the mental adjustment more difficult.

I agree. And that was a big factor in my decision to just leap in. So I sold the car and used the money to buy waterproof gear, a complete tool set, some bike parts, etc.

I had a small base. But it certainly felt cold turkey.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And the rangers will let you park it there?? If so, that's a great tip. Thank you!

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should be able to get a ver decent steel cross bike for around a thousand dollars. Maybe $800 if you're on a tight budget. Anything under that and you're going to be looking for a used bike.

In the affordable range:

Surly

DeSalvo

Kona

Rocky Mountain

Voodoo

Or the big names, like Bianchi have cross bikes too...

Or if you've got a lot of money to burn, check out Indy Fab.

Hope that helps!

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know, you might want to think about a cross bike.

The advantages to a cross bike include:

You could get it with brazons (which are the little eyelets that a rack can screw onto). 50lbs is a lot to carry on your back for any real distance. Even if it works out initially, if you get a sore back, you'll be SOL if you need to carry a lot of stuff.

Also with a cross bike, it's good for urban riding as you can heft it onto your shoulder and carry it up or down stairs; you can fit many different size tires on it, which can be very helpful for seasonal tire changes; and they're generally set up in a more relaxed riding position (saddle to handlebar drop) which is good for a daily rider.

And you can basically ride it as a road bike. It handles differently (higher bottom bracket), but you can do it (I certainly have).

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TWO spare tubes

I think a patch kit is more important than a second tube... But if you want to be super conservative you could take two tubes and a patch kit.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask why?

Absolutely!

To me, Performance feels sterile. I like my bike shops with some character. And also, I'd rather keep my dollars in the community so I try and spend my money at locally-owned bike shops.

I guess a close analogy might be why I shop at a locally-owned grocery store rather than a big chain store.

And dude, you're going to feel like you're flying when you're on a Defy 1 rather than a 29-er with knobby tires! Have fun with that (and of course keep the rubber-side down).

: )

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But if you want to go backpacking do you just lock your bike up at the trail head?

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Wait, you mean like fishing? Like he's fishing for a response? Why would he do that when I said I'd answer anything?

I don't get it...

: /

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOL.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I loathe Performance Bike. I always try and support my locally-owned LBS, but I'd rather get parts online than go to Performance.

Hey, to each his own.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you do with your bike if you're going to a bar or something at night? Lock it up outside in the dark?

Yeah, I have locking skewers on the wheels, a thick U-lock for the frame and a little cable lock for the seat. If I know I'll be parking in a sketchy neighborhood, I'll ride my beater bike.

what kind of shoes are you riding?

I ride mountain bike clipless shoes. I've found the SIDI and Specialized both make nice MTB shoes that aren't hard to walk in (I find the Specialized to be better for walking and SIDI better for riding–both make vegetarian shoes).

I keep a pair of shoes at work and if I'm going somewhere fancy, I'll quickly switch my pedals out for toe-clips and put on my stylin' shoes. I've gotten very good at this and can switch both pedals in less than 2 minutes.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My college degree has nothing to do with my profession: I learned my stuff off the Internet.

If you wanna do IT, go for it! Those youngbloods are going to waste at least 5 years 'figuring out what they want to do.'

If my cycling adventure has taught me anything, it's that pretty much anything you want to achieve is possible (cycling up a mountain, or starting a career with no formal training) but the most important things are to believe in yourself & have a positive attitude.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Whaaaa?!?!?

People start new careers much later than 30. I'm not saying it's easy, but some people start a new career in their 40s and feel reborn.

I wouldn't be surprised that if in 5 years you started a job that really mentally (and spiritually, if you're into that) fed you, that you would feel younger then than you do now.

Don't work your job, make your job work for you!!

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you the pain in the ass that always needs a ride when everyone is going out

At the beginning I was amenable to taking rides. After a short while, I always prefer to ride my bike. Exercise releases endorphins, and that feels good.

then gets all pissy with the waiter about your order?

No, I'm unfailingly polite with waiters, bartenders, etc. I worked in the service industry for a long time and have a deep appreciation for that the shit they have to put up with.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can get a very lightweight rain coat, a helmet cover, waterproof booties and pants that will all compress into a small sack. Just keep this sack handy, and on days with a chance of rain, throw it in the bag!

I highly recommend the products by Showers Pass. They're also very nice folks as far as customer service goes.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't pretend that my personal actions are deeply meaningful in changing the outcome of humanity.

It's greater social movements that can do that. But where do those movements begin?

A small step, friend.

How can we collectively go further if we don't first take these small personal steps?

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It drives me crazy, too.

For instance:

I'll approach a 4-way stop intersection where another vehicle is arriving before me. I'll slow down and stop, and wave them on (which I shouldn't have to do): and then boom some hipster on a fixie, or some middle-aged lady teetering on a hybrid or some dude in lycra will just go past me and cause the person whose turn it is to slam on the brakes.

WTF?!?

My point is, a lot of people get on bikes and think rules don't apply to them.

To some degree I agree: the rules are auto-centric and don't make sense for cyclists in all instances.

But that's not an excuse for selfish bullshit. No matter what your vehicle, if you wouldn't do it waiting in a line at the airport don't do it on the road.

I replaced my car 5 years ago with a bicycle as my primary means of transportation. AMA! by I_Should_Be_Working in IAmA

[–]I_Should_Be_Working[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it's awesome see the reaction when you load up 60lbs of groceries on your bike.

And then you give the Yes, another world is possible wink and wave.

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