My Birthday Present May 29, 2007
Posted by vollenda in : General, Bike Commuting , 22 commentsSo, here’s my new bike. A KHS Urban-Xcel. Slate Blue. I rode it home from the LBS this afternoon. It’s replacing my old mtb bike from Target, Kermit, as my get around town/commuter bike. No name yet.
I was thisclose to getting a Hardrock but I decided to wait until later this summer. The KHS is a fun ride. Really smooth. I have to work a little harder than with my road bike, Blue (which I will still ride sometimes, depending on my mood 
). But I’m more comfortable in a more upright position around here. Especially when I’m carrying my laptop or camera gear.
So…I was thinking of Andy for a name. One of my friends thought it didn’t really fit though. Nothing else springs to mind yet. Life is rough when this is your hardest decision, eh?
Bike to Work Week & Ride of Silence May 16, 2007
Posted by vollenda in : General , 11 commentsThis week is Bike to Work week! And tomorrow is Bike to Work Day. Every day is bike to work day for me and I highly recommend it. If you haven’t tried it, give it a spin. You’ll be surprised what a difference a bike commute can make, not only for yourself, but for your friends and family. Here at my company, we have 4 employees who bike to work (3 every day and 1 twice a week). Other employees do as well from time to time. But I know that more and more they are riding their bikes to run errands. You never know who you will inspire by riding a bike!
Also, tonight at 7 is the Ride of Silence. It’s to honor those cyclist who have been killed while riding on public streets. We’ve all heard about it and there but for the grace of God, go I. It’s so senseless too. I hope you’ll join the ride.
On a more personal note, my birthday is this Saturday and I’m buying a new bike - a hybrid/urban bike for commuting. They had to order it because they didn’t have my size but I’m hoping to get it any day now. Cross your fingers!
3 Year Anniversary May 2, 2007
Posted by vollenda in : General, Bike Commuting , 11 commentsToday is the 3rd anniversary of my Non-Car life. And it’s also my niece Madison’s 7th Birthday! Woo! Two great reasons to celebrate today. 
So, 3 years ago, I turned in the RAV4 I was leasing and started riding my bike everywhere. No more paying insurance, gas, maintenance, car washes. Ah, this is the life. I remember being a little nervous about how it was going to work out. I mean, I live in Southern California, a tried and true Car Culture area. Southern Californians practically live in their cars. Would I be able to do it? I wanted to give it at least a year and here I am at 3. Time flies when you’re having fun, eh?
Some of the benefits of living the Non-Car life:
- No possibility of getting (completely) lazy since I have to walk or ride to any destination.
- A greater appreciation of the environment and trying to be more green.
- Becoming more organized and creative. (not forgetting anything, how am I going to get there, how am I going to carry stuff home, etc.).
- Saving tons of money. Which helped me pay off a mountain of debt (and should be gone completely in less than a year). And still have money to put into savings and my 401K and buy fun stuff (like camera equipment and bikes).
- Confidence in my ability to take care of myself.
- A lot less stress!
- Never being late for work (since I have to get there early to spiff up and change).
- Not having to worry about finding parking.
- Getting to enjoy the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees daily.
- How much is gas anyway?
I think everyone was surprised I’ve been able to go this long without a car. Do I miss a car? Sometimes. It would be nice to have one when I need to get me and all my photo equipment some place safely. But I think I’ve done all right with out one. I’m happy. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. It’s just become a way of life. I’m living proof it can be done. I wish more people would do. There’s a few regulars that I see every day and we wave to each other. Maybe someday, more people will.
Here’s a photo of my daily ride, Blue. It’s a stylized view of Blue.
