It’s what I do. There is no political or social statement behind it. I commute by bike. It may be hard for some people to grasp but I simply do not like driving. Being stuck inside of a vehicle is too confining and stressful and I don’t need it. America is a car culture? America is made up of many cultures and beliefs and for me riding a bike is my thing. It is my American way of life. The distance between my home and work is my own little stretch of suburban velodrome. The Viddydrome. When you see me spinning along on my bicycle, do not feel threatened. I am not an evil socialist looking to take your vehicle away from you. I am just another individual, like you. And like you, I appreciate a little space to allow me to exercise my own personal decision not to drive a vehicle. And in return, you will find that I am accepting of your decision to drive everywhere. Given the opportunity, I do admit that I will speak to you of the joys of riding a bike but I do not expect anyone to change their lifestyle just because it happens to work for me. As a great man once said, can’t we all just get along?
Tag Archive for Singlespeed
Commuting By Bike: The Viddydrome
It’s what I do. There is no political or social statement behind it. I commute by bike. It may be hard for some people to grasp but I simply do not like driving. Being stuck inside of a vehicle is too confining and stressful and I don’t need it. America is a car culture? America is made up of many cultures and beliefs and for me riding a bike is my thing. It is my American way of life. The distance between my home and work is my own little stretch of suburban velodrome. The Viddydrome. When you see me spinning along on my bicycle, do not feel threatened. I am not an evil socialist looking to take your vehicle away from you. I am just another individual, like you. And like you, I appreciate a little space to allow me to exercise my own personal decision not to drive a vehicle. And in return, you will find that I am accepting of your decision to drive everywhere. Given the opportunity, I do admit that I will speak to you of the joys of riding a bike but I do not expect anyone to change their lifestyle just because it happens to work for me. As a great man once said, can’t we all just get along?
Day 85: Why Ride Singlespeed?
Why ride singlespeed? There are many personal opinions out there regarding the topic of singlespeed and fixed gear bicycles and why people ride them. Many people, including myself, like the fact that a singlespeed or fixie is lightweight and easy to maintain due to the fact that there aren’t very many parts involved in the construction of such bikes. There is certainly the coolness factor but one must admit that singlespeeds and fixies are very cool looking bikes, in general. I ride a singlespeed for two reasons.
1. I rarely take advantage of the gear selections available on multi-speed bicycles.
2. I like the fact that maintenance and upkeep is much easier on a singlespeed bicycle.
It was several years ago that I came to the realization that although my bicycles had several different gear selections I rarely changed gears. I found that I had a favored gear ratio and I never changed it, even while climbing.
So I’m not cool but at least my Lemond is.