Unfortunately I have to have a car for work but I am hoping once the fall semester of school starts I can drive to work and commute to school. I’ll average about 20 miles per day, can’t wait to see what that does to the scale. The downside is that everyone thinks I’m making a statement for the “go green” campaign. Can’t we ride bikes without a political motive? It’s kinda sad when you think about it….
I’ve NEVER owned a car. Also, I agree with Mark. I’ve run into people that think I ride my bike for environmental reasons but I don’t; I ride it because it keeps me in shape and I enjoy it.
Ah weight gain… I’m slower than MichaelSnyder, it took me a couple of years to lose 40 pounds, eventually shedding 60. Then I cut back on riding and gained 25 in one year.
Back to riding and losing a pound a week and eating happily.
In response to Mark and John A. Ardelli,
I ride my bike primarily because I enjoy it and because it’s good for me as well. I also happen to be concerned about the environment however. Bicycles are good for “us” in many ways. Does it really bother you that people may think you are environmentally responsible?
Just wanted to add to my previous comment. I realise how bad we have become addicted to cars when I tell my friends that I’ll be commuting over 2 miles one way and I get that wierd look we all know. I also get it from any family member I tell. Then they kinda go on the defensive and say something offending, exactly the kind of behavior an addict in denial for any drug acts. Most of the time, because I’m conservative, it’s something along the lines of “so your gonna vote for Barak now huh?” That’s what I meant by “sad”. I think that more people on my side of the table would be more open if the democrats hadn’t turned it into a political campaign. Thats my 2 cents.
Oh yeah, I do the combo thing – ride my bike 7 miles to light rail and light rail the other 15 miles. A guy I work with who lives by me was asking about it. Told him it takes me an extra 15 or 20 minutes in the morning and averages probably 5 minutes longer (due to traffic – quite often my commute is quicker) going home in the afternoon. His response “see! that’s just not worth it!”. He’s the type of guy who drives his car to go across the street. When he starts complaining about gas prices I don’t hesitate to tell him STFU!
I do not necessarily believe in a green cause. But out here in Chicago the only thing that has made use a bike is pure economics. Chicago is blessed with an inefficient freeway system which makes my trips, where ever it takes me, faster. I try to use the combo- bike to light train to bike. Keeps me healthy as a bonus.
Also, (maybe i’m young and blissfully ignorant) the sheer thrill of riding a bike fast in the city.. Ah! Dreh! Nah! Laine!
Why the dismissal of the environmental motivation?? I’ve seen this a lot lately. I want to see more bikes on the streets and fewer cars, whatever the motives of the bicyclists!
She’s leaving an abusive relationship.
She’s going car free.
She’s getting a bike.
She’s becoming cage free.
The comic (finally?) gets a regular female character.
Yehuda is up one bike on Joe for the sales contest.
I’m interested to see what will come of the fight between Yehuda and Joe for the love of a women who broke up with a car? Days of our lives comes to mind…
Hey Michael R – how do you know that Yehuda is one up on Joe? She hasn’t even bought a bike! Are you peeking? And maybe she’ll go for a nice Red Line with a trailer.
@Ben
I’m not saying that there aren’t a lot of cyclists in both parties, just whenever I turn on the news and a bicyclist is in the story all they can say is how green he/she is. I agree that excersize is great, I just don’t see why everything has to be turned into some eco-spiel on how to fight “global warming”
That said, I have still been encouraging my friends and family to start riding, to save money if anything. It’s true that $5 /gal of gas has increased the number of cyclists. IMHO the reduction of CO2 is a bonus, not a reason.
1. Who is to say she is a love interest or a regular character? She may have a big boyfriend coming by if Yehuda makes any moves.
2. As long as bicycles are being used, they are still an answer to so many problems, including obesity, pollution and dependance on foreign oil. “Can’t we all just get along”. As long as they’re not on recumbents
Hey Mark, Bush and Cheney went to war in Iraq over oil, so its not just the Democrats that are making it political. Read the headlines about American oil companies signing contracts for Iraqi oil. First time in 30 some years that American oil companies will be in Iraq.
I think its great that you are conservative and you think biking is great. Its too bad you have to put up with family members who are so close minded.
She isn’t that heavy. Looking for a bike make is clear she is concerned enough to do something about it. I see a rivalry between Joe & Yehuda over the new girl. But will they hire her to be extra help? She could be the next top sales person.
@Derek
Yeah I realise we went to war for the oil, that was pretty messed up. BTW, I wasn’t bashing Dems. I am an independent conservative, I’ll vote for the guy/or girl that has the best plan. I was just saying that liberals should lay off the “go green” speech for a while. Unfortionately the so called “green” energies won’t be available for at least another 10 years or so. I say instead of bashing the oil companies, make some legislation that forces them to invest a percentage of profits into alternative sorces. Combine that with taking the federal tax on gas and applying it directly to research we can get the job done faster. Finally, couple that with an tax incentive for trading in your old gas guzzler for the new technologies when they come out. The reason gas prices are so high IMHO is that the oil companies are scared that they will be run out of business. If they develope the “green” tech then they can profit off it.
Should any democrat or liberal politician draft a plan like this and ensure that it will be implimented in their term I would vote for them in a heartbeat.
P.S. I’ll be sure to keep my political affiliation out of my comments in the future, too much work to keep up on it
@Mark
Actually the reason gas prices are so LOW is because politicians hand over large subsidies to the oil companies to encourage them to artificially lower the prices we see at the pump. If you look at how much gasoline costs in foreign countries, it’s no longer a mystery why America is the only country where large, gas guzzling cars and trucks are a major feature on the road.
Gas prices in Europe has more to do with high taxes on it. That in turn helps people cope. In Germany what I’ve felt is that everyone rides at least at some point of the day, even the ones that are driving. That gives a huge insight to the drivers of how it feels to be shoved to the curb by a fast car or by getting doored.
Ah! bikers being nerdic? I thought seeing every new female as a potential love interest was a more aggressive idea.
@Chason
I had to point out the fatal flaw in your reasoning, People here in SoCal are flocking to Mexico cuz prices are about half what they are in the states.
I’m sorry this got started, so can we please get back to bike talk and stop the political bashing. Thanks
It doesn’t bother me that people think I’m environmentally conscious; it bothers me that some think that’s the only reason I ride a bicycle when that’s actually a distant secondary reason.
I’ve been bike commuting for 4 years– and I haven’t lost a pound. It pisses me off that cyclists are so into weight loss…and that they think that my non-aerodyamic tukus inspires an insipid rivalry. (oh fat girl isn’t going fast I’ll pass at the red light so she has to pass me again — oh, I can’t let her beat me to the light, I’m gonna pedal like a banshee) gah!
Withdrawal from car addiction and adopting a 2030 mile per day bicycle commute helped me drop 40 lbs in 4 months.
It was one of the best decisions I have made. I haven’t owned a car in almost 3 years.
I’m hoping to never own a car. I’m looking to live carfree. Well, scooter or Zipcar at the least.
Unfortunately I have to have a car for work but I am hoping once the fall semester of school starts I can drive to work and commute to school. I’ll average about 20 miles per day, can’t wait to see what that does to the scale. The downside is that everyone thinks I’m making a statement for the “go green” campaign. Can’t we ride bikes without a political motive? It’s kinda sad when you think about it….
I’ve NEVER owned a car.
Also, I agree with Mark. I’ve run into people that think I ride my bike for environmental reasons but I don’t; I ride it because it keeps me in shape and I enjoy it.
I’m half-surprised that the Kickstand has a modern cash register rather than simply writing tickets by hand or a more quaint register.
I guess, at some point, you have to give a nod to modern technology…
Am I the only one that see a new potential love interest?
Ah weight gain… I’m slower than MichaelSnyder, it took me a couple of years to lose 40 pounds, eventually shedding 60. Then I cut back on riding and gained 25 in one year.
Back to riding and losing a pound a week and eating happily.
I saw it; I just didn’t see any point in commenting on it since it’s as obvious as an aluminum bat to the groin…
I have lost 30lbs in the last 3 months. Should have got on a bike years ago. I know just what that character feels like!
I lost 60; I’m 160 now down from 220 in 2003.
i’ve lost 50 and counting! woowee.
In response to Mark and John A. Ardelli,
I ride my bike primarily because I enjoy it and because it’s good for me as well. I also happen to be concerned about the environment however. Bicycles are good for “us” in many ways. Does it really bother you that people may think you are environmentally responsible?
Just wanted to add to my previous comment. I realise how bad we have become addicted to cars when I tell my friends that I’ll be commuting over 2 miles one way and I get that wierd look we all know. I also get it from any family member I tell. Then they kinda go on the defensive and say something offending, exactly the kind of behavior an addict in denial for any drug acts. Most of the time, because I’m conservative, it’s something along the lines of “so your gonna vote for Barak now huh?” That’s what I meant by “sad”. I think that more people on my side of the table would be more open if the democrats hadn’t turned it into a political campaign. Thats my 2 cents.
Oh yeah, I do the combo thing – ride my bike 7 miles to light rail and light rail the other 15 miles. A guy I work with who lives by me was asking about it. Told him it takes me an extra 15 or 20 minutes in the morning and averages probably 5 minutes longer (due to traffic – quite often my commute is quicker) going home in the afternoon. His response “see! that’s just not worth it!”. He’s the type of guy who drives his car to go across the street. When he starts complaining about gas prices I don’t hesitate to tell him STFU!
Chris
That poor, cute girl… I want to make her smile!
I do not necessarily believe in a green cause. But out here in Chicago the only thing that has made use a bike is pure economics. Chicago is blessed with an inefficient freeway system which makes my trips, where ever it takes me, faster. I try to use the combo- bike to light train to bike. Keeps me healthy as a bonus.
Also, (maybe i’m young and blissfully ignorant) the sheer thrill of riding a bike fast in the city.. Ah! Dreh! Nah! Laine!
Chris, no need to tell him STFU. Just smile and comment that gas prices don’t seem like a very big deal.
The girl is cute…
Help her shed ten pounds… and Yehuda, you got yourself a hot girlfriend….
Ooohh…that’s much better, Michael. “Gas? How much is it these days? Clear up to $1.50/gal or so, huh? Ouch.” LOL
Mark- I remember seeing an article about Bush being an avid mountain biker:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/images/20070505-1_f050507jb0110jpg-675v.html
If anything, it seems like cycling is something that spans political parties, not divides them.
Are we male cyclists really so nerdy that the first thing we can think of when a female character appears is “love interest”?
That said, they do seem like they could appeal to each other…
What is going on here, I don’t understand the significance of a women breaking up with her car? Anyone care to answer?
Why the dismissal of the environmental motivation?? I’ve seen this a lot lately. I want to see more bikes on the streets and fewer cars, whatever the motives of the bicyclists!
Mindy
Smooth lines, Yehuda. Good start.
Agreed, Mindy! Not only is cycling better for the environment, it’s better for you. And, IMO, much more fun than driving a car.
The significance?
She’s leaving an abusive relationship.
She’s going car free.
She’s getting a bike.
She’s becoming cage free.
The comic (finally?) gets a regular female character.
Yehuda is up one bike on Joe for the sales contest.
I’m interested to see what will come of the fight between Yehuda and Joe for the love of a women who broke up with a car? Days of our lives comes to mind…
I don’t know. I thought Yehuda’s last line sounded a little mean.
Did anyone notice the plants in the background? I wonder if the Kickstand is a green buisness.
Hm. Shirt pocket is on the opposite side of most shirts, yet Yehuda’s using it. Is he a southpaw?
Hey Michael R – how do you know that Yehuda is one up on Joe? She hasn’t even bought a bike! Are you peeking? And maybe she’ll go for a nice Red Line with a trailer.
NinJoe – No peeking! Red Line with a trailer? Yeah, get a sleek light bike and tie on something that outweighs it.
Yehuda groks what she’s after, she’ll be Copenhagen Cycle Chic material in no time – with a sensible bike.
I don’t even see a contest between Yehuda and Joe should this take a romantic turn.
@Ben
I’m not saying that there aren’t a lot of cyclists in both parties, just whenever I turn on the news and a bicyclist is in the story all they can say is how green he/she is. I agree that excersize is great, I just don’t see why everything has to be turned into some eco-spiel on how to fight “global warming”
That said, I have still been encouraging my friends and family to start riding, to save money if anything. It’s true that $5 /gal of gas has increased the number of cyclists. IMHO the reduction of CO2 is a bonus, not a reason.
1. Who is to say she is a love interest or a regular character? She may have a big boyfriend coming by if Yehuda makes any moves.
2. As long as bicycles are being used, they are still an answer to so many problems, including obesity, pollution and dependance on foreign oil. “Can’t we all just get along”. As long as they’re not on recumbents
Hey Mark, Bush and Cheney went to war in Iraq over oil, so its not just the Democrats that are making it political. Read the headlines about American oil companies signing contracts for Iraqi oil. First time in 30 some years that American oil companies will be in Iraq.
I think its great that you are conservative and you think biking is great. Its too bad you have to put up with family members who are so close minded.
Geoff, Only Rick knows the answers, if he even does yet. The rest of us get to wildly speculate to enhance the entertainment value.
She isn’t that heavy. Looking for a bike make is clear she is concerned enough to do something about it. I see a rivalry between Joe & Yehuda over the new girl. But will they hire her to be extra help? She could be the next top sales person.
@Derek
Yeah I realise we went to war for the oil, that was pretty messed up. BTW, I wasn’t bashing Dems. I am an independent conservative, I’ll vote for the guy/or girl that has the best plan. I was just saying that liberals should lay off the “go green” speech for a while. Unfortionately the so called “green” energies won’t be available for at least another 10 years or so. I say instead of bashing the oil companies, make some legislation that forces them to invest a percentage of profits into alternative sorces. Combine that with taking the federal tax on gas and applying it directly to research we can get the job done faster. Finally, couple that with an tax incentive for trading in your old gas guzzler for the new technologies when they come out. The reason gas prices are so high IMHO is that the oil companies are scared that they will be run out of business. If they develope the “green” tech then they can profit off it.
Should any democrat or liberal politician draft a plan like this and ensure that it will be implimented in their term I would vote for them in a heartbeat.
P.S. I’ll be sure to keep my political affiliation out of my comments in the future, too much work to keep up on it
@Mark
Actually the reason gas prices are so LOW is because politicians hand over large subsidies to the oil companies to encourage them to artificially lower the prices we see at the pump. If you look at how much gasoline costs in foreign countries, it’s no longer a mystery why America is the only country where large, gas guzzling cars and trucks are a major feature on the road.
Is Yehuda’s beard getting longer?
the talking about politics stops here, please
Gas prices in Europe has more to do with high taxes on it. That in turn helps people cope. In Germany what I’ve felt is that everyone rides at least at some point of the day, even the ones that are driving. That gives a huge insight to the drivers of how it feels to be shoved to the curb by a fast car or by getting doored.
Ah! bikers being nerdic? I thought seeing every new female as a potential love interest was a more aggressive idea.
@Chason
I had to point out the fatal flaw in your reasoning, People here in SoCal are flocking to Mexico cuz prices are about half what they are in the states.
I’m sorry this got started, so can we please get back to bike talk and stop the political bashing. Thanks
Quick comment; gotta get ready for work.
It doesn’t bother me that people think I’m environmentally conscious; it bothers me that some think that’s the only reason I ride a bicycle when that’s actually a distant secondary reason.
I’ve been bike commuting for 4 years– and I haven’t lost a pound. It pisses me off that cyclists are so into weight loss…and that they think that my non-aerodyamic tukus inspires an insipid rivalry. (oh fat girl isn’t going fast I’ll pass at the red light so she has to pass me again — oh, I can’t let her beat me to the light, I’m gonna pedal like a banshee) gah!
i gained 20 in 2 months, and every ounce is muscle. oh yeah