Pedal vs. Peds
On the way home from work the other day, I passed the new Mike’s Bikes on I Street. I recognized the name from runs I’d done past their Sausalito branch.
Now, the last bike I owned had a banana seat and blue streamers blazing from the handlebars - so I certainly don’t know a thing about the cycle shops in town. I know there is an enthusiastic group of cyclists out there, however, who enjoy the miles and miles of trails along the river - from here all the way up to Folsom Lake, if not further. (I saw them, felt them, whizzing past full speed along the trails out there - my one complaint: if drivers are supposed to watch out for cyclists, then cyclists could certainly share the road better with runners, but I digress).
I don’t necessarily like the idea of having a bike - they take up a lot of space, get jacked all too easily, and you have to wear a helmet or risk death or worse. But, I’ve always wanted a shiny beach cruiser - pink or yellow, with big, steady wheels and large, gleaming handle bars.
Passing Mike’s Bikes, I thought, you know, beach cruisers aren’t so expensive and given the short distance between my office and my house, maybe a bike is the way to go as the days get shorter. Storing the thing at home would be easy enough, but I’m not sure about the office. There’s still the helmet factor, not to mention the practical realities of dress pants, shoes, suits, and gears (or even just a chain, for the gear-less cruiser) - all of which are at odds with turning up ready to meet with clients.
But lots of people commute by bike, appreciating the environmentally and physically friendly aspects of the practice. So is it worth it? I’m no fan of Sacramento drivers to being with - take away my steel safety cage and I wouldn’t know what to do. . . . Maybe I should just walk?
Get the bike!
Those crusiers look really nice, probably no good for commuting but who cares when you can look that cool.
As for oily trousers, why not get changed at work?
Still plucking up the corrage to cycle to work but it takes about 15mins in the car so I figure it’s at least an hour by bike for me. Still at least I have a nice route.
I bought a bike at Mikes bikes last week after visiting several other bike shops and getting mocked for not being a “bike buff”. I have no idea why bike shop people feel that they are better than everyone else. I mean they are just bikes guys relax.
Any way… Mikes bikes was much better and I got a Bike that has turned me into a bike commuter because its so nice to ride!
Buy a bike and buy it at Mikes Bikes.
I think it’s worth it. When I lived in Midtown I could commute easily by bike to my job. Now, I have one stretch that seems suicidal by bike. Not being able to ride has been a downer. If you’re able to do it without fearing for your life (i.e. riding on Freeport or some other frightening stretch) then go for it!
I know what you mean about the cyclist-tude. Not that all cyclists have it, but there is a definite subcultural/tribal aspect to the sport. I expect more static when asking about types of bikes than if I were to, say, go buy a catchers mitt or something.
I think my commute would be short (and flat) enough that a cruiser would work. I also have ZERO ability to work the whole gears thing. Never had a 10-speed. Don’t even drive a manual.
I get the physics behind the concept, hell, I could probably still calculate relative forces and efficiencies, etc, but I just cannot work that shit. Something gearless and fancy-free sounds about my (one) speed.
Have you considered becoming a mod and riding a Vespa or Lambretta to work?
It’s got the benefits of cycling but without all that fussy pedalling and no chains to catch your troos on. Additionally they have no gears to fiddle with and with 100MPG you still get to save the environment.
As a bonus (you mentioned the clothing necessary for cycling), imagine kitting yourself out in de rigeur Parker ‘tent’ coat complete with a super-cool British ’roundel’ print on the back.
“Oi oi! We are the mods…!”
I take that back - you really don’t want to look like that numpty naked chef Jamie Oliver do you?