What the hell happened? Did those crazy philosophy professors at UVSC get a hold of me and brain wash me? Nope. I can sum it up in two problems: I got fat, and so did the oil companies. The solution: I bought a bicycle, and to ensure I used it I sold my 4Runner.
Crazy? Just a little. But since riding my bike, in March, I’ve lost 20 lbs, and saved about $500.
I haven’t been perfect at riding my bike everyday, but 98% of the time my fat butt is riding down 500 West at 7 am. My commute is only 8 miles, but to make it worth my while I climb all 8 flights of stairs carrying my bike, and on my way home I take the long way and some day when I’ve lost another 10 lbs I’ll take the very long way which includes a ride up Provo canyon.
What about the oil companies? They are getting rich, and honestly that is fine with me, but not at my expense. I don’t believe everyone should ride a bike, but those who can should. We live in an oil economy where products are bought and sold because transportation is cheap and convenient, so their profits are really a by-product of a strong global economy. By riding my bike I’ve removed those variables (cheap and convenient) from my purchasing decisions; now it really rests on the basis of necessity.
What about the environment? I haven’t watched an Inconvenient Truth; let’s face it Mr. Gore doesn’t fly to the Emmy’s in a commuter airliner, and he definitely has not downgraded his mansion to live like the middle-class American. But I do care about the environment, so my zero emission commute everyday is my contribution. My contribution doesn’t include my need to be an activist. If you are not motivated on your own to take care of the environment, and spend your $$$ accordingly, then there is nothing I can say or do to change your mind.
Hmmmm….a few words about buying a bicycle. Buy the best bicycle you can afford, if you know you are going to stick with it, or if you are like me and force yourself by selling your car. I bought the Trek Madone 5.2 and I’m kicking myself. Don’t get me wrong I love my bike, but it really is only in the middle of the road. Upgrading components will cost me nearly the price of a new bike, and buying a new bike puts me a two thousand dollars in the hole for my current bike. I don’t know enough about bikes to tell you which is the best brand, but you can’t go wrong w/ Trek, Specialized or Felt. But most important get the better components (Shimano Dura-Ace), racing seat, racing tires/wheels, and all the other bells and whistles. Why? Because if you start loving the ride the way I do you’ll wish your bike was a little lighter and a lot faster.
Oh. One last thing. I don’t and won’t wear spandex 
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