Some cyclists are part of the solution, some part of the problem

[TheTibetanMonkey]

Well, it's not like I want to divide the bicycling community in two camps, but there's no bicycling community to save anyway, and the truth should be told... THOSE CYCLISTS WHO STRAP THEIR BIKES TO THE CAR AND GO SOMEWHERE TO RIDE ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM. That leaves the rest of us clear from blame and shame.

And the reason I say that is because they first pollute by using the car, then don't use the bicycle for practical purposes, and generally avoid the word "revolution" in their vocabulary. It's not as clear cut as you would imagine though as I'm often forced to launch the car before I launch the bike. But I do incorporate the word revolution in my vocabulary and do take advantage of the bike as a cargo vehicle. Yes, that's what the bicycle is. That's what Mao had in mind.

We do use the bike as a fashion statement, but that's some "petty bourgeoisie" trait we got to leave behind. They say all Dutch bikes are painted black. But the Danish are all about fashion...

http://www.velorbis.com/

Well, we don't know if the revolution should be PROLETARIAN or MIDDLE CLASS. Something to think about.

[TheTibetanMonkey]

OK, how about something patriotic like this:

WE CAN MAKE BEACH CRUISERS IN AMERICA.

I know that sounds revolutionary, but we make them in America and can promote them for Americans. Every man, woman and child should have one.

I'd go for single speed because it got nothing to lose but the chain, but the middle class can have it three speed and beyond. Steel is the metal of choice. It will never break in your lifetime.

The automobile industry and big oil may go hungry, but the restaurant industry will thrive. Every time you need to put "gas," you eat something that tastes delicious. Everything tastes delicious when you are hungry. Popcorn is great and that's American. You can even eat good-old-fashioned apple pie and burn it off. That's American.

And it saves you tennis shoes, which are --in all likelihood-- made in China. I still remember that Nike scandal. Beach cruisers are *all American* and will reduce our dependency on foreign oil. We will be able to tell Chavez, "Now you keep that oil, bastard!"

In short, we will be free.

[TheTibetanMonkey]

"The Velorbis Short John delivery bicycle is great for the traditional handyman who uses this bike with a basket. It’s also ideally suited for mobile advertising and displays as the delivery bike can be tailored to display your company's colours and logo on its large name plate – a memorable, social and mobile way to promote your brand in situations where a really heavy-duty bicycle is required."

http://www.velorbis.com/classic-vint...-cargo-bicycle

A bicycle like that can change the world. It ain't cheap like those made in China, but it's a lot of prestige. I'm trying to get them to sponsor the Revolution in exchange for me riding one. If this were to happen, the Revolution will go Middle Class.

So far I ride Chinese clones.

[TheTibetanMonkey]

> You certainly are surrounded with terrifying circumstances. I
> recommend that you cease and desist from these activities that so
> obviously cause you undue mental anguish and spend more time inside
> your house.... with the door locked to prevent the outside world from
> intruding into your snug little haven.

Last two times to the supermarket, on back streets, resulted first in a stupid argument over honking and then a near miss, all due to a wealthy community that blocked itself from the world. In the near miss the guy apologized but the lady behind was blasting the horn, so we would stop "all the talk." She was coming home and couldn't possibly wait two minutes. She's cold as a shark.

I'm relocating my bikes to another location where conditions are such that don't place you in direct confrontation. I don't want to fight every time I go out. I don't want to hear horns.

I ride for fun and exercise, not to enter a war zone where both sides are laying claim to no-man's land. I also ride for the planet, something that may sound odd to those who deny man-made climate change. I wished I could go everywhere within, say 5 miles, but some bridges and sidewalks make my ride winding and grinding.

I will have to do like most Americans do: launch a car before launching the bike, somewhere where's safe. I must pollute before I can save gas. That's a funny concept.

(I will post this to my local forum and if I'm wrong, they'll challenge me)

[somelady]

Some places still don't have bike areas, so we have to drive it there.
But yes, I would ride my bike anywhere I could, if I could.

[TheTibetanMonkey]

Some places still don't have bike areas, so we have to drive it there.
But yes, I would ride my bike anywhere I could, if I could.

And they may not come in our lifetime. A good attitude though is that we are ready if they come.

I'm kind of crisscrossing this town, but it ain't easy. I hear a cyclist got hurt on Indian Creek and 41st. A pedal is still on the ground.

We still drive to some areas to play it safe and avoid the struggle.