People don't use public transportation here unless you don't have a car and EVERYONE has a car.
It's a *gasp* if you say you don't have a car.
But this is a small town.
People live on the outskirts of things and its hard to get around if you don't have a car.
Well, he has a car.
A truck, actually.
An old little pick-up truck that used to belong to my dad then to my nephew before it was given to him.
And he drives it.
But, when its a warm weather season and school is out (he works at the local university) he doesn't drive.
He bikes.
As in bicycle.
Two wheels only.
Without a motor.
He's the motor.
It's a 12 mile journey, round trip.
Here's some background on his biking...
He used to live in Chicago.
He never had a driver's license until he moved to the country.
He rode his bike or used public transportation (usually the EL, or elevated train, or just "the train") in Chicago.
Or he used his feet to walk.
He had a Trek bike in the city that he had found really, really cheap.
Biking is a way of life in Chicago for many people.
They run all of their errands on their bike.
They get to work on their bike.
There are designated bike lanes on the streets to ride in.
People don't freak out when they pass you (usually).
It's a respected means of travel.
Not here.
Not in the country and small town he's living in these days.
Back to the present...
We live in the country.
But kind of close to town.
My husband wears shorts and a t-shirt to ride his bike to work.
With a bag around his shoulder that holds his work clothes that he changes into once he arrives.
He has traded in the Trek for a new bike.
The Trek had bulkier tires and his new bike has road tires.
Thinner and lighter.
It's not a fancy $6000 bike.
It's from Target.
He doesn't wear tight shorts and a fitted tank like the bikers who "mean business" do.
His objective is to get exercise.
To not contribute gas exhaust into the environment.
To feel the wind on his face and to get his endorphins going.
To keep a part of his former life contained within his present life.
He gets cursed at on a daily basis.
People yell at him to get off of the road.
They honk at him.
They flip him the bird.
He's almost been run over a few times.
But he still rides.
Everyday.
Even when it's 90 degrees out.
His kids think it's a normal way to get to work.
He's an anomaly around here.
And I couldn't be more proud of him.
That is cool. I used to ride from Grandma's house to Aunt Jeanne's to my friends over on West Macon. It was about 15 miles round trip, but you're right. People are dangerous around there. One guy thought he was funny, smacked my fanny as I was avoiding a grate, and ended up knocking me clear across the sidewalk. The driver never stopped to see if I was ok, just drove off laughing hysterically.
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of bikers here and I used to work for a company that provided bicycles to get from one building to the other. I still have my bike, but need to get on it more. Kudos to your hubby!
That is wonderful! I grew up in the suburbs and my Dad would sometimes ride his bike to work (a little over 15 miles) because it was faster than taking the car due to traffic!
ReplyDeleteNow my husband walks to work each day! It is nice to leave the cars parked.