"JohnnyWasASchoolBoy" (JohnnyWasASchoolBoy)
09/13/2013 at 13:23 • Filed to: None
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"JohnnyWasASchoolBoy" (JohnnyWasASchoolBoy)
09/13/2013 at 13:23 • Filed to: None | 4
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I ride my bike - the pedal kind - a lot. Like, to and from work everyday, even through cold, snowy winter. I do my errands on it, go to visit friends, and ride with our kids to and from school, and their friends' houses.
We're a biking family. We're not sanctimonious assholes about it, we just really like bikes.
Our vehicle is a much beloved 2003 Tundra step side. Yes, it has a fairly Camry-esque interior.
I have had many people over the years, ask me if I hate the planet, or being a cyclist, am I merely a hypocrite? For what it's worth I'm an environmental educator and my personal creed for owning vehicles, is that you should own the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.
Our truck represents long-distance freedom and adventure. We rarely DD it. Our truck has taken us back and forth across Western Canada a dozen times. It's taken us to the blazing heat of the American Canyonlands through Utah, Arizona, Colorado and up into Wyoming. It's pulled our tent trailer, been filled with bikes, skis, tents, camping gear, climbing gear; often at the same time. It gets kayaks and surfboards stacked on it and kids changing in the back of it.
It does all of this, with no complaint. Since we bought the truck in 2010 we've put 40,000 km on it - 90% of that on long-distance adventures. Our kids are growing up seeing mountain peaks, river valleys, forests, oceans & beaches... the entire ecological spectrum - from the back seats of this vehicle. And when we get to where we're going, we open both sides wide (there are no pillars between the front and back doors), let the kids spill out and go adventuring.
I admit I'm something of an anomaly. I'm fiercely-proud greenie who loves his truck.
In this pic there is one truck, one whitewater raft, four paddles, four bikes (standing up under the canopy), a bag of climbing gear, one tent, four back packs, and another weekend full of memories my kids, my wife and I will cherish.
PowderHound
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
09/13/2013 at 13:35 |
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I have had many people over the years, ask me if I hate the planet, or being a cyclist, am I merely a hypocrite?
These people are jackasses.
Dusty Ventures
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
09/13/2013 at 13:36 |
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You, sir, are doing it right
rcasi
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
09/13/2013 at 13:38 |
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I get the same argument from people about my driving a Cherokee XJ. I explain to them that it's a weekender, and I'm outdoorsy (i.e. I need a car that takes my camping gear, snowboards etc through snow and light trails).
I also hate having to explain to people that my Jeep driving conservatively for weekend trips on the highway (+/- 20mpg) is still more eco-friendly than every single time they take a taxi in NYC.
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JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
> rcasi
09/13/2013 at 13:42 |
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Agreed.
MikeMeade
> JohnnyWasASchoolBoy
09/13/2013 at 14:01 |
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You and I have similar styles. My Chevy truck is driven once or twice a week, and the rest of my travels are done by bike. When I need the truck, it is great. I can haul cars, parts, dirt for the yard, bikes, and whatever else comes up.
I ride my bike because it makes sense for me. I work downtown, and parking a car costs almost ten bucks a day! Riding my bike keeps me in shape for soccer and the daily runaround without taking time out of my day. My bike commute is probably faster than sitting in traffic some days.
Do what works for you!