Touring on a three speed
There is a category of bicyclists that is growing in numbers. They have older bikes, probably bought used and primarily used for transportation. Some of these get converted to a fixed gear but none the less are used to go from a place of residence to a place of business. This emerging category of people on bikes using it for transportation is the group I belong to and advocate for. This is what Bikejax.org stands for.
To promote the notion that you don’t need a ‘fancy’ bike to start commuting, Ryan Van Duzer from Wonderbikes, the bicycle advocacy group of New Belgium Brewery, took off on a three speed bike and toured across several states.
This is are his words after completing the tour:
I never thought in a million years that my cruise across America would be as amazing as it was. Most people thought that the idea of riding a heavy three speed sounded very uncomfortable…and in fact it was. But it’s not the moments on the bike I remember most about this journey. It was the people I met along the way who made this experience so magical. Everywhere I pedaled I met friendly, warm-hearted Americans. From café owners in the deserts of Arizona to coal miners in West Virginia, it seemed that everywhere I turned, someone was there to make my day a little brighter. And to all the Wonderbikers across this great land, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of you who joined me for a days ride or took in and fed a stinky Duzer. This may have been a solo mission across the country but I never felt alone with so many people cheering me on.
And what did I accomplish other than get a very sore behind? Well, the goal was pretty simple, to inspire people to ride their bikes and raise money for Community Cycles in Boulder Colorado. I may not have motivated the entire country to ditch their cars but I definitely got some people to think twice about driving. I got countless emails from strangers who promised me that they’ll ride more often, even my mom! And it looks like we’ll raise about $4,500 for Community Cycles and their youth after school program. A big high five to all who donated to this great cause! If we can inspire the little ones now, we’ll create a culture of cycling that will last a lifetime.
What now? I’m gonna rest my body for a little while, and probably drink some cold Fat Tires until I dream up a new adventure. Until then I hope you all keep on riding your beautiful bicycles and ringing your bells.
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March 30th, 2010 at 8:42 am
I’m a bicycle commuter. I ride 5 miles round trip to the high school where I teach. I know it’s not much,but I see some students and teachers drive roughly two city blocks to get to school. I fit in to the group that needs to bike commute the most: namely, all those who live five miles or less from their destination. I’m proud of myself for riding almost everyday this school term (09-10) with the exception of four days in early January when the roads were thick with ice. Zero degree weather and heavy rains and wind have slowed me, but not stopped me.
I ride a three speed Takara from the seventies, probably, complete with headlight, flashing taillight, baskets on the rear and a rear rack. I also wear a helmet and helmet mirror. I don’t wear “bicycle” clothing, but my teaching attire. Unfortunately, I’ve not received a warm reception riding my bike daily from some of the vehicle drivers in this small northeast Kansas town. But, I hope I’m making a good impression for these students.
I’ve saved a little money and feel good about it. I also enjoy it. Good for you to advocate for bicycle commuting/transportation. Show them it doesn’t take “the newest thing” to do so.
March 30th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Thank you for visiting this site. I promote bicycles as transportation, may that be any bicycle. For the money, I have been able to find better used bicycles than new. For the flat lands of Florida, I find a single speed adequate, even on some of the bridges over St. Johns River.
The students need to know that bicycles are not just a birthday present but a very efficient tool. They are tomorrow’s law makers, commuters, engineers and politicians.