Okay, I'm one of those Luddites who's never owned a car/truck/etc

I love bicycles, they're efficient, clean, quiet, all-terrain vehicles. I live downtown and can ride my bike to work, shopping, visiting, whatever. I have studied the history and construction, and have a few tools for basic adjustments and repairs. When I'm riding or fixing my bikes time seems to disappear, it's a zone of pure enjoyment for me.

I'm old-school in my tastes, I grew up with the English Raleigh style roadsters. I don't care for mountainbikes esthetically, but they are practical for rough surfaces. It is true that materials and design have improved in the last 25 years, but emotionally I prefer the old steel 3/5 spd type, with appropriate upgrades. Simplicity appeals to me, it's also easier to maintain.

Cycling is pretty much the only exercise I get these days, I have trouble walking long distances because of falling arches. It's one of the few workouts I've tried that doesn't bore me (swimming is another). I never did a lot of team sports so this kind of fills the gap.

And I can park almost anywhere

Hear, hear!

I love to bike, to feel the wind in my hair, smell the various odors, sense temperature changes, experience the weather in all its variations, feel the energy flowing through my body.

I work with technology in an office and this is one of the few ways of being in contact with nature, or what's left of it. Switch off the mind, gaze at infinity and just push those pedals. Glide through the landscape, forgetting yourself. I just love it. Even when it rains. Especially when it rains and storms. There's something very romantic about battling against, nay, dancing with a storm. Giving it all till one's exhausted but satisfied.

Because of my bad health I can sense acutely the effect things have on my body. One whiskey, going to bed late or getting wound up over something, and I'll pay for it the next day. Believe me if I tell you that biking is *very* healthy. It gives energy, both mental and physical, you lose weight and become stronger. It's also good for your bloodpressure and heartrate, among other things.

I've never owned a car. I don't like cars. They're feminine, they enclose you and make you dependent. They isolate you, especially from nature. They seduce you, so you become enslaved, victim of your own laziness. They force themselves upon you, you're almost obliged to be shackled to one these days, otherwise you're presumed a failure.

Give me my iron horse and I'm happy.

I couldn't agree more SG, I second everything you said. I've had many happy moments of meditation in the saddle in all kinds of weather (we have some police on bicycles here too).

You're in the Low Countries yes? I've heard there is a long tradition of cycling there. Some bike makers market certain models only to you folks, the Oma? The Swiss had an army model until a few years ago.

I didn't mention that bicycles are the ultimate "everyman" vehicle: they're cheap, easy to carry or store, can be worked on by almost any mechanic...as you probably know in Asia bicycles were sold in the millions up until recently (sadly the carbon-spewing autos are moving in oh well)

Just prior to her passing, my Mom purchased a bicycle for me so when I got a job I'd have transport. Luckily, in England, things are built so 'close' that almost everything is within cycling distance.
Sadly, some bastards stole it from outside my Sisters' home. It was locked up, but they nabbed it anyway. What's worse, I then borrowed a neighbours bike - locked it up at the trainstation, got back from a shop and blow me down with a fart - some thieving gypsies had stolen that one too! So I was two bikes down in less than a month.
That's the single problem with bikes - they're too easy to steal.

Yep, it's a huge problem here too, in some neighbourhoods leaving a bike overnight means it will be stripped by next day

there are some pretty tough locks available nowadays, still a lot cheaper a gas-guzzler

Yep, it's a huge problem here too, in some neighbourhoods leaving a bike overnight means it will be stripped by next day

There are some pretty tough locks available nowadays, still a lot cheaper than a gas-guzzler, though I would consider a motor scooter as I get older

sorry, I'm not so slick with these computer thingies...

now give me an old guitar, heh

OMG a man after my own heart!!!

I have never owned or driven a car; in fact I don't know how to drive. Always lived in cities and so could use mass ttransit/walk/cycle.

I still own the black 3 speed Raleigh my Dad bought me in 1976..I also now own two other 3 speeds (one green, one blue) that my husband bought me when we married (I didn't want an engagement ring, I wanted, and got, a new bike!)

And like you, I have trouble walking too much these days due to plantar fasciitis and fallen arches (gel orthotic inserts will help you with the fallen arches, btw, but still do not walk a lot.) My bikes (which I use for recreation and utility) as well as my exercise bike (indoor) are my exercise.

My husband is a car fan, something I'm not crazy about. He thinks cars rock, I don't. I think they are dirty, smelly and expensive to maintain.

I do like cars...to look at, some of them are beautiful. I have great respect for the designers and builders, harnessing the power of petroleum in horseless carriages that can be works of art.

But I'm a city guy too, cycling and public transit are my reality. I was never a speed demon, though I still have a valid driver's license. I do rent vans and such for moving large items. I've never had enough money to own and maintain an automobile, I'm content to watch other drivers, I don't envy them the cost and trouble.

Maybe you could find a tandem to ride with hubby? I hear they're good for team-building, kind of like a canoe.

I own every fucking vehicle from snowboard, to skateboard, horse, car, truck etc.. Motorbike, tandem..

But, for me, the old shove iron (i have about 6) is the one I will never part with..

If I had to have only one possession, it would be my bike..

The answer to the "keeps getting stolen" problem.. (second to, shit weather and constant fucking puntures in my book!

Is..

1. Good lock..

2. Dobermann on viagra waiting for a victim tied to steed and trotting along as you ride..

3. Dont take your #1 iron out for those "risky trips".. Keep a "nail" bike that aint worth fuck all and looks like a shit sandwhich.. Its likely to still be there when you get back, and even if not, its not a great loss!

Good advice, sadly though it was the only one I had available.

Gordon Friggin' Bennett, no wonder you call yourself Sad Geek.

Tell us how you feel about toasters and chips while you are at it. Are they evil seducers and 'feminine' too?

Cars are 'feminine'? Well the Gogomobile maybe. But an Aston Martin? A Land Rover? And what the hell is wrong with 'feminine'? I like feminine.

I like feminine too, but I don't want my bike to be pink for example. You might want to take a look at this to see where I'm coming from.

Toasters are masculine, btw: they get all hot and bothered then expel something. If they were feminine they would consume the toast themselves.