about
Several years ago, I decided to see how feasible it would be to change my daily mode of transportation from car to bicycle. Living in a rural area makes for great recreational riding, but creates challenges for hauling groceries and “stuff”, as well as getting to appointments and places in town. For the time being, I am using this blog is to chronicle my experiences of biking and trying to live a little bit ‘greener’ – through words and photos … including the advantages and the pitfalls, things seen along the way, and riding adventures from here to there.
Want to know a little more? Well, I am now 49 50 51 years old, happily married since 1985, mother of four amazing young men. We are an active, outdoor-loving family – we enjoy cycling, snow skiing, hiking, and camping. I also like to swim, knit, read, journal/draw, and play around with several other hand-crafts. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family – we are a rather nutty bunch most of the time, and it is always a laughter-filled adventure.
I ride a “collection” of bicycles: a Specialized Dolce road bike (customized), a Surly Long Haul Trucker/Xtracycle customization, a Globe Live3, a Specialized Hardrock mountain bike, and occasionally an eZip Trailz electric bike. The Dolce and the Xtracycle see most of the action.
People have asked me about my camera(s) and my photography. Although I have sold (and otherwise shared/published/bartered) a few shots with a few interested parties, I consider myself a dedicated hobbyist only. However, the images that appear here and on my Flickr are protected by Copyright; if you’d like a copy something, please just ask. My cameras include a Canon 7D, a Lumix DMC-ZS1, a Leica D-Lux 4 and an iPhone. I won’t go into my lens selection, but I am a fan of Canon’s L-series Prime lenses.
I do still own a car, despite my wish to be able to live car-free. My pretty efficient little Toyota MR2 Spyder along with my Vespa allow me get to places I can’t make it to by bike, and transport other people (at least the ones not willing to ride on the back of my Xtracycle).
Where am I? Well, let’s just say rural southeastern Tennessee – living on the “Funny Farm” with the family, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 3 goats, unknown number of turtles, and a few too many dumb ducks. That’s my story.
Nice site, nice name! This will be fun.
Great idea! To be car-free, that is. I gave up my car last Fall after not riding it at all throughout Spring and Summer. Of course, I live in an urban setting…not so much hassle to get to commercial areas. My kids – a nearly 17 y.o. and a nearly 3 y.o. The older rides everywhere too; the wee one is on the bike with me.
I look forward to reading your blogs!
Thanks Liz! I love hearing/reading about others trading car for bike. And nice to have you have 3 yr. old for company/passenger!
Excellent site! I love the “shebicycles Leaderboard”…. the 2 dogs, 1 rabbit, 5 goats, the unknown number of turtles, and a few too many dumb ducks.” My in-laws have an organic farm in west-central Wisconsin. Chickens, guinea hens, sheep, cows…along with several cats, a dog and who-knows-what-else. All of them, including the family, co-exist happily save for the day the lone ram in the bunch got…aggressive. I swear I heard one of the sheep say “Would someone please tell Herman we’re not impressed. The whole intimidation thing is just tiresome.”
…or something like that.
Thanks for creating this blog. Xtracycle posted a link to your site from Facebook. My family are not entirely car free yet but I enjoy not having to make car payments, insurance, etc. I added an electric assist on my Xtracycle to make bike trips with my son a little easier when taking him to school or running errands. I also bought a motor scooter instead of a second car for days that I need to get to work quicker. We live north of San Diego which makes it possible to ride two wheels all year round.
Thank you! It sounds like your plan of action is great. It always encourages me to find others who are finding ways to incorporate alternate and sustainable forms of transportation into their daily routines; bikes alone, bikes plus public transportation, bikes plus scooters – it all works. There are so many combinations of modes of travel that are great alternatives to multiple cars. I know you live in a great place to ride – I have a cousin in SanDiego. Lucky you!!
Happy riding – appreciate hearing from you!
Great site…loved the oxfam /the helmet- need time to read more….felt familiar- I started biking 4 years ago to most things. live in four season climate and a city not at all like amsterdam so there are struggles but I love it and it has been a big part of change for me. So I’ll come back and read here often, me thinks. THanks for taking the time and reaching out!
And thanks for reading and your kind comments – always love the company of others attempting the same things by bike. Pedal on!
NICE blog!
I started riding a bike to “everywhere” 2 years ago… I live 2.5 miles from the nearest mass transit.
In Tucson the riding is mostly urban with occasional open desert sprints through sand and cacti.
The temps run from 28 to 108… so a weather check is always part of the routine.
Our mass transit system makes it easy to cover 30+ miles in a day.. even when its 105.
My car is covered in dust and the battery is usually dead.
Its interesting to compare how central the car is in the life of the average person… with how empowering and just plain fun getting around on a bike is.
Buddha is right!
Thank you so much for visiting … sounds like you have a great ride, although the temps sound pretty intense :-0 I loved what you said about cycling being both empowering and just plain fun … exactly! Happy riding!
Excellent site! I love the “shebicycles Leaderboard”…. the 2 dogs, 1 rabbit, 5 goats, the unknown number of turtles, and a few too many dumb ducks.” My in-laws have an organic farm in west-central Wisconsin. Chickens, guinea hens, sheep, cows…along with several cats, a dog and who-knows-what-else. All of them, including the family, co-exist happily save for the day the lone ram in the bunch got…aggressive. I swear I heard one of the sheep say “Would someone please tell Herman we’re not impressed. The whole intimidation thing is just tiresome.”
+1
LOVE your blog. I am new here and have enjoyed reading.
WOW…again! Ok, I will expand my previous YOU ROCK, to YOU GUYS ROCK! Really is a refreshing story of you and your family. Being surrounded and bombarded by so much negativity and “yuppyism” in my area, it sounds like you and your family have your priorities in a little better order and live a simpler kind of life?? HAPPILY MARRIED WITH 4 TEENAGE BOYS..that alone seems like a rarity these days.
Love your biking challenge.
Kudos and wish you and your family all the best!!
PEACE. LOVE. HAPPINESS.
Doug AKA Porkchop
BTW…”a novice attempt with photography” seems a gross understatement!! Your work is amazing!!!!
idea: wouldn’t be cool if we could start some sort of photo swap? I saw you liked Simons work and wanted a print. I would love one of yours hanging in my home. Maybe someone would like one of mine…hhmmm
Lovely site! Adding to my blogroll for sure! Sounds like we have a lot in common.
Thank you so much … you have no idea how much I love EcoVelo, and your photo site as well. I have been stopped in my tracks so many times, in awe of your photos and your beautiful bikes. Most grateful to you for stopping by.
Hi,
Great blog site!
Got to tell you, I traveled by your area many times(late ’80′s & early ’90′s) on my motorcycle, headed to Louisiana where my borther used to live. He now live over the mountains in Maggie Valley, N.C!. Increadible area!
This gig is nealry 3 y.o. I had always been “into” bicycles, even worked in a bike shop in the early “80′s.
Brave move on your part to ween off the car. We meet so many people here that use “Zipcar and own several bikes, commuter, road and perhaps a winter beater.
So if your ever in the area please stop by and say hey. If any of the boys head to school up this way, send them by we’ll set them up right!
Cheers!