Living Without a Car (Part 7/7)

[plantiumrocky]

thats really rude...

i actually enjoy some of his vids

[kevwelyk]

As far as rain goes I just get decked out in rain gear, but some kind of cover would be nice to have.

I'm actually looking, when I get around to selling the truck, at investing money in a tadpole style recumbent trike of some kind (meaning it has a two-wheels-forward configuration).

[landongendur]

I thought about rain gear, but it would just be nice to be completely dry. Something that I find interesting are called 'velomobiles' (look them up on YouTube search). They're basically small pedal cars that can go pretty quick if designed aerodynamically. I want to make a prototype in the near future ;)

[kevwelyk]

I commented in another video of yours already. I commute everywhere by bicycle, which means my truck never gets used anymore. Just a couple of tips from things I have learned...

Invest in at least a couple of locks (a U-lock and the thickest cable lock you can find) to keep your bike safe.

If you have lots of stuff to carry it is worth it to invest in a bicycle rack and a decent set of pannier bags, rather than cramming everything into a backpack.

[landongendur]

Thanks for the tips. Definitely a U-lock is a must if leaving a bike unattended in an unsecure outdoor environment.

I've thought of some pannier bags for longer trips, but doesn't it increase aerodynamic drag more than wearing a backpack?

[kevwelyk]

To be honest, I haven't noticed any difference as far as performance or aerodynamics. Then again, I'm just riding a regular MTB and I'm not out to break any speed records. For me, personally, if there is any tradeoff it is worth it because my back is definitely less sore from carrying stuff. All I wear on my back now is a camelback.

[landongendur]

That's a really good point. I eventually want to make a 3-4 wheeled bicycle with a canopy for when it rains (and it would be a lot easier to signal turn in as well since balance wouldn't be an issue).

[takao47]

I would like to sell my car. Number 1 major issue, the place now I live MOTOWN is designed that (these city planners assume) each individuals have an automobile so that virtually there is no reliable public transportations. Plus even living in reasonably safer suburbia, Farmington Hills (located 12 Mile) which is 4 Miles north of infamous 8 Mile, still dangerous go out night time. probably much worse than North Central area of Regina. I need a car for weekend escapade to Ontario for a while!

[landongendur]

Yeah, it's really amazing how much we rely on individual automobile.

[takao47]

Kool, you finally did it for the final preparation of upcoming "PEAK OIL."

good for you and I wish I could do that same... bummer I wish I could!

[landongendur]

What's holding you back?

[Triwizard9]

Cool good for you...

What are you going to Spend all that money on???

P;D

[landongendur]

Apparently eating at restaurants... That's the next thing on my list to try and cut down on.

Other than that, I'm saving for a down-payment for a home. Maybe by the time I raise that, Canada's booming housing market will calm down :P

[cdltpx]

Congradulations this will save you so much money I wish I could do as you did I was thinking of downsizing to a 250 honda motorbike but I remember the rainy days and the 3 wrecks I had on my bike. It looks good on paper but I rather be a little safer I take too long to heal. But if I sold my car I could almost pay off the house very tempting I can't lie we need to flip a coin its how we usually solve problems like this.

[landongendur]

It should be interesting when I run into days where it rains and I need to commute. So far, I haven't run into that situation, so I'll just have to deal with it when it arises.

How much MPG does your current motorcycle get?

[cdltpx]

Don't own a mb yet I was going to sell my Scion XB and buy a small bike probably a honda 250 or a burgman400. We have more rain than you do and I remember all those days but I drive to work 3 or 4 times a month max. At work we have a shower so the rain would just be an inconvience it would not stop me from going to work I would have to get ther early.

[IrishOfNorway]

nice^^

[absolutwill]

Nice. And hey this reduces your carbon footprint! lol. Biking is good for you.

[landongendur]

It really is! When I first started biking back in January (with a different bike) I was lucky to pedal 8-mph :( I was so not used to the workout. Now I can do 20-mph+ relatively easily. I hope it only gets better from here :)

[cdltpx]

I am so jealous I use to ride about 10 miles a day when I lived in Houston TX. I worked in a convince store god all I cared about was party and female company. I bought a 750 Honda from a customer and my best friend stole the bike from me I didn't find out it was him until it was years later the creep ran up my phone bill over $300 that was a lot back then we were best friends since age 12 he had a true friend I would have given him anything he didn't need to steal from me.

[darkyannouche]

When I see the tall of the North American's cars, I am understand why you need somme petrol.Can you change your habits and drive little cars.

[landongendur]

Yeah, I actually drove a 1997 Geo metro (the green car in the montage) until just this past April. That car only used about 5-6 litres/100 kilometres, but even that's pretty expensive with today's gas prices. I was spending $550 a month on that car, so this way I'll save that amount :)

[darkyannouche]

With a renault clio 3, I burn between 4.1 and 4.5 l/100km but I practise eco driving, in normal driving I never exceed 5.0 l/100km (highway and town). But the best solution it's to use a bike like you do (for short distance it's better for the earth).$550/month whoua You must drive a lot.

[landongendur]

The $550 a month took into account the purchase price, insurance, parking, maintenance/repairs, car washes, etc. The whole expense of owning a car.

I did do a lot of driving though. I went to school in Winnipeg Canada and drove 600-km to my parent's home every 2nd weekend or so. I put on 60,000-km in a span of 1.5 years just on that one car.

[dafttool]

You've had a lot of cars in a short period of time. If cars were boyfriends, you would be a slut. :P hehe jk

I went without a car for several years, but I had access to 4 vehicles throughout that time period so it probably doesn't count.

[landongendur]

Yeah, I got bored of my cars really easy. The only car that I *really* liked was my Fiero.

[deadonspoton]

OMG you made a profit!!! $40 bucks baby! Shoot now you have enough for diner and a movie!

[landongendur]

Except I spent about $1000 extra over 9 months for insurance, repairs, oil changes, and new tires :P so not quite.

[deadonspoton]

Well thats a downer, but on the up side now you get to keep all your gas money!

[landongendur]

For sure. I figured that when I owed both my Geo Metro and Ford Tempo, I was spending $750/month on automobile costs :O So really I sold an *expense* for $240 :P

[deadonspoton]

Well see, then you did get a deal ;-P

[vmpslr2]

cool

[landongendur]

I certainly got bored of my cars quickly (or were eventually destroyed in collisions). My Fiero was the only car I actually had for a relatively long period of time. It was probably my most favorite of all. Almost 450 miles put on my bike to date! :)

[friesian86]

Wow, almost 450 miles to date! That's AMAZING! Maybe you should try unicycling? One wheel! LOL. You'll get a lot of hot guys staring at you while they drive by!! LOL. Jesse *_*

[landongendur]

I actually found a guy in the park riding a unicycle. He was all decked out in gear, so maybe he was commuting as well? :O How fast can you personally go on your unicycle?

[friesian86]

Not quite sure how fast I can go? Lets just put it this way. I'm a three time North American Unicycle Racing Champion! Not that I'm bragging or anything! LOL. Jesse *_*

[landongendur]

Wow! So cool! How come you never tell us about this awesome stuff in your blogs?!? It would be super interesting.

[friesian86]

OMG, I can't believe how many cars you've had!! So many!! I guess your bike or your sister's new Saturn is going to be your new best friend. LOL. Jesse *_*