The first few months of being carless, I relied almost entirely on my bicycle and ZipCar, which is a car-sharing service available in most major cities. But then I realized how efficient and useful a scooter could be, so I decided to buy one. At the time, I wasn't sure if it was a good decision or not. But it's a perfect way of getting around the city. It's got a basket and everything. Perfect for running errands or going grocery shopping. Also, it gets about 70 mpg, and I don't have to spend $600 for a GT parking permit. I can park the thing wherever I want! No registration, no insurance, no motorcycle license required because it's under 50cc. And there's room for a passenger. This is usually what I look like when I'm riding it around:
Also, Grey and I decided to build a tandem bike from 2 vintage road bikes that we found on craigslist. This thing took a ton of time and effort to build, and it's still not complete. But at the moment it's rideable. I'd say it's the definition of a franken-bike--we used 3 frames, various parts from other bikes, tires and wheels from my bike, and brakes from Grey's bike. So neither of our personal bikes is rideable at the moment, but it's alright because we have an incredible homemade tandem. Onward to the pictures.
This was when we still had 2 frames..trying to get the spacing right before welding.
Our roommate Clayton helped with cutting and welding. He did a great job.
"Best Friends for Life". Molly was the head decorator/painter.
Lots and lots of clearcoat.
Working at the local bike co-operative, Sopo.
Coming together, but still missing a few things.
We turned our hallway into a bike workshop.
This is the current state of the tandem. It's definitely a head-turner.It's impossible to be upset while riding a tandem, or a scooter with a basket on the back. Two-wheeled transportation is the way to go!
