tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14562149202471056032024-03-05T13:27:50.979-08:00On Few WheelsOn Few Wheels is a blog about life in the city (Vancouver, Canada) while conciously making use of a variety of transportation options, none of which include owning a car. Walking, public/shared transit, car share, and -- most fun of all -- cycling. In heels.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-10921512285211495792011-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:002011-07-18T19:29:27.107-07:00rushin' redsToday, riding home from work, I nearly got hit.<br />
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But...surprise, surprise...not by a motor vehicle.<br />
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I was turning left from Drake onto Burrard. Ironically, it was on the separated but in-my-opinion-awkardly-positioned bike lane, which means that it's more like turning left off a one-way street than off a regular two-way street. (Not exactly, but my ungrateful nitpicking about the separated infrastructure will have to be left for another day.) The traffic-light structure is that of a pedestrian/bicycle-activated crossing, so bicycles follow the pedestrian-crossing symbol instead of a green light. (This is a tradition which has always seemed somewhat contradictory to me, in that the powers-that-be seem to be constantly trying to keep bicycles off of sidewalks and associate them instead with motor vehicles. For the love of two wheels, WHICH DO YOU WANT US TO BE?! No wonder everybody's confused.)<br />
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Anyhoo... as the light changed and I prepared to cross, I did my instinctual check to my left to see if the cars were stopped and nobody was running the red. Two lanes, both stopped, good. Then, as I started to accelerate, a guy on a bike comes careening past the cars on the inside. Not in a bike lane; there was extra space which I think was from an unfilled parking spot. Based on our relative positioning at the time, I chose to <i>stomp</i> on the pedals to try to accelerate out of his way, loudly yelling "Woah, dude!", and he swerved the other way to avoid me. As he powered on <i>through</i> the red light without a word, I crossly -- and futilely, I expect -- yelled, "Red light!" after him.<br />
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So here's why I'm retelling this story.<br />
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As a group, we cyclists waste a tonne of breath nagging each other about helmets (in both directions). So my request is this: for anyone who knows any cyclists who routinely make a habit of this unpredictable road vice, can we attempt to expend equal effort to applying peer pressure on such cavalier, rules-don't-apply-to-me behavior? Because this isn't about the safety of <i>one</i> of us; it's about the safety of <i>all</i> of us.<br />
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Thank you.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-57185189949694305242011-07-16T10:23:00.001-07:002011-07-16T10:24:48.837-07:00in a word<div><p>The man in the elevator, eyeing my red bicycle, asked where I had ridden.  "To and from work," I replied. "It's convenient."</p>
<p>"Yes," he agreed, then paused, seeming to search for a word. "And...civilized."</p>
<p>Yes, sir.  Exactly.</p>
</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-23564288924951282852011-06-15T21:49:00.000-07:002011-06-15T21:49:17.401-07:00fashion photo seriesLong time, no blog!<br />
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It's not that I haven't been riding. I have. Every day. Everywhere.<br />
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It's that my camera is heavy and I haven't been in the mood to carry it everywhere.<br />
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However, it <i>is</i> conveniently located in my apartment, so I've started a photo series <i>there</i>.<br />
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In addition to gradually incorporating bicycles into my lifestyle over the past two years, I've also started to incorporate fashion. I call myself a "recovering frump". For years, I didn't dress very well. This isn't to say that there was anything wrong with the way I dressed but that it didn't make me feel very good about myself. I made clothing choices based on what I thought I <i>should</i> wear (or what I <i>thought</i> I wanted to wear). Now, I'm working on expressing on the <i>outside</i> a visual representation closer to what I feel like on the <i>inside</i> and dressing in a way that makes me feel great and confidant and ready to face the world every time I walk out the door.<br />
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I'm also not very good at posing for photos and not good at taking self-portraits, so put all these factors together and you get a self-portrait fashion & bicycles photo series. Be prepared for the same dusty mirror, red lamp, and wacky angles. Practice, practice, practice, they say!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5837943653/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5837943653_35b2795b25_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5837943663/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/5837943663_0ab968abf2_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5837943667/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/5837943667_98b2925642_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5837943669/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/5837943669_68cc6b3b29_z.jpg" width="481" height="640" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5838501176/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5838501176_62763ffc57_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5837943675/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/5837943675_4ea2cb276d_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a><br />
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Getting there. Far from the common image given of bicycling where you have to give up your visual identity in order to ride (case in point: the ubiquitous yellow/blue reflective rain jacket)... who knew you could start cycling and actually get <i>more</i> fashionable?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-50908206821173520052011-06-01T21:46:00.000-07:002011-06-01T21:46:32.475-07:00uvic and gordon headFor the first time since my family and I started riding bicycles together (again-- as adults), we didn't ride the Galloping Goose.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5789190152/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/5789190152_27c45a9ae7.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br />
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Instead, we took a leisurely roll to UVic, where I spent my post-secondary years before graduating in 2005, and then around calm, suburban, flat, impeccably-paved Gordon Head. (Pothole? What's a "pothole"?)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5788642959/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/5788642959_11ddbabd81.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br />
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UVic has made some serious bike rack investment since I was there. The "centre" of the University, a fountain/green area in front of the library, is now <i>ringed</i> with racks. And not those out-of-vogue squishy hanging triangle racks that waste space because you can only fit one bike in each "slot" and one misplaced speciman can cut the capacity in half... (deep breath)... but much more spacious models. Some covered. After all, if there's one thing a campus like this has, it's plenty of space.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5789190140/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5789190140_b9b08f3fbd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br />
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All in all, it was great to travel by bicycle to places that I normally associated with car, bus, or foot travel. I did ride to UVic my first year there, but after one frustrating flat I just... stopped. Lost interest, I think. (My parents house is also at the top of a serious hill. And I mean <i>serious</i>. That might have had something to do with it.) Riding to a familiar place is like recalibrating the distance-memory in my brain; I begin to perceive that place in bicycle-terms instead of by other modes. I believe we all do this as we expand our "I've ridden there" vocabularies/mental maps, destination by destination, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. UVic, Gordon Head: check!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-47704661364806527012011-05-25T21:01:00.000-07:002011-05-25T21:01:43.013-07:00kids and cargo on few wheelsI really enjoyed a recent post on <a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/">Copenhagenize</a> about <a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/2011/05/early-cargo-bike-learning-in-copenhagen.html">the variety of "play" cargo trikes for kids</a>, which incorporate either a bucket (for carting your toys, of course!) or an extra seat for your friend.<br />
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When I was a kid, my friends and I loved carting each other around in a wooden wagon, as shown here in this photo I've posted before:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5392323302/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5392323302_18384de446.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a><br />
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There's something about kids transporting each other on wheels that I really love. I think there's a sense of achievement, competence, and collaboration in it. <i>We're going somewhere together.</i><br />
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I highly recommended taking a look at <a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/2011/05/early-cargo-bike-learning-in-copenhagen.html">the post</a>-- it's mostly photos so a quick read but I guarantee you'll see some styles of bike that you've never seen before. Besides, they're mini and have rosy-cheeked little Danish kids on them. What's not to love?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-3159048589677967932011-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:002011-05-24T20:20:05.052-07:00victoria dayHm... how to spend Victoria Day?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5757226882/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/5757226882_9039479a01_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5757226878/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5757226878_1bd17a894f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5757226874/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5757226874_4715f6cd70.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5757226870/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/5757226870_d0cb7848ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5757226868/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/5757226868_4dfa4356ee.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5757226862/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/5757226862_626847d973.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />How about brunch, a bike ride, and a trip to the garden store to start a window sill herb garden?<br /><br />Yep, sounds good to me.<br /><br />How did you spend your Victoria Day holiday? Did you get out on your bicycle?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-50181967931194567962011-05-22T10:25:00.000-07:002011-05-22T10:59:30.820-07:00retro velo: retroveloI was taking a class with Emily Carr University's Continuing Studies department, recently. (<a href="http://www.ecuad.ca/programs/courses/CEID/390/SU01">Design for Social Change</a>. Recommended. Check it out.)<br /><br />Parked out front, one Tuesday evening, was a <a href="http://www.retrovelo.de/">Retrovelo</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5746914991/" title="A Retrovelo @ Emily Carr by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/5746914991_30eaa56635.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="A Retrovelo @ Emily Carr"></a><br /><br />Leave it to an art/design student/teacher to have such a seriously stunning ride. Look at those fat white tires! The painted stem. The 3-tiered front fork. (I suppose there's probably a technical name for that. I just don't know it.) It's a lovely specimen of a bicycle. (And German, I believe.)<br /><br />As of yet, I don't know of any shop in Vancouver that sells them, so perhaps it came from somewhere else? If anyone reading this knows of any importers in BC, do fill me in.<br /><br />In other non-photographic news, I spotted:<br /><br />- A <a href="http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10LIVEWMN2">Globe Live 2 Mixte</a>, the other model I was considering before deciding to purchase my Globe Daily 3. There were fabric flowers strung festively around the front rack/basket.<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.abici-italia.it/index_ing.html">Abici</a> bicycles (Italian) being sold at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gigi-B-on-Granville-Island/174156099300468?sk=wall">Gigi B</a> in the Net Loft on Granville Island. Warning: if you like high-quality, classically-styled bicycles, these <span style="font-style:italic;">will</span> leave you drooling.<br /><br />And not <span style="font-style:italic;">spotted</span>, but news to <span style="font-style:italic;">report</span>...<br /><br />- <a href="http://raincitybikes.bigcartel.com/">Rain City Bikes</a> is now carrying <a href="http://www.linusbike.com">Linus</a> bicycles. With a variety of frame styles -- mixte, loop, diamond -- and speeds -- single, 3, 5, 8 -- all with internal hubs and many with chain guards and racks, these look like they would make great city bikes. I plan to check them out next time I'm in that neighbourhood.<br /><br />And that's all for today from the "new practical and beautiful bicycles gracing our city" department.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-75696597927817941402011-05-15T10:43:00.001-07:002011-05-15T10:50:04.633-07:00pack upIt's been a while since I posted a music video. This one has some serious cruisers, ape hangers and all.<br /><br /><iframe width="500" height="314" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dzY0-I4Gq5w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Plus, it's catchy! And has public transportation. And rowboats. I like to put it on and dance around my apartment.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-76154948600849682092011-05-14T10:02:00.001-07:002011-05-14T10:22:17.487-07:00easter ride<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719427242/" title="just around the bend by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/5719427242_6c4fae5ffd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="just around the bend"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719427236/" title="through the forest by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/5719427236_278f839923.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="through the forest"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5718830705/" title="Luxton Fairgrounds by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/5718830705_984b473987.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Luxton Fairgrounds"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719427230/" title="parking lot by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/5719427230_7785fb1e87.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="parking lot"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719369490/" title="dark below and blue above by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/5719369490_209b30ca1b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dark below and blue above"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719369486/" title="a blur of pink by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/5719369486_f301a6dd10.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="a blur of pink"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719369460/" title="waiting patiently by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/5719369460_fc699b227c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="waiting patiently"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719369474/" title="Look at my sandwich! by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/5719369474_f9308ca212.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Look at my sandwich!"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719369454/" title="guys and bikes by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/5719369454_3f6abbc4d6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="guys and bikes"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5718830715/" title="Have a chariot day! by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/5718830715_d1452812bf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Have a chariot day!"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5719369484/" title="mid-ride picnic by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/5719369484_069123860d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mid-ride picnic"></a><br /><br />I visited my family in Victoria for Easter weekend and we celebrated Spring by going for a bicycle ride along the Galloping Goose trail starting at Luxton Fairgrounds and riding as far as Roche Cove. The weather surprised us by being perfect. The trail, being an old rail line, is probably one of the flattest you'll find in the Victoria area. (Islands. That whole mountains-rising-from-the-sea thing. Sheesh.) This section of the trail passes through a variety of areas, including some farm areas, some dark, damp forested areas, and some of those open, rocky areas where you can smell the Arbutus trees and dried grasses. Another nice surprise was when we stumbled upon O, who works with my family (my dad, mom, and sister all work together), on a ride with his partner E and their 1-year-old baby E in a chariot. Despite the fact that they're more athletic about their riding than the rest of us, they'd also come a farther distance (and E was pulling the chariot) so joined us for the last leg. At the far end, we stopped for a short lunch before turning around to ride back. Despite the fact that it was deep into the most stressful time of year for most of the group (they're all in accounting), everyone seemed to agree that this was pretty great way to spend a Saturday.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-11261178709134918752011-05-08T18:02:00.001-07:002011-05-08T18:18:10.886-07:00spring weekend(s)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5701835266/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/5701835266_9c78fb6fa7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5701835172/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5701835172_6f9a9d149e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5701835272/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5701835272_9987086d8a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5701835276/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/5701835276_21b5efaf1e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />I haven't had either of my bicycles out since Thursday.<br /><br />!!!<br /><br />On Friday I bussed it, because I met up with Melanie after work for dinner at <a href="http://nuba.ca/">Nuba</a> and a showing of <a href="http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/billcunninghamnewyork/">Bill Cunningham New York</a>. In some situations, walking+transit is the most appropriate mode of transportation.<br /><br />On Saturday, it poured! And I mean <span style="font-style:italic;">poured</span>. The kind of rain that is more common in other places but not here in drizzle-land. It was fantastic to be sitting at the window of a coffee shop when the sky let go, watching everyone on the street run for cover and the gutters fill up like mini rivers. I hadn't been wearing my gumboots so got a bit soggy on the way home, but-- meh. It's not January, so I don't really mind. I don't melt.<br /><br />On Sunday (today), I went clothes shopping, which I do rarely because I usually find it such a chore. (I do enjoy fashion and the preparation of an outfit, but for some reason dislike the process of filling my closet in the first place.) Instead of riding, I -- again -- walked+bussed. In the circumstances, it just make sense.<br /><br />So those pictures above?<br /><br />Yeah, they're from <span style="font-style:italic;">last</span> weekend.<br /><br />It seems I'm getting lazy.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-13919794315254965652011-04-30T10:38:00.000-07:002011-04-30T10:46:34.889-07:00piecycle races are coming your wayPiecycle!<br />Piecycle!<br />I want to ride my piecycle<br />I want to ride my...<br /><br />Hm.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5673137804/" title="piecycle by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5673137804_b6a9a3b770.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="piecycle"></a><br /><br />Friday is "treat day" in my department and yesterday it was my turn. I baked an apple pie and a mixed berry pie (only one with a from-scratch crust, though) and transported them to work the best way I know: by bicycle.<br /><br />I took my older bike because it has the wider basket that was able to fit the containers. You can only see one of them in this photo; the second was in a flat box underneath that red towel.<br /><br />The pies arrived at work completely unscathed. Mission accomplished.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-45959786354204108082011-04-26T21:19:00.000-07:002011-04-26T21:36:00.163-07:00on two feetOne of my favourite things to do on a gently rainy day is to go for a walk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5659782407/" title="Puddle Picture by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5659782407_ae0953e788.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Puddle Picture"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5659782409/" title="Crossing Blades by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5659782409_cb13a25b01.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Crossing Blades"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5659782403/" title="Empty Benches by the Lagoon by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5659782403_29dda2df73.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Empty Benches by the Lagoon"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5659782393/" title="Sparkly Pink Leaves by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5659782393_aec39863fb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sparkly Pink Leaves"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5659782383/" title="Unfurling Ferns by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5659782383_d0b37ca231.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Unfurling Ferns"></a><br /><br />The pace is always unashamedly slow, meandering in gumboots and raincoat. The smells of nature rise above the usual perfume of the city. I smell soaked cedar, soggy soil, and greenery disturbed by water.<br /><br />Even at my slowest on a bicycle, I wouldn't get quite this much detail. I lean in with my camera, examining the individual droplets coating every leaf, petal, and stalk.<br /><br />At the edge of Stanley Park, garden pathways invite, but there are still pockets of wild. Ferns unfurl in dark corners that rarely see sunlight. Moss creeps out across any available surface, glowing the bright green of new spring.<br /><br />Love the rain. After all, if this wasn't city, it would be rainforest.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-41902030190163994212011-04-11T22:01:00.000-07:002011-04-11T22:10:29.584-07:00a "spring" rideOn Saturday, Melanie and I took our bicycles for a spring ride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5611842911/" title="Slow versus Go by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5611842911_63cf83fc10.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Slow versus Go"></a><br /><br />I'd had a metal shard removed from my rear brake by the bike shop that morning, so was eager to get out for a ride, as I'd been using my other bike for most of the week until I could get to the shop.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5611842907/" title="Monochrome Panda by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5611842907_8d094e423e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Monochrome Panda"></a><br /><br />Her bike is turquoise with a red seat and mine is red, so with much chromatic intention (read: none) we valiantly had an outdoor lunch on these appropriately-hued chairs. It was still a bit chilly, so our "picnic" was fairly short. Good thing we could continue to enjoy each others' company outdoors in another simple manner that kept us at a better temperature for this early spring day: riding.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5611842903/" title="Red & Turquoise by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5611842903_543ec4c4c3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Red & Turquoise"></a><br /><br />There were many sights to be seen, including this weird but wonderful overgrown shed with... um, wooden banister-things nailed to the side of it? Sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5611842899/" title="Odd & Overgrown by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5611842899_f5a252b365.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Odd & Overgrown"></a><br /><br />Regretably, the sun didn't make an appearance, but it didn't dampen our enjoyment of the ride any less. (Not figuratively OR literally.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5611842913/" title="Wheeee! by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5611842913_aecfc748af.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Wheeee!"></a><br /><br />It was still pretty fun anway.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-40238404861548673112011-04-03T11:16:00.001-07:002011-04-03T11:30:34.682-07:00not just a passing phaseNow that I've been riding for 2 years and am quite confident that it's not just a passing phase...<br /><br />...I've made an investment.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5586104032/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5586104032_18d53acb46.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />A leather saddle by Brooks, <a href="http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=saddles+-+city+%26+heavy+duty&prod=B72">model B72</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5585519731/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5585519731_fc86f63884.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />When it rains, I cover it in this nice shower cap purchased for less than $5 at the drugstore.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5586104030/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5586104030_1777811c85.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />I bought it at the <a href="http://www.denmanbikeshop.com/">Denman Bike Shop</a>, whose staff/owners were friendly, helpful and informative. They reviewed my bike and installed it right then and there with no delay. The thing I love about their shop is that form and functionality are considered <span style="font-style:italic;">equally</span> important. In much of the bike world, form is secondary, but here they seem to be big believers that you can have your cake it eat it too-- or have bicycles, parts and accessories that you love to look at <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> know that they're still doing their job.<br /><br />The breaking-in period for the saddle is going fine so far. The first few rides were a tad less comfortable than usual, but I started to notice improvement quite quickly and it's only getting better. Looking forward to many, many more.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-13931643119095774882011-03-31T22:16:00.000-07:002011-03-31T22:41:05.284-07:00another family rideLast weekend I was in Victoria visiting my family. As I <a href="http://onfewwheels.blogspot.com/2011/02/family-of-bicycles.html">mentioned recently</a>, both my parents and my sister are all proud owners of new bicycles. Since that purchase, my parents haven't wasted a single weekend day and have already taken two-wheeled jaunts in every direction. For a single month that consisted of a 3:1 ratio of winter:spring, they've done pretty awesome.<br /><br />Naturally, when I was in town, we planned a ride. Of <span style="font-style:italic;">course</span> we did. (Coincidentally, brother-in-law is the only one without a new bicycle and the only one who didn't join the ride this time, due to the end-of-semester crunch at school.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578366353/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5578366353_d55a7d6005.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />I didn't ride <a href="http://onfewwheels.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-life-part-2.html">Harriet</a> because we were concerned about her comfort level on a long-ish ride that included some gravel sections. Instead, I rode the latest "new-old" steed in the fleet, a grey-ish Giant diamond frame hybrid donated to my parents by some of their friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578962822/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5578962822_be353eb85c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />He's not particularly elegant, but does the job quite satisfactorily. (I've taken to calling him "George" in my head.) It did feel a bit unusual to be leaned over quite so much after being used to my upright bikes, but it wasn't quite as uncomfortable as some rentals I've ridden in the past.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578366361/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5578366361_0cfe93ce21.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />My sister's bike come with a shiny bell!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578366345/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5578366345_a430d5cd36.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />Both my parents have added mirrors to theirs. I'm tempted to get one (for my bike(s) here in Vancouver, I mean), as I do a lot of shoulder-checking when I'm on the road.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578366339/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5578366339_f808b35654.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />Our destination was Mattick's Farm, where there are stickers on the wall instead of wallpaper.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578366335/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5578366335_9fdb6ec628.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />It's the kind of place that's touristy in a Grandma sort of way but you love it anyways because it's always been there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5578366343/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5578366343_a7d1bca731.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />We managed to lock up four bikes with a single cable lock. (Not super-secure, I know, but it's not exactly a dodgy area and we were having hot chocolate just inside the doors.) That's George at the front.<br /><br />I feel lucky that my family can enjoy such outings together even as adults. It's great to be able to share in something that gets us outdoors, active, and having fun.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-35957350284193650892011-03-24T20:48:00.000-07:002011-03-24T21:00:04.164-07:00the 'wall'Wednesday this week was one of those days that reminds me where all those glittering tourism photos of Vancouver come from. Since it was no night to be heading straight home from work to do chores inside, I detoured (and I mean <span style="font-style:italic;">really detoured</span>) around the Stanley Park seawall for the first time in a few months.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5557231609/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5557231609_0377342e26.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'm constantly recommending to people who have never ridden it to <span style="font-style:italic;">go on a weeknight</span>. Avoid Saturday and Sunday afternoons at all cost, I tell them, because you will spend so much time trying to maneuvre around clumps of tourists and wandering pedestrians that you won't get the full impact of the route.<br /><br />That night: full impact. The other cyclists out -- from racers to BMXers -- seemed to agree.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5557231603/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5557231603_d2a7d6b7cb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The tide was low and it smelled like seaweed. Mmmmmm. Olfactory sunshine. Memories of childhood summers on the sea.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5557231597/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5557231597_e283776d11.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I love the shadow that this empty bike rack cast.<br /><br />(Don't worry. It won't be empty for much longer.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5557231617/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5557231617_f8dee75172.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Still cool enough for legwarmers and wool coat, though.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5557231613/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5557231613_014d773d75.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Oh oh oh! I'm getting so excited for the upcoming months. It's finally here.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-56599695346165995322011-03-24T20:00:00.000-07:002011-03-24T20:10:55.965-07:00purple flowers and sparkly blue paintSpotted this lovely flower-bedecked bicycle outside of <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?cid=5070331489015349520&q=finch%27s+tea+house&hl=en&dtab=0&sll=49.283883,-123.125424&sspn=0.006295,0.032893&ie=UTF8&ll=49.290594,-123.136911&spn=0,0&z=15">Finch's Tea House</a> downtown yesterday, after picking up scrumptious baguettes with <a href="http://myolympuspenf.blogspot.com/">Melanie</a> and eating them while wandering around in the glorious (and long-awaited) sunshine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5557141037/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5557141037_a448f65b4d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In other news, this month is my 2-years-of-bicycling-(again) anniversary. In March 2009 I bought a bicycle after a number of years of not riding and promptly fell in love with this beautiful mode of movement. I simultaneously feel like it was just yesterday and like I can no longer remember life without bicycles in it. Here's hoping for many, many more.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-59446366852242027982011-03-23T20:42:00.000-07:002011-03-23T21:05:42.725-07:00pay it forwardI sat at the window of a coffee shop on Broadway, one hand wrapped around a warming cup of brew and the other flipping through the copy of <a href="http://momentumplanet.com/">Momentum</a> magazine that I'd picked up* minutes earlier at The Bike Doctor a few doors down.<br /><br />Suddenly I heard a rapping on the window in front of me. I looked up.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Is that yours?</span> motioned the woman on the other side of the glass, silently pointing at my bicycle locked just a few feet away. I nodded to the affirmative. She responded with the international symbol for "<span style="font-style:italic;">hold on a moment</span>" and went around to the front door.<br /><br />She'd been in a nearby shop asking for a comfortable bike that wouldn't hurt her back and had been told that she needed a mountain bike. She knew enough to tell him no, that's <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> what she needed, but not much more. We chatted for a few minutes about my bike, upright bikes, the difference between cruisers and city bikes, and what nearby shops had staff that would be more helpful than mountain-bike-guy. She thanked me and we parted ways.<br /><br />A few minutes later, my coffee cup empty and magazine thoroughly flipped, I headed outside, noticing that she'd gotten a coffee and was sitting at one of the outside tables. So I did the first thing that came to mind.<br /><br />I gave her the copy of Momentum.<br /><br />Conveniently, it had articles this month on "lifestyle" cycling and tips on how to buy a bicycle. Perfect timing. Pay it forward.<br /><br />Do you subscribe to Momentum (North Americans) or any other cycling magazines? Have you ever passed on your copies to others?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(* Yes, I do have a subscription. But it hadn't arrived, I was worried it had expired, and I was getting impatient. It all worked out in the end.)</span>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-37226656319870356512011-03-21T20:40:00.001-07:002011-03-21T20:44:54.902-07:00a new friendI've made no secret of it that I've been searching for a new bike for over a year, in particular a step-through. Nothing seemed to quite fit the requirements.<br /><br />Until now.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5548623069/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5548623069_fe143c89cc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After having owned her for 3 rainy weeks that felt like an eternity of moist, oppressive grey, this past weekend finally offered enough of a reprieve for some serious bonding. (--and on Sunday, some serious sunshine.)<br /><br />She's a <a href="http://www.globebikes.com/ca/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=11dailyUSstept3">Globe Daily 3</a> and her name is Greta.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-48335676069017548302011-03-10T21:28:00.000-08:002011-03-10T21:43:44.748-08:00i can't live without holt renfrew's windowsHolt Renfrew wowed us with a bicycle in their <a href="http://onfewwheels.blogspot.com/2010/12/shopping-by-bicycle.html">holiday window display</a> in December. Now they've gone and topped their own work with this fantastic "I can't live without..." series featuring not one but <span style="font-style:italic;">five</span> colourful, practical beauties.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5516874714/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5516874714_48644710db.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's also notable that umbrellas and storm clouds feature positively alongside flowers and fashion. Yes, those all go together: we won't have the flowers without the rain, so we might as well embrace how many pretty colours umbrellas can come in.<br /><br />The multi-window display features a variety of quotes from recognizable people, Holt Renfrew employees, and designers about the things they supposedly can't live without, paired with quirky object collections visualizing these "needs".<br /><br />Many are fashion-centric, but others are cute.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5516874692/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5516874692_85680c7bcd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Some are lovely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5516874700/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5516874700_fae14c2328.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Some make you smile. Doesn't that lemon pyramid look just about ready to come toppling down?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5516874694/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5516874694_4a6e40ab7b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And some...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5516874704/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5516874704_f204d86438.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...some you just totally understand.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-91876851564852233752011-03-09T21:40:00.000-08:002011-03-09T21:48:09.170-08:00alternative transportation: roller bladesThe other morning I caught up to a rollerblader on Hornby. While waiting at a light, I asked him how it was using the lanes. "Pretty good," he replied. "The counters are..." and he shrugged. Given the thickness and distance -- about a foot, maybe? -- between the two parallel cables that track lane usage, I can see how it might be hard to step/glide over them. But he seemed to manage. He was a slower than me in general, but that made him fairly easy to pass. A block later, he caught up to me at the lights anyway (which I often do with cyclists who are faster than me).<br /><br />I remember that when roller blades first became popular, they didn't seem to fit on either sidewalks or the street. If the bladers can contain their sideways strokes to the width of a bike lane or narrow them when being passed, separated lanes seem ripe for sharing. Considering that the lanes aren't exactly overflowing yet (but it's only March-- the best is yet to come) I'm all for a variety of alternate non-motorized transportation methods making use of them (yes, including skateboards).<br /><br />Maybe we'll have to call them the <span style="font-style:italic;">people-powered lanes</span>.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-34760647665431493832011-03-07T19:06:00.000-08:002011-03-07T19:06:45.621-08:00panda practice<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5505140644/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5505140644_2e9072f1af.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Is it cheating if you're stationary? These side ones are <span style="font-style:italic;">hard</span>.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-35228789995458720072011-03-06T13:40:00.000-08:002011-03-06T14:07:36.701-08:00on the fringes of human transportationWhile I'm admittedly somewhat bicycle-crazy, my overarching goal is actually to create and live a lifestyle that includes a variety of transportation methods. Embracing a mix means, to me....<br /><br />1) From an environmental perspective, balancing low-impact methods frequently with high-impact methods infrequently but when necessary.<br /><br />2) Being a happier person by avoiding the boredom of the same routes and methods. "Variety is the spice of life", right? It's good for our brains.<br /><br />3) Taking a <span style="font-style:italic;">little</span> bit longer ... but enjoying those extra moments. I think of them as a "bonus", not a cost, and perhaps spend less time surfing the internet randomly and more time being a part of the world.<br /><br />Everyone likes to talk about public transit, cycling, and walking as the primary alternatives to private cars. Carpooling and car share also get talked about a lot. While I do use all of those, I want to keep my eyes on the fringe, too (and not <a href="http://www.fox.com/fringe/"><span style="font-style:italic;">that </span> Fringe</a>, although I am a fan) and explore even more options. Small ones, silly ones, sometimes impractical ones on a large scale. I want to ask: how <span style="font-style:italic;">else</span> do we move ourselves?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5504020360/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5504020360_651c53693f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'll start with this little gem. It's perfect for me and completely irrelevant for many. Whenever I want to travel from my home in the West End to Granville Island but don't want to ride, I take a False Creek Ferry. It's $3.25 from the Aquatic Centre to the Island, runs probably at least every 15 minutes (I've never had to wait longer, even in the winter) and takes about 5 minutes to make the crossing. While 75 cents more expensive than a bus ticket, I avoid a transfer, a bridge, a few intersections, and plenty of traffic.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5504020348/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5504020348_3b79008736.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5504020344/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5504020344_e855791d2c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I get to see my city from a different perspective.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5504020352/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5504020352_bb90eee4a9.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5504020364/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5504020364_315487049b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...and when you debark on the far side, perhaps you'll be serenaded by a sweet voiced Willie Nelson/Bob Dylan-playing busker on the wharf above.<br /><br />If you're lucky.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">How about you? Do you ever use any alterna-alternative transportation methods to move through your world?</span>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-77671143484567014402011-03-05T20:52:00.000-08:002011-03-06T11:35:48.132-08:00a bicycle built a long time ago for twoMy friend <a href="http://lightenough2.blogspot.com">Jen</a> recently spotted this old tandem bicycle outside an apartment building in the West End. She snapped a pic and sent it along to me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO3Kgf7M0PQcwZZrxijq5w1M7uOOvSaYjdQdm5T6ta6B_F2mVM1UIuxfJgOoB-vN_m0o3FTCNlr_MvbZtEAZC7tpELA3VpcRFPx8q-VsjFUyfiZhJ79_t4rSplSD82-_2VkkTX24yjcY/s1600/VintageTandemS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO3Kgf7M0PQcwZZrxijq5w1M7uOOvSaYjdQdm5T6ta6B_F2mVM1UIuxfJgOoB-vN_m0o3FTCNlr_MvbZtEAZC7tpELA3VpcRFPx8q-VsjFUyfiZhJ79_t4rSplSD82-_2VkkTX24yjcY/s400/VintageTandemS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580826061771846642" /></a><br />I've seen vintage/old bikes and tandem bikes but never the two in one! I wonder what it would be like to ride? (Once, um, the chain is returned to its rightful position.)<br /><br />Certainly adds some flair to the neighbourhood. That is one loooooooooong chaingaurd!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1456214920247105603.post-14945700041719238202011-03-04T19:28:00.000-08:002011-03-04T19:41:13.074-08:00a passion on display<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5498052361/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5498052361_7931dfa579.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My family is probably sick to death of my constant rambling about bicycles by now. Every visit, every phone call, and most emails have some two-wheeling content. But that's what makes them awesome, because despite that, my mom and my sister found this little beauty and immediately thought of me.<br /><br />It has a chaingaurd...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5498052353/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5498052353_11e8501639.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...fenders and a practical rack...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5498052347/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5498052347_7d68fe40f9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...a basket and swept back handlebars...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5498052355/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5498052355_06ce772be6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...and is small enough that I can put it on display in my apartment, a symbol of my passion for cycling and a source of happiness every time I look at it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onfewwheels/5498052357/" title="Untitled by On Few Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5498052357_1806f331d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />They went all out and wrapped it up in a box and gave it to me as a present ... for no reason at all except that they thought I would love it (and had no birthday or gift-giving holiday opportunity impending anywhere <span style="font-style:italic;">near</span> soon). I was so surprised! And I love it a tonne.<br /><br />So to Mom and Shelley: thank you so much! You are fabulous. :)Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17076340455568742581noreply@blogger.com1