As I've shared on my website, I've been car-free for three years this month! I was flattered when I was recently contacted by a USA Today reporter that was doing a story about American's going car-free. In the article, they also share the stories of other American's making the decision to live without a car. They share the challenges and rewards they've had while living a car-free lifestyle. Click below to read the article. Is it possible to live without a car? Why some Americans are going car-free
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Two years ago, I had to say goodbye to my faithful friend, Ace, and the void left by his absence is still palpable. The bond between a pet and their human is a special one, and the passage of time does little to diminish the fond memories and profound sense of loss. Two years have passed, yet it feels like just yesterday that Ace would welcome me home after a hard day's work. Look at me with those eyes and rest his head on my leg. The day I thought was so hard suddenly wasn't hard at all. I'm grateful I took so many photos of Ace and look at the them often. A friend gave me this beautiful gift that is on a shelf and I look at it many times each day. Every pet leaves an indelible mark on our hearts, and Ace was no exception. His playful antics, unwavering loyalty, and comforting presence are memories that I cherish. While the pain of losing Ace is still present, I find solace in the knowledge that he lived a happy life filled with love and care. I read a quote by Anatole France: "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Ace awakened a part of my soul, and his memory will continue to live on in my heart.
Thank you Ace, for coming into my life! With the forecast calling for highs between 105 and 110 this weekend, I took an early morning bike ride to take care of some errands before it got too hot. My first stop was the Post Office to check my mailbox. While there, I had a lovely conversation with a gentleman cleaning the lobby. From there, I went to the bank to get some cash. After the worldwide IT issues a couple of days earlier, I want a backup should something similar occur again. Then, it was on to the grocery store. I came across a family standing outside their vehicle that had broken down. They were trying to push it out of the roadway, and I stopped to help them. I jokingly told one of them that I would keep my bike. She noticed my panniers and asked if I use my bike to get groceries. I told her I was going to the grocery store and mentioned that this month marks three years since I've owned a car. She had a puzzled look on her face and replied, "Really?" We talked for 5 minutes, wished each other well, and I continued to the store. After getting a few things, I headed back home. All along my ride, I was saying good morning to people out for a walk and waiving to several other cyclists out to get a ride in before the heat set in. What a fantastic way to begin my day and all before 7:00 AM! As you'll see by ride map, I only went slightly over 7 miles. This goes to prove that even a short ride can have an amazing impact on your day, life and perhaps someone else too!
Spring fever has definitely hit me! It's been around 70 for the past 3 days and riding my e-bike has been such a blast! Having conversations with people along the Greenbelt...pedestrians, cyclists and people outside spending time with their pups! Idaho and Cycling - A Great Match!
I sold my truck in July 2021 and have been car-free since. I used my bicycle for transportation until I injured my foot in June 2023, and I purchased an e-bike in September 2023. I love my e-bike, and it's made my life much easier. Still, I've always been an adventurer, and I've been missing taking drives to other areas away from my home. I've been researching vehicles and have even applied for financing got approved, and ordered a new car.
Before I accepted delivery of the car, I had second thoughts and canceled the order. I continued looking at vehicles, watching reviews on YouTube, and contacting local dealers when a car caught my attention. The number of emails and phone calls I've received from the dealerships tells me it must be really tough in the car market right now.
Several articles I read and videos I watched indicated uncertain times ahead for the auto industry and the economy in general.
Further research on the costs of car ownership opened my eyes even more.
As I mentioned above, I always enjoyed taking trips to areas away from my home which is challenging on a bicycle though not impossible, I rode across the USA in 2017. Still, to take a long trip to visit family or friends would be difficult. I can always rent a car or fly. Plus, I came across a car sharing website called TURO that looks like it may be a great option. If you've used TURO please leave your thoughts in the comments.
During my time being car-free, I've managed through various resources that can deliver anything I've needed.
I've also utilized ride-share services from Uber and Lyft when needed. Culdesac Tempe - "Life at your front door"
You may have heard on the news that there is a new, totally car-free community in Tempe, Arizona. It looks pretty interesting and they have partnered with bike companies, ride-share businesses and more. The community includes apartments for rent, with transportation, shopping, restaurants and more all within walking or cycling distance.
Learn more about Culdesac Tempe
If you are a car owner or are just doing research, I recommend checking out the website Caredge.com. The site is run by a 43 year car sales professional and his son. There is a wealth of research resources and they also have an informative and entertaining YouTube channel. The video below I found especially interesting:
IT'S OFFICIALLY THE WORST TIME EVER TO OWN A CAR! Rand, my childhood friend of 50-plus years, died on November 13 after his battle with cancer. I was already planning on visiting him over the Thanksgiving holiday when his wife called me and suggested I change my flight because his condition was not improving. Unfortunately, he passed almost precisely 24 hours before I arrived. This is another reminder never to take a single day for granted. His wife graciously invited me to stay in their home while I was there. We’ve shared many memories and shed some tears, too. We visited with their family and friends, who were a large part of Rand's life. 10 years ago this very month, they invited me to stay with them as I was working through some personal things. I look around their beautiful home, walk on their property, enjoy the Southwest culture, and reminisce about playing with my Golden Retriever, Ace. He loved exploring on their property and chasing bunnies. Rand's wife, Colleen took me into the neighborhood that we grew up in. The vivid and incredible memories of the times we spent together all those many years ago. The memories of Rand and our friendship will be part of me forever.
Thank you, Rand, for coming into my life and being such a fantastic friend. I Love and miss you! I took my e-bike to the Boise Greenbelt today for the first time. The Greenbelt is a treasure to the "Treasure Valley". You can go to Lucky Peak Reservoir, seldom having to go on city streets. According to Google Maps, the distance from Boise via the Greenbelt is about 11.3 miles, depending on where you get on the path. I didn't go to Lucky Peak but enjoyed a nice ride of approximately 14 miles (round trip). As usual, many bikes, people, and pets were on the path. I maintained a slow pace of 8 MPH in congested areas and never reached 15 MPH. As cyclists know, it's common practice to announce yourself when approaching pedestrians by ringing your bell or saying "on your left." Today, I did something different; as I approached people walking their dogs, I announced, "On your left," but as I passed them, I said, "I didn't want to startle your pup." The responses I received were incredible! "Thank you so much," and "That was so kind." and others. I also had the opportunity to meet some people and their PUPS! A simple statement of courtesy and marvelous rewards! If you ride your e-bike on shared pathways, please keep your speed down and use common courtesy so we can continue to enjoy these resources in our communities.
#dontstartlethepup On this beautiful Boise Saturday, I took my new e-bike for a birthday ride! The total distance of my ride was just over 21 miles, but the most humbling part was when I went to the top of the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery that overlooks Boise. The steep, long hill to the top was easy to navigate on my bike. I’ve visited several times, and I’m struck by its beauty and peacefulness each time. More than anything, I’m moved and humbled as I look at the headstones of these heroes. While at the top, overlooking Boise, I thought about all the sacrifices Veterans have made to protect our country. I am so grateful for their service. After a while, I got back on my bike and rode home. I was glad that I had taken the time to visit the Idaho State Veteran Cemetery. It was a beautiful and reflective experience. If you live in the Boise area or are visiting and are looking for a peaceful place to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans, I highly recommend visiting the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Here are some tips for riding your bike to the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery:
Aventon Level 2 E-bike
This article isn’t about the tech specs of the Level 2 e-bike but about the buying experience and initial thoughts about the bike. You can get those tech specs on the Aventon website or numerous YouTube videos if you are looking for them.
The online buying process from Aventon was easy and quick. I didn’t have any issues whatsoever.
Communications from Aventon were excellent throughout. From order confirmation to shipping updates, I always had up-to-the-minute information about my bike. They also provided links to download the owner’s manual and quick start guide. There were also physical copies in the box.
I ordered my bike over the Labor Day Holiday weekend, so it didn’t ship until Tuesday, and I received it early Friday morning.
The box was in good condition with no visible damage. The Level 2 comes almost completely assembled, and The Aventon website provides an easy-to-follow video with instructions to complete assembly (See video below). The video shows the bike being packed in foam to protect the components and the bike itself; however, mine came wrapped in brown paper and paper ties (Not plastic Zip Ties), I’m guessing for environmental reasons. Still, my bike had no damage.
Assembly took about 30 minutes, and it took nearly 4.5 hours for the battery to charge for the first time. How to assemble the Aventon Level.2 Ebike - (Video)
Video from Aventon website
First ride and impressions:
Having never ridden an e-bike, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to ride. It wasn’t jerky when changing the pedal assist mode, and it was just plain fun to ride! The controller was simple, and the display was clear and bright.
I took a short ride around my neighborhood to familiarize myself with the bike before I venture out on a longer ride.
There is an available app that helps show your stats from your rides and battery status, plus an online community of Aventon E-bike owners where you can share information and photos and ask questions. There are several other unique features on the app. Cool!
Living a car-free lifestyle, I’m excited to see how owning this e-bike will enhance my life and make traveling in my community more accessible and safer.
If you're a regular cyclist like me, (car-free since July 2021) you know that riding a bike can be a great way to exercise and save money on transportation. But what if you're looking for a way to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable? An e-bike might be the perfect solution. After I injured my foot, I haven't been able to ride my “traditional” bike as often or as far as I would like. Additionally, being car-free, I rely on my bike for grocery shopping and other errands plus the occasional commute to the office (10 miles each way), so it seems to me that an e-bike is a great alternative. There are many benefits to switching to an e-bike from a traditional bicycle, and while everyone’s reasons may be different, here are some of the things that have made me make the change (though perhaps not permanent) to an e-bike.
If you're considering switching to an e-bike, there are some things you need to keep in mind. First, you must decide what type of e-bike is right for you. Many different types of e-bikes are available, so it's essential to research and find one that meets your needs. Second, you must ensure that you are familiar with the laws in your area regarding e-bikes. Some locations have restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden. Having reviewed the laws in my area and considerable research, I’ve decided to purchase an e-bike. The e-bike I’ve decided on is the Aventon Level.2 commuter bike. I’ve spoken with owners of Aventon e-bikes, and they are very impressed with them, and it will work well in my area and terrain. (Idaho). I share information about the buying process, shipping, assembly, and initial impressions.
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