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I'm from a family of five kids, and the youngest at 56. Although my one brother rode as a kid, sisters on and off a bit; I'm the only one who is absolutely velo-nuts. I've been riding since I was 4yo, broke my collar bone falling off of my tri-cycle; and thirteen years ago, did a slow motion fall on a mountain path in the UP of Michigan, breaking my hip. I had a partial hip replacement, and a new total hip joint done this past Nov '09 -- Ouch :( .
I work part time as an occupational therapist for a 3 county community mental health system, so must drive a lot, for appts. I come to Chicago as much as possible to ride everywhere, almost always the streets; don't really like the LSP, except the S end.
My wife has asthma, a bad back and knee, but alway rode when able; and even hiked the Appalanchian trail the whole way N to S over 4 yrs when 17yos on up with her dog; a tough girl. She's quietly supportive of the biking, but thinks Chicago is too dangerous as to crime, and doesn't really love the city the way I do. My kids are (son and daughter) now married 28 & 27 years old, think I'm bonzo in a major way. My son hates bike culture and CM. I'm so stunned by that; we rode a lot as he grew up, but the attraction of Chevy trucks and Honda Accords has been like cocaine for him. I kinda think he is interested, but thinks he has moved on to better things. He's got a major reality ck. coming.
The interesting thing is what my parents life style was. They married in 1938, always rode, as they had no money for a car early on; and following retirement, alway used public transportation, used the city buses in Grand Rapids, MI and loved to come to Chicago - but didn't ride here. This was back in the 60s and 70's. They passed away now, but I really believe, I gained from their independent spirit and wanderlust. My Dad, when 11 yo, in 1923 ran away from home; rode his bicycle from Hutchinson, KS to Colorado Springs, CO (almost 600 miles) - was turned in by a well meaning couple, and brought back home by the county sheriff on a Santa Fe steam train.
What a story... I never heard it directly from him, but from a relative. I think my Dad worried I might do the same thing.
I'm actually thinking about getting a license now because I may have a job opportunity visiting the middle east that will require some driving.
I haven't noticed this topic before. Very interesting to read so many responses similar to my own experience.
Growing up in a sprawl everyone drove so I know what it's like being the odd man out. In High school I refused to take drivers education seriously and never did the instructor part. Instead I spent the money for the instructor and insurance on a CD, tshirt and a new brake pad. I told my mother then that I will never have an interest in driving and it's been a sticking point with my family. But after about 10 years of watching commute at all times of the year they got used to it and now I've convinced my brother that biking in our hometown isn't as bad as he thinks.
I'm actually thinking about getting a license now because I may have a job opportunity visiting the middle east that will require some driving.
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