Tour de Fat Bike Winner

I don't recall seeing this discussed here.

http://articles.redeyechicago.com/2012-07-31/news/32965932_1_road-b...

Elmurst guy wins the $2500 . . . buys Fuji Cross bike at Performance in Lombard . . . with accessories, what was he in for, $700? Does he pocket the rest? Is there some sort of process for verifying that he actually gets rid of his car?

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on August 8, 2012 at 11:59am

Bill - Your Red Carpet!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Bill Bushnell on August 9, 2012 at 3:41am

Thanks very much for all the advice everyone! I can't buy this kind of advice!

I've looked through Craigslist and found a number of two wheeled kids trailers for inexpensive, even under $100. The one wheeled trailers seem to be much less common on there, likely because the groceries people carry in them don't outgrow them, unlike the kids trailers.

H', I'm sorry to hear about the bad experience you had with the Bob trailers, but it does bring to light the proprietary connection systems for trailers. I think it may come down to what kind of trailer I can find used. Even if I spend $150 on a used Bob trailer and $170 on axles, I'd still come out under budget compared to buying a new one.

Julie, thanks so much for sharing the video! It was an awesome event and I hope you enjoyed it!

Julie Hochstadter said:

Bill - Your Red Carpet!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 9, 2012 at 3:51am

As winter approaches I bet you can find some decent kiddie trailers for under $75 or even $50 if you search Craigslist hard enough.

The one I have (a Rhode Gear) has a unique clamping hitch that doesn't require any special attachment on the bike -you just clamp it onto the chainstay of the bike on the non-driveside just in front of the dropout lug.   This makes is simple to move from bike to bike, hook up and unhook, and doesn't require your bike to carry a big heavy hitch attachment on the end of the axle like some designs do.  But the downside of this is that it means the trailer is that much easier to steal.    I like this system though because I don't want to carry around a big lump of heavy metal on the end of the rear axle even when I"m not carrying the trailer unless I go to the trouble to take it off.   I only use my trailer about once a week for big grocery trips or when I need to pick up something big.

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on August 9, 2012 at 3:52am

I just out this in the other thread (arg, so many!) , but I just bought this trailer used and love it.

Permalink Reply by Liz on August 9, 2012 at 8:48am

Looks like the only zipcars in Elmhurst are university affiliated, so if you work or are associated with the university you maybe able to sign up for use of those.  I know they've helped me complete trips that can make being car free frustrating. 

https://www.zipcar.com/registration/?search=true&search_term=el...

Looking back at my life in the suburbs, I would've been able to be car free/car light most of the time.  I rarely travels more than 5 miles from home.  Definitely a doable goal, and inspirational to other suburbanites looking to go car free/car light! Good luck. 


Bill Bushnell said:

No harm done. I've dealt with worse.

Commuting in Elmhurst is going to be tough because we have very little bike infrastructure and most drivers aren't used to dealing with bikers. I've already started talks with one alderman here about improving the infrastructure and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I wasn't the only one he's spoken to about it.

I am trying to take the challenge seriously and live up to the intent of it by being car free. There are some times when I may ride along with someone, but only when they are already headed my way and the trip is not realistic by bike, like going to see family in Elgin or Arkansas. Unless it's an emergency situation, I plan on not driving for the next year.

Being in the suburbs, we have a lot less public transit options as well, unless you want to take Metra to go either straight East or West, and only when the bikes aren't blacked out. It's going to be a challenge, but I think I'm up for it!

That is the proper link for my blog and I will be updating it over the next year. If you want to follow my adventures, I encourage you to follow the Facebook page (facebook.com/ForwardAtSpeed) or subscribe to the email updates.

Wish me luck!

h' said:

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on August 9, 2012 at 11:57am

Good luck. Hope the winter is as mild as last year(not really I like snow) but I've done a less than pleasant commute along a "no bike lane" in a few parts of town, winding road, uphill 45 mph...

Not fun and be careful.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on August 9, 2012 at 1:40pm

Congrats, Bill! I have been car-free* for 8 years now (can't believe it!) and love it. I have a dog and for her, bought a Doggyride trailer, but it's also a great hauling trailer for large items or loads. At first I tried a used kiddie trailer but the hard, flat floor and stability of the dog trailer - not to mention that I can put my dog in it - has made it a great purchase.

*I do IGo and Zipcar, though, and rent cars or borrow my boyfriend's as needed.

Anyway, good luck to you and kudos for talking to your alderman about infrastructure already!

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on August 9, 2012 at 2:15pm

oops!

h' said:

Bill's advice thread, FYI:
http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/advice-for-a-new-biker


Should I close this one to de-mess-ify the parallel/duplicate discussion, or leave it open?

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