Living without a car

Since July 2008, whenever I come and stayed at our winter home in Clearwater by myself, only once did I rent a car. That was before I have a bicycle. I bought a $70 bicycle, made in China of course, from Walmart on December 9 2008. The seat that came with that bicycle was so uncomfortable that I replaced it that same day with a $40 gel seat with spring support. I bought this inexpensive bike, thinking that nobody would care to steal it, but now someone may just steal the seat -:).

The $40 seat is protected from rain and......theft? -:)

Is it easy to live without a car? In the beginning it was not, now I am comfortable without a car during my short stay, a few weeks at a time, in Clearwater Florida. I enjoyed the life style and benefits of living without a car. I saved money, always dear to my heart -:), by not renting or buying a car. No insurance and maintenance to worry about. Also an important benefit, I reduce my carbon foot print and it helps me stay fit and healthy.

The climate in Clearwater makes it possible to ride a bicycle, without much difficulties, year round. The terrain is relatively flat. Wind is more of a problem here. A good bicycle helps a lot. I do not use the $70 bike much anymore, I still use it to go to the beach nearby, about 1 mile from our condo. I have bought another bicycle, a used Giant Sedona DX for $150 from a neighbour; he said he bought it new and paid over $400 for it. This bike is classified as a comfort bike. I am happy with this bike. The frame is 17", just perfect for me. In my opinion it is the perfect bike to go around the city doing errands and exploring the neighbourhood. It has front suspension, gel seat and seat post with suspension, 26" wheels with 36 spokes, Kenda 26X1.95 tires. These make it very comfortable to ride and handles the side walk bumps smoothly. I installed fenders and a rear rack, and purchased a pair of panniers; with this setup I can do my grocery shopping with ease. The tires are a little bit too wide for the fenders, someday I will replace them with a 26X1.5 size.  The right front fork does not have a hole to attach the front fender; I used tie-wrap, it seemed to work fine. The previous owner had installed a rear view mirror and lights, I added a bell and a cyclometer.

My 'new' Giant Sedona DX

Our condo location is not too far from all the places I needed to visit. The grocery store Publix is 3 km away, Walmart is 6 km, my favorite store, Barnes and Noble is 7 km away. The church is about 9 km from our condo. Many restaurants and stores are nearby, under 10 km. This makes it easy to live without a car.

So, yeah, with a good bike and the right setup it is very enjoyable to go shopping, exploring the neighbourhood and visiting the local parks. Riding a bicycle is the best way to explore your neighbourhood. I can say that within a short time, perhaps 2 winter seasons, I knew more about the trails and parks in our neighbourhood compared to other snowbirds that have been coming here for more than 20 years, because I had to tell them and show them of the wonderful things that we have around the neighbourhood. I am looking forward to visit and explore our neighbouring cities like Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg and Tampa with my bicycle.

See the tie-wrap?

I enjoy cycling. The more I do the more I enjoy. I encourage everybody to take on cycling and walking, to be more active and use less of your car. It is good for the environment, good for your pocket, good for your health...............adios.

How true it is!!!