Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#212 & 213)...and a few comments
#213 (bottom photo)...$129.37 in groceries in four plastic crates from two separate stores.
And here's quick story and a recap of a conversation. Prior to shopping for the items in photo #213 I had gone to a different store for sundries and cleaning supplies. As I shopped I fit the merchandise into two plastic totes that were supplied by the store. When I paid my bill the cashier started putting the stuff into bags and I told him that I wouldn't require bags, that they just accumulate...that I'd just put the merchandise back in the totes. As I left the store I was stopped by a security guard, this is the conversation that ensued:
Him: Excuse me sir, may I see your receipt?
Me: Yes, but may I ask why?
Him: (as he looked at the receipt) Because you're leaving the store with those two boxes of items [not in bags].
Me: I don't want the bags because it's easier to carry on my bike and they just accumulate at home.
Him: (Looking at me as if I'm being a smart ass) You're going to carry all this on a bicycle.
Me: Yes (by now, customers were watching...we were in the doorway).
Him: What kind of bike do you have?
Me: A big bike.
Him: (just looks at me like he thinks I'm a little bit nuts)
Me: Would you like to see it?
Him: Sure.
We left the store; the Mundo was parked just outside the door, locked to a rack
Him: (upon seeing Mundo) Holy shit, that is a big bike!
After loading the items into the crates I went back into the store to return the totes and I could hear him telling a couple co-workers about the bike. I've gotten to the point where I wish more people would ride bikes to feel the joy it brings a person. I'm not suggesting give up cars entirely (I surely haven't), but riding now and again can really change things, I think...and many people may be surprised at what they can do.
Comments
You are totally an inspiration. I've been following you for over a year now, I guess and I'm very impressed. I found your blog by googling "Ezekiel Bread recipe" and I stayed for the bike posts.
Because of you and your blog, I got my negelected, run down bicycle out of the garage and am having it reconditioned. I live in a bedroom community that has a farmer's market on Saturdays where the parking is TERRIBLE. I'm going to be riding down there for my fresh fruits and veg rather than driving. That's thanks to you. I wish I could give up driving all together, but with three kids who have to be taken to school and picked up, it's not going to happen on a bike, sadly. But I can dream.
Thanks for being such an inspiration and motivation.