I've Made a Decision

Before I get to mentioning the decision let me first explain the above image. That is a new rear spring bracket I purchased today for $80 for my truck. I've mentioned many times on this blog that I am not car-free but am car-lite. Anyhow, the above bracket has to replace the rotted one on my late model truck by this Monday before the month ends and my annual inspection runs out. But before it can be replaced a section of the frame--which has rotted--has to have metal plates welded on for support. I'm not sure how much this will cost, but likely more than I'm guessing.

Anyhow, to get to the decision. Once I have the truck repaired I plan on selling it and....drum-roll please....finally go car-free once and for all. I've done it in the past (but not for some years) and will do it again; I'm nearly there already. I'll do a test run of being car-free through the summer months and see how it goes. The aggravation and true cost of car ownership has finally outweighed the value--to me--of owning one. I'll bike, walk, take public transportation (as I do now, only more), and likely join our local car share so I'll be able to use one if I need to get somewhere quickly or out of bike range.

It's interesting, that when I first found that I needed this work done on the truck I was stressed about it (and still am, actually), but in a way it is also freeing...it is what finally pushed me to make the decision. Everything, some say, happens for a reason.

Urban Simplicity.