Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bicycels better than cars: part two

My current mindset is that I will live my entire life without ever owning a gas or diesel operated vehicle. This is simply because I know that with a little time, effort, and cash I can own a bicycle that will get me 60, 80, or maybe even 100 mph. I know that 80 mph is possible because that is the current record in place for a human powered bike. Click the link above, check out the site and brows around a bit; you'll be surprised, I know I was. With a little searching I found some funny concepts like a bike powered washing machine or bike powered couch, put also some amazing ones: bike powered blimps, planes, and chargers.

With a combination of pedal power, engineering, solar power, aerodynamics, and good old fashion human perseverance, I know anything is possible. As consumers we have the power to influence the actions of the elite through our cash. As long as we continue to buy cars and consume coupes amounts of fossil fuels the corporate and government elite will continue to supply our hunger in exchange for money. They could care less if this trend is unsustainable, or if it does more harm than good because as long as they are wealthy it's not their problem. But if enough people come together and speak the language that they understand, that is the language of money, we can change the status Que.

For years the oil companies have been lying to people and exploiting them and because of this we all are suffering. The current economic crisis would be none existent if not for the disingenuous actions of big oil. They are literaly profiting off of our blood, sweat, and tears not to mention billions of crushed dreams. I hope people realize exactly how important this is because as long as people choose to remain ignorant, choose to do nothing, and follow instead of lead we are doomed.

So we've got to ask ourselves: what does the future hold for me?

If you continue down the same path you are on today where will you be 5, 10, or 15 years from now? Will you be happy? Will your dreams be fulfilled? Or will you continue to be unhappy and economically depressed? As you ask yourself these questions take a look at your car, or that car you were thinking about getting. It may be fun and convenient for a while but how much do you have to actually give up for that car. Gas money, car payments, insurance, maintenance, hundreds of dollars out of your pocket monthly and thousands yearly. Furthermore what about the unseen consequences? The pollution, the support of a corrupt and broken system, the failed diplomatic relations between increasingly hostile countries and the list goes on.

All and all I take pride in what I'm doing because for once I have a chance to spit in the eye of those who would oppress me, and that I think is the most kick ass thing of all.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Bicycles better than cars

I was thinking the other day and something came to me: Could bicycles replace cars on the road? The answer would most likely be no but believe it or not the technology exists that can get a bike to 60 MPH and above. Before I get into describing what exactly these technologies are lets take a look at the benefits of a bike that powerful.

1. Money, Money, Money: Bikes can cost anywhere from between $50 to a couple grand and even the most expensive are still allot cheaper than a car. Furthermore you never have to fill a bike with gas or pay to insure it the only thing you would pay for would be food to fuel yourself, which brings me to number two...

2. Fitness: I previously blogged about how overweight America is, what better why to loose that weight than riding a bike instead of sitting your fat ass in a car. I can feel the burn already.

3. No Gas, No Oil, No Evil: If you didn't know already I'm all about saying no to oil. Oil pollutes in so many more ways than just greenhouse gasses, take oil spills for example. Oil breeds corruption, don't believe me Oil On The Brain is a great book that I've been reading lately that opened my eyes. We send Billions of dollars over to The Middle East yearly, this is stupid for two reasons. One: we could be keeping that money in the U.S. think of how that money could create jobs and strengthen the economy, not to mention the impact on the deficit. Two: Terrorism, we are supposed to be fighting terrorism but what the hell are we doing sending billions over to countries that support our enemies? I could go on about oil but this post is about bikes so I'll stop with the ranting and raving here.

4. Coolness: You Can Get 60 MPH or more on a bike! Tell me that's not cool.

5. Traffic: It's 5'o'clock and you just got off work there's a party you promised you would go to but traffic is at a stand still, bumper to bumper packed. 15 minuets latter you've moved 3 feet, the guy behind you wont let off of his horn and your fantasizing out and kicking him in the face. Another 15 minuets and your about to call and send your regards because you can't make it to the party suddenly you see a blur wiz by you on the shoulder, it was the 60 MPH bike, the one you laughed at and decided to buy a nice car instead. You shoot the bird to that blur that's now way out of sight secretly wishing that you would have bought that bike and start fantasizing about kicking in your car salesman's face.

This blog has gotten pretty wordy so I’ll end it for now and pick up with describing the technology in my next post. If you can think of any other benefits of owning a 60 MPH bike tell me. For example: this bike would be great for outrunning zombies, it’s silent, maneuverable, and you don’t have to stop to refuel. I would have put that in the list but I doubt that the average person is as concerned about zombies as I am.