T-Shirt #9

ML & LT in Sioux Falls -

"So we told her we work close to our house, maybe 6 blocks. Her reply? "Wow, that's almost close enough to walk!"

Almost.

Sigh. I guess this is our introduction back to the Midwest. The "when will they break down and buy a car" betting pool at work ranges from 2 months to the end of winter. But, we are ready to be iconoclasts. After all we had 2 ½ years of training in a country where owning a car didn't make sense in any respect, so we got used to the idea that we could walk quite a ways and get by just fine.

Now, we are positioned in a house that is about a half a mile from work, groceries (move that Hy-Vee, baby!), and most of the basic shopping elements we will ever need—including the great Owner's bike shop. That's all easily within walking distance. And now that we have been reunited with our bikes, we figure that within a radius of 5 miles we can do anything, short of hauling awkward items.

Will we need a car sometimes? Sure, and you can rent them cheap here. But, then the true cost of driving will be borne out, and we will plan carefully how we use it when we rent. Otherwise, the car sits in our garage, silently losing money. So, car free for us.

Besides, I love nothing more than to ride home, open up the garage door, and bike on in. It brings a smile to my face every time. We're not trying to be anti-car martyrs, or play the holier-than-thou card. We certainly recognize that life changes may dictate a car in the future. But in the meantime, four bikes fit very nicely in that car-less two-car garage. And no oil leaks on the floor.

“Iconoclasts indeed – and we are not alone.”