I’ve had my Specialized Hardrock hybrid/mountain bike I believe since somewhere around 1992 or so.  I remember Consumer Reports rated it then as the best value for the $.  It’s been a reliable bike.  I’ve been wanting a newer bike, something with shocks and a bit lighter.  So I started doing all kinds of crazy Internet research, you know, the kind geeks do.  I completely changed what I wanted a few times, finally deciding on a Cyclo-cross bike.  I was not looking specifically at Specialized bikes, but then I tripped across their TriCross model and the deal was done.
So, in the end, I got something with no shocks, and it’s a single speed to boot !

It looks fast standing still  (Oh will the cliche’s never end?)

Interesting short story.  I went out on my lunch hour to look in a bike shop about 20 blocks north from work, (Liberty Bicycles ftw if anyone is interested).  I only went in to to see if they had the bike in stock, and to get a feel for it.  The same model was hanging on the wall, and after a brief chat I asked if they could take it down so I could take a look and handle it.  As my sales rep takes it down, he informs me that it’s $180 off the price on the already reduced sticker.  I told him if the bike frame was my size, it’s sold.   Obviously, it was.  On to the good parts.  After a tune-up, some small accessories (like a patch kit, pump, and tools for the saddlebag), I head out back to work, thinking of how great it is to finally be walking the walk, and not just talking about being green.  I’m going to be riding to and from work on nice days.  How cool is that?  Wait for it…

I get to my building and head back to the freight area, and after I enter, get told by everyone that the building has a strict no bicycle rule.  No exceptions.  Now mind you, this is a prestige building in midtown.
‘It’s not safe’, they say.
‘could block a fire exit’.
What?  In my office?  How?
‘Rules are rules’, they say.
I heard we can petition the building.  Get enough individual names, and companies in the building to sign it, and see what happens.
I don’t usually back down on principal, but this is not going to be my fight.  I didn’t intend to bike to work often in the next two weeks.  It was my plan to to ride around Central Park early mornings, and take the bike upstate with me for the month of July.

NYC, has a GreenNYC campaign, check it.

Go green in NYC,  just not here.  Or here.  Or over here.  Only where we tell you it’s ok.
What the fuck is wrong with this country?