recursive

At 26, I'm buying my first car. I "need" it to get to bike races. For about a year, I've struggled with other methods of getting to them, but there is no other practical way.

Any bumper sticker suggestions?

Cosmoline

You can't ride your bike to the bike races?

recursive

Not if they're >50 miles away.

I-Like-To-Bike

Others on this list might determine that your need for an automobile is an unnecessary want and you should do without.

recursive

Yeah, it's a want, but I don't see that as a reason not to satisfy it. It's not like I'll driving to work or anything. shudder

makeinu

...since you asked how about:
"Bike races are more important to me than the lives of those I might kill with this car."

for a bumper sticker

And then there are others (ie you) who might determine that the OP's self proclaimed want is a need that cannot be done without.

recursive

I like the sentiment, but it's really too long for a bumper sticker. They can really only accommodate five words, tops. And that's a stretch.

How about: "Eat CO2, Earth!"

I-Like-To-Bike

How about: "Oh, the Humanity!" 3 words and timely too. And Eco-Nanny approved!

TimJ

How about no bumper sticker? You could be one of those freaks that don't feel the need to project some bit of their identity everywhere they go.

Artkansas 

I like the irony.

recursive

Tell us how you feel about vanity plates too.

But for real, I was actually considering not having any bumper stickers, drastic as that sounds. Suggestion duly noted. Maybe I should start a poll featuring the best suggestions.

bill2k1

You need a "A Fair Wisconsin Votes No" and a "Green for Governor" the irony would likely end the world.

bragi

Have you considered Flexcar or some other car-sharing service? If you just need the car to get to races, it might be a more economical choice than paying for insurance, licensing, maintenance, etc.

In addition, you might find that, since you have the car just sitting there in front of your house anyway, soaking up money whether you use it or not, you'll end up using it more than you originally intended. At first, it'll only be races, and maybe rare, major grocery runs, which seem reasonable, don't they? Then, one day, you'll catch yourself driving your car to a coffee shop a mere 10 blocks from your house, and it's not even raining. After a while, you'll be driving two blocks to 7-11 to buy your twice-daily Big Gulp and bag of Cheetos. Before you know it, you'll be bloated, overweight and wheezing, completely unable to even get on your dusty old bike, much less race it.

recursive

Yes. I have been using Community Car for over a year now as a matter of fact. But their pricing structure really discourages trips over 100 miles, which most races require. I project I will spend at least $400 (from a conventional rental place, CC would cost >$1k probably) on rental alone in July if I do not buy a car, probably more. Minimal insurance will be ~$400/year. I will buy a beater car that runs for ~$3k. I know there will be maintenance costs, but my rental costs should almost pay for a car in two or 3 years.

Owning a car is actually pretty distasteful to me, and I've tried plenty of other options, but I have grudgingly come to the conclusion that it makes sense for me to have one.

bmclaughlin807

I know the feeling, recursive... the ONLY reason I would like to have/drive a vehicle is to transport myself to bike rides. *sighs* Ever try to get across a city at 4:00 AM and arrive fresh and ready for a 200 mile bike ride? Not fun at all.

bkrownd

Beater? You should be able to get a darn nice Toyota for $3000 and it'll probably last 10-15 years or maybe more if you treat it right. ( i.e. let it sleep in the garage on weekdays. )

CTAC

"Avis", "Budget" or something like that. If you need a car for weekends renting should be less expensive.

PS. Expedia.com offers rates ~$20/day for weekends. If you use it for *every* weekend it is still only $2000. Even $3K car will probably cost you more in maitenace and other expenses.

Cyclaholic

Why not?

recursive

Because:

• I would have to wake up as early as 2am in some cases
• I wouldn't be fresh and rested for the race after riding 100 miles or more to get there.
• It would be prohibitively difficult to carry my spare wheels on my race bike for long distances.
• I would need a motel in some cases, as 250 miles in a day including a race, while carrying all my supplies probably would not be able to happen.

But don't think I didn't consider it.

thimblescratch

Wow, that would be awefully hardcore to bike to a bike race! I think it's impressive though that you've thought about all your options. What a bummer that the community carsharing is not working out. Do you know of someone who will lend you a car, or maybe another cyclist to carpool to races?

Good luck in car shopping, hope you find just what you are looking for. BTW I'm sure you will be fine and not wind up eating Cheetos and wheezing

Hm, a bumper sticker. How about "Just resting my legs" or something. Yeah I guess I'm lame, ha.

thimblescratch

Actually, the title is 'farewell car-free lifestyle' , but it sounds like you're not giving up that lifestyle at all, only on some weekends. Unless you're planning on increasing the car usage over time. In which case you might want to get some other bumper stickers

recursive

I've been borrowing a car from a friend also, but that can get awkward over time. I've also been getting a ride with a team-mate who lives near me, but after he fractured his hip, he hasn't been going to many races.

I suppose you're right that I'm not giving up the lifestyle in general. I hope car ownership doesn't turn out to be a slippery slope.

Resting my legs... that's got potential.

TimJ

Actually vanity plates are OK. I mean, maybe they're dumb, but it's a little more honest than a bumper sticker. They're called "vanity" plates after all. Bumper stickers are like the "favorite books" section on a myspace page. If I wasn't so disgusted by the ironic perfection of it, I'd have a bumper sticker that says "my self image".

But pure advertisement bumper stickers are OK. So says I.

GGDub

Howabout:

"Nuke their ass and steal their gas."
put it right above
"Snowy Owls taste like chicken."

kc9eog

How attached are you to racing? Is this something you could do less often? I want to sell my car, maybe you should buy it!
The idea being with me car-free maybe it would balance out.