Just Because It’s a Good Idea Doesn’t Mean You Should Do It or, Bob's Not Happy

My new ride is a SUB, a sport utility bike.  The concept is a sturdy well made bike that can carry more stuff than just me and my knapsack. I got myself a Surly Pacer frame and fork on Ebay and then fitted it out with a Campagnolo drivetrain bought on sale, or close out, or Ebay. It’s not a $300 cheapo by any means. It’s not even one of Mr. Braddy’s dumpster rescues. It is worth about twice what I paid for it and should last a few decades. It’s not real fast but it can carry a good bit and it has a shiny brass bell.

It is a good idea for all of us to try to use automobiles less. This could mean carpooling, doing more than one errand per trip, or an alternative means of transportation. Personally I am very fond of land sailors, anything from a skateboard to a railroad handcar with a huge amount of sail attached. This is not very practical however much fun it provides. Most people can leave the car at home by walking, riding a bike, taking the bus or hitching up a wagon to a mule.

I have a nice selection of livestock around our little acre. There are rabbits, chickens, gold fish and two cats. One cat lives inside and the rest of the menagerie lives outside, including the fish. Bob is the outdoor cat. He had a little mishap and needed to go to the vet. My lovely wife was not home but hey, no big deal, I’ve got a SUB. I strapped a pet carrier to the rack 

on my bike and trundled Bob off to the vet. It’s only a mile or so, no big deal,

 right?

Bob didn’t think so. He yowled all the way to the vet’s. He was a perfect gentleman at the vet’s. He had an abscess on his foot and was all nicely bandaged up for the ride home. He yowled most of the way home. Three fourths of the way home we were chased by a Shitzue and Bob pretty much shut up the rest of the way home.

Bob had to go back to the Vet four days later. I figured I would improve his accommodations. I made a flat bed for the rack and attached a bigger more plush cat carrier, complete with a rug so he would not slide around so much. It looks pretty slick and is very stabile. The wire door makes a racket over chipseal and bumps. Bob let me know about this real fast. He was very vocal and very loud for most of the way over. I was thinking it was a good thing I faced the door towards the rear. I might have needed stitches if he could have reached a leg.

The vet loves Bob, everyone loves Bob. He is a real sweetie with no dignity and all of the girls who come by the shop, coo over him. He doesn’t bite or scratch, he falls over and lets you rub his tummy. He got around just fine with his leg bandaged up, he even jumped over the garden fence. Bob’s a good cat, he’s just not happy. Cycling is not for everyone, especially Bob. Next week, the indoor cat has to go to the vet. Whee.

(Recent big load. Two frozen turkey breasts, 2 cans of white beans, two cans of pumpkin, two boxes of 2 gallon ziplock bags,2 pounds of Tilamook cheese, and a six pack of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. Half in one bag half in the other.)