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Gas Boycott Update

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Contributed by: Stephanie Johnson on 7/21/2008

Twelve miles to and from church I rode my bike,
To boycott the outrageous gas price hikes.
I need better shocks
And firmer buttocks
For this to be a ride that I like!

Earlier today, I posted a story about how I intended to boycott gas prices by riding my bike to church where I'm painting several murals. To start off, I planned to ride my bike at least 3 times the first week, working my way up to 5 times a week until I get acclimated. Not only will I be saving money, but I'll also be getting physically fit!

First of all, I have to say that I made it! To and from! According to MapQuest, the distance is just under 6 miles one way, but considering all the hills I had to climb, it felt like twice that!

Second, I believe I was successful due to my gym workouts. I formerly belonged to Curves (since November '05), but joined Planet Fitness in April because I wanted to get a better workout. Whether or not I'm able to walk tomorrow remains to be seen, especially since I can barely sit right now!

Third, I'm no Lance Armstrong! I took Murray Blvd. on the way to the church and it took over an hour. On the way back, I traveled Academy Blvd. to compare and it took forty-five minutes! Murray is hillier and curvier, but the sidewalks are consistent and the traffic was better. For added safety, I walked my bike through the larger intersections.

Fourth, I was impressed with the "traffic ettiquette" from most of the drivers. Only one vehicle failed to yield (next time, I'm taking down tag numbers!); otherwise, the other vehicles yielded to me and even backed up if they saw me coming and realized they were blocking my path. So, kudos to all you great drivers out there!

Even pedestrians were supportive! One man encouraged, "Keep it up!" I think I was breathing heavily at that point--he probably thought I was going to pass out! Only one girl was rude, "You gotta' watch out!" but she was only about 4 years old, so I'll let her slide.

Tomorrow, I'm headed to the vet (my son's cat got into my husband's fish hooks, and has to have a hook removed from his upper lip) and need to carry precious cargo, so I'll be driving for that one. After that, it's off to the church, then to my Writers Write meeting at Academy and Vickers, a little too far to ride my bike this early in my experiment. But Wednesday, I'll be back on the bike as I head off to the church. I hope my posterior has sufficiently recuperated by then! I'm looking forward to being able to ride to more places, and longer distances!

I think I'll pin a sign to my backpack that reads, "Boycott Gas Prices--Ride a Bike!" Honk if you see me--I could use the encouragement! And remember to post your stories about how you're fighting inflation, rising gas and food prices, and other ways to save money!

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Submitted By: Earl Chang

posted on 7/25/2008 @ 5:09:28 PM

Rated Story

Way to go Steph! There are so many positives coming out of sky-high gas prices: exercising, keeping the air cleaner by biking, and just the fun of it. I'll honk if I see you!

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Submitted By: Tim Bergsten

posted on 7/24/2008 @ 3:52:41 PM

Rated Story

Keep it up Steph. I love it.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Stephanie Johnson

Colorado Springs , CO

Stephanie Johnson has posted 85 stories and 140 comments since joining on 8/9/2007. Stephanie Johnson 's average story rating is 5.

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