Aren't we going "GREEN"?

I was down at my local BMW dealership last week picking up some OEM parts, and I got to joking with one of the part managers. One thing led to another, and I made a comment that I was "going green" by riding to work each day, instead of using my truck a few times a week. The part manager overheard my comment and joked, "So you're riding your bicycle?" I of course got the point and replied, "Well, I guess I've gone pond green".


Here in Arizona we have only 10 days of rain a year. Rarely will it freeze, and when it does, the roads seldom become slick. We have little excuse not to ride year round. Sure, it gets hot in the summer, but only the ride home is brutal.

Currently I'm riding a very plush BMW K1200LT. My routine is to head out to the bike, start the engine, hit the radio button, turn on the heated hand grips/seat (winter), and slap on my helmet. I pass by the gas station on the way to work, hit my bike computer button and smile as it indicates 45mpg... Nothing better than seeing that number each morning.

I'm proud to say that we have a strong "grass root" customer base. There are customers who have been shopping with us for over 10 years. They are more than customers, but truly friends. When I suggest a product, I take it to heart. When a product is expensive, I make sure to explain why.

The high price of gas has turned many into everyday commuters like myself. It has also motivated many to update their older gear. Here is the dilemma many face. How can I ride each day to save money, then walk into a store and spend $400 on new gear. Doesn't that scratch out any savings? Here's the math...lol

If you take the $400 and divide it by $3 (price of fuel) it comes out to 133 gallons of gas. If your car/truck gets 20mpg that it comes out to about 7 fill ups, or 2660 miles. A 30 mile commute each day equals about 88 trips, 17 weeks, or about 4 months... In other words if you buy the gear, ride each day, 4 months in you're in the black. Less if you're like me, and your car/truck gets only about 12mpg...

The bottom line? You must have comfortable gear to even get onto a bike day after day. Once you do, the savings can start. You will also have something that will serve you well into the future. You save money in the long run, have a comfortable ride, and everyone wins...