Gift ideas for the transit geek

Tony Arranaga — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:54:28 +0000

Whether you’re stuck on what to buy your carfree friend or you want to encourage others to drive less, I’ve come up with a list of reasonably priced gift ideas that will enable people to make the transition from four wheels to two. More and more people are becoming familiar with the benefits of exploring your city using alternative transportion: personal health and reducing congestion on city streets. I also think there’s another benefit to living carfree is how it helps the local economy. You see, I find myself spending more money at local stores and restaurants and less at national chains. According to one source, I’m putting more money back into the local economy (source). See anything below that a friend might like to have?

A 7-day METRO pass ($17.50)

What better way to encourage someone to see Phoenix (or the city where you live) than to give them a weeks pass or fare card to be used on the lightrail or bus. You can either buy the ticket online or at a vending machine located at every light rail station in Phoenix. Either way, the ticket will be good for both the trains and the bus. For more information on how to purchase click on METRO‘s site here.

Daily 10-pack from the Bicycle Cellar in Tempe ($30)

The Bicycle Cellar is on the ground floor of the Tempe Transit Center next to Sun Devil stadium. The facility is the first of its kind here in the state if not the west coast – and allows a rider to safely store their bike in a locker and take a shower. A handy pass especially for people who work in this part of the Valley and live somewhere else. The recipient of the gift can chose any 10 days in a 12 month period. I’ll admit, I’ve never been here, but I plan on going very soon. Learn more about the Bicycle Cellar here. The Bicycle Cellar is located at the Tempe Transit Center which is a stop on the light rail.

Mini-bike lights ($13.99)

CenPho bike shop Slippery Pig has these cool lights, one for the front and one for the rear, both will make you street legal at night. I use a pair and they throw a decent amount of light considering the size. Read more information about Slippery Pig here. Slippery Pig is located just north of the Camelback lightrail station. From the station, head north on Central past Camelback. Slippery Pig is in the strip mall just past the intersection on the west side of the street.

Warmth

These gloves were $27 at Bunky Boutique – I like the fingerless gloves because you’re able to use a phone, dig around in your shoulder bag, etc. And even though they’re fingerless, they still keep your hands nice and toasty. Bunky can be found on the web here. Take the light rail to the Roosevelt station, then head east on Roosevelt to 3rd Street, then south just past the dirt lot.

A gift certificate to a local coffebar

What transit nerd doesn’t like coffee? Any dollar amount on a gift certificate is good. $20 might get you a kiss, $30 would be orgasmic. Need some other great gift ideas along the lightrail? Check out my list on DowntownPhoenix.com here.

The new vintage bike

Tony Arranaga — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:04:56 +0000

UPDATE: link on best lock or anti-theft device for your bike

I finally have my own set of wheels again after some crook stole my bike near Downtown Phoenix. If you need the backstory, click here.

Now, before I continue, let me say I’m so glad fellow blogger Phoenix Cycle Chica came to my rescue (here) and alerted me to a new/used 1950′s Schwinn cruiser that she found online for sale. Vintage bike enthusiasts know that classics like ‘Vern’ are hard to come by, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a used bike instead of buying a new one.

I picked up Vern from Slippery Pig (a bike shop on Central Avenue here) with his new wheel and chain which made for a much smoother experience. However, after spending several hours cruising around I realized I need to come up with ways to pimp my ride. Vern needs some street cred. He needs to be sexed up a bit…I want to make him turn heads… and not because the two of us look like a scene from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure riding down Central Avenue.

So let’s compare my old stolen bike …

and my new vintage bike. Maybe y’all can help-me-help-Vern with ideas for a bike makeover.

The good news: I know what I’m going to be for Halloween.

You may have noticed the lock in the basket. It’s a U-lock and cable combo. Mischa at Slippery Pig said it’s not the Kryptonite brand but it’s the next best thing. The lock cost about $40 and is heavy with a good size cable. I doubt if I’ll leave my bike out of sight again – but just in case – this lock will definitely take a little bit of muscle to break.

Light Rail - Light Rail Blogger - Phoenix » Slippery Pig

Gift ideas for the transit geek

The new vintage bike