Current Issue
Vol 17 No 3: May 2008
Click here for this month’s articles
We recently got an email from a reader here at Oregon Cycling headquarters (we love getting mail, by the way, e- or otherwise) that made us think about what a great place Oregon is and what great people cyclists are. The letter is as follows:
Dear OC, I just opened up a bike first aid station at my house. I live at 53215 Timber Rd. Vernonia, OR 97064. You’ll find a sign, a 5-gallon bucket with wrenches, tire patch kit, air pump, a couple of water bottles, a copy of Oregon Cycling, and a plastic chair. It is self-service, open 24/7×365.
I know how it is to break down far from home and tool supply. I’ll also give out free health advice. I encourage other people to set up these bike first aid stations. Thanks, Ed Martiszus, RN
Well, Ed, you just got our vote for coolest thing we’ve heard about in a while. Not only can you find the essentials, but you’ll be able to take a load off and relax in a chair while sipping on water and reading Oregon Cycling (we especially like that last part). But if all that isn’t enough, you can get a medical professional’s advice on that wonky knee or your carpal tunnels. Something tells me that asking him to take a gander at that nasty saddle rash might be taking Ed’s generosity a bit too far. Just put some cream on that and keep it to yourself.
What’s really inspiring about this missive from Vernonia is that Ed is not only taking a first step, but he’s getting the word out. He’s inspiring others to follow in his example, which is what we as cyclists are trying to to for the rest of the world. By getting out on bikes and showing folks that cycling is practical, efficient and (most of all) fun, we are setting the example for our neighbors, friends and fellow road-users.
Taking Ed’s idea one step further, wouldn’t it be great if there were not only aid stations along your favorite rural routes, but also in your neighborhood, on your block? What about vending machines for tubes and tools outside of grocery stores instead of row after row of soda machines, gumball globes and plastic crap?
Well, maybe all that stuff won’t happen overnight, but we can always dream. Follow Ed’s example if it’s practical for you, and always remember to be excellent to each other, as the saying goes.
