Junk-cycle

I saw French on the weekend; wheeling around the market on an ancient 10 speed. This is a system that he has had in play for many years.

He couldn't always keep the Mustang on the road, so he'd revert back to his bike. You'd often see him on an old, dirty, junky bike. French would snag old bikes from people's garbage, or pick one up from Bruce Fish. You'd see him ride up and then unceremoniously just lean the bike against a tree, drop it in an alley, or even just roll it down a ditch. He'd retrieve it later and bike home.

His theory was that he didn't have to lock it up; it was totally stress free bike "ownership". French actually found it funny when his bike would be missing or wrecked by vandals. He'd just round up another and be on his way. He has never paid for a bike...or a lock.

At one point he had three "junk-cycles" hidden around the town. He'd always have access to transportation, be it a 10 speed, an BMX, or a rusty mountain bike. Some bikes he'd have to stop with his feet Flintstone style. He'd roll up and lament the lack of brakes. Other times you'd see French with a 2-4 balanced on the handle-bars, heading out for the night. It was a great system.

I'm thinking of making this a junk-cycle summer.