I feel like a proud parent! Our little (er -giant) Steven rode 5000 miles in 2009!
It’s quite a feat if you consider the reality of it. There are many of you that ride your bike, often to and from work (see Jodi’s post); but think about the actual number of miles you rack up! I’d be happy if I made it to 50 (Tour de France is ~2241 miles)! Also think about the conditions in which you ride your bike! Not even cold and mild rain keeps Steven Crang off the double wheeled transporter!
To celebrate his enormous amount of hard work he brought in a Gus’ Pretzel (a St. Louis’ best) in the shape of 5000! Way to go Steve! I’m not only impressed in a feat I knew you would accomplish but impressed you help up the bargain of bringing in the giant pretzels!
Despite his efforts to dodge my camera and interview questions, I was able to bug him well enough he gave in to both! (I could have probably bribed him with cookies too though I just didn’t have any on hand).
Interview with Steven Crang, Structures Department-
How did you get started with biking to work everyday?
Bob Powers (HOK Architect) on a Bike to Work Day. I rode my bike in college but stopped when I moved to St. Louis. I didn’t start again until the Bike to Work Day.
How long have you been riding to work?
Bike to work day – 2002
Do you ride on the weekends often or do you stick to workday biking?
I ride on the weekends with my family and an occasional organized bike ride such as this year’s “Ride the Rivers Century” by Trailnet and “Cranksgiving 2009”. Cranksgiving is a really cool bike ride through the city from one grocery store to another; the idea being that you purchase food along the way. At the end of the ride, the food is collected and donated to a local food bank for distribution to needy families. It was amazing to see how much food some of the cyclists were able to transport.
Have you ever been injured on your excursions?
Yes-August 7, 2003; I was ‘doored’ on my ride home, I tore the ligaments in my right knee and fractured my right hand.
Do you ride alone, or does anyone ever ride with you?
During the week, I ride mostly by myself; there is one other bicyclist who I see regularly along my commute; we will ride together until our routes separate.
What is one the neatest/most interesting things you’ve seen biking this year?
I nearly collided with a barn owl near the start of my commute and also with a large hawk downtown. I assume both were chasing prey (not me) and I merely crossed their flight path. I also saw a pair of raccoon babies and a wild turkey. But the most interesting thing, is my new riding partner, a small rubber cherub I found in the curb near Soulard.
What is the worst?
Puke!
How fast do you ride?
I try to average 18-20 mph.
What weather do you NOT ride in?
Below 10 degrees or if there is ice / snow on the roads. Also, I generally won’t ride to work if it is raining hard.
What is the best part of riding your bike?
Traffic jam immunity and the ability to eat as many carbohydrates as I want; I love pastries and chocolate. [Editor's note: no wonder he brought in a giant pretzel! How did he get there here on his bike? Easy, his wife dropped it off at lunchtime]
