Phillip Barron The Herald-Sun August 10, 2004 12:10 pm DURHAM — When I was a kid, riding a bicycle with multiple gears was something for adults. My blue banana-seat cruiser had only one gear at the rear wheel. I admired my dad and the older neighborhood kids who could change gears, go faster and ride greater distances. I dreamed about the day when I’d share that privilege. My first 10-speed didn’t just make it easier to climb hills, it confirmed my maturity. Today, the term “10-speed” sounds dated. Bicycle manufacturers cram gears onto bikes allowing riders to select from as […]

Phillip Barron The Herald-Sun July 28, 2004 9:10 pm DURHAM — I ride a bicycle for many reasons. It’s healthy — riding my bike for an hour to and from work every day is a reasonable workout. It’s fun — there’s nothing like mountain biking in Pisgah National Forest. It costs less than driving a car — I save a lot of money on gas. It’s a cleaner mode of transportation than any automobile — the Triangle region has some of the worst air quality in the nation. Converting food to energy is a lot cleaner and more efficient than […]