Let me first say - I love bicycles, and I abhor cars.
For many reasons, the first is the obvious - repairs. Even if you are a certified mechanic, a car repair is a huge ordeal. At least with a bike, it's usually something simple, or a replacement part....still pricey, and mostly you can do the repairs yourself. Moreover, bikes break down less than cars - no how many miles you put on them, and I put a shitload of miles on my bike. That being said - I had a
wonderful experience this morning after dropping my fucking Jetta at the (new) mechanic, to have the annual safety inspection (oh joy).

It's like a crap shoot these days - lord knows what the hell could be broken, burnt out, cracked, torn or whatevva to impede the car from passing inspection. Car inspections must be what car mechanics prey on - hapless victims who don't know the difference between a rack-pinion boot from a left handed screw driver. And they know it. To make a long story short, I had to have my rack-pinion power steering boot (pictured) replaced today - it was (as explained to me, "it's broken apart and leaking steering fluid - it won't pass inspection") broken, needed to be fixed in order to pass inspection...to keep my car legal on the road....so I can commute to work to earn the money to continually pay for my car repairs. Damn viscious cycles. Well, $568 later, and a new inspection sticker - that cycle is NOT my bicycle. I hate my car.
I was working like a madman during the day between programming in the morning, client contacts, and project reporting - then had to go to an off site meeting at Pentagon City, came back to more of the same (picked up my car meantime)...I was sooo ready for a bike ride. My stress level was at an all time high. So after 41 miles in some seemingly unusually warm weather (in the 50s - tomorrow is supposed to be warmer). THis time, no cops...didn't see any...was biking by the seat of my pants...literally Ha!
Came home, had some scallops - YUMMY! and have been organizing some personal documents. (note, I hate cars, and updating wills). This time of year after the holidays...and before the weather gets real nice in the Spring is perfect for getting all my personal effects in order - not to mention organized before I move (moving to a new apt this spring). Lots to do...