Lubbock on a Bike: Shops, Bike Racks, and Feeling Welcome

Tell me it ain't true!

 

This one breaks my heart for a few reasons. First, it is the bike shop closest to my house. Second, the customer service was great AND a very friendly Australian shepherd greeted you at the door. The last reason is in the pic. That "store closing" sign is on a bike rack - one of two bike racks in front of the store.

 

When it comes to bike commuting and infrastructure, I believe in the Field of Dreams philosophy - If you build it they will come ride.

 

Worth a read for small business owners

 

Sun Adventure is/was the only bike store in town with a bike rack out front for customers. And I have loved that about them. I like businesses that actively promote and encourage local cyclists, and it seems like no one would want to do that more than a bike shop. Sure, you can always find a tree or a light post or a street sign, but that's just one more reminder your town gives little thought to those who ride.

 

So, Lubbock cyclists, please help me out here. Help me spread the word about businesses who do provide a bike rack, who make an effort to make a cyclist feel welcome. Please email or tweet photos of your favorite local business. MesquiteHugger@gmail.com or @mesquitehugger.

 

May you patronize businesses that support you in turn.

Lubbock: Food Truck Fans Have Spoken!

Hundreds line up on Sunday for an opportunity to sample food truck cuisine!

Will our city council respond?

If you did not make it out to the food truck rally, you missed droves of smiling people showing up to support the growth of small local businesses opportunity in our town. A huge success!

May you live in a place where the government is by the people for the people.

Answering Aquaponics Questions

So you find yourself interested in aquaponics, hydroponics, aquaculture, backyard chickens, gardening, etc., and you start asking yourself questions. The first (and most valid) question is, "Why?"

And that leads to more questions:

Would this lead to better physical health?

Would this lead to better mental health?

Would this lead to better financial health?

Could I really bring myself to eat that?

Could I make a living doing this?

Is it worth the effort?

Will my family desert me?

Will my neighbors get scared of the hippie and call the city to complain?

An article and video on Treehugger today asks one of these questions and answers many:

Can you make a living from suburban, backyard aquaponics?

May you find answers and healthy foods!

Small Business Saturday is here!

If you're going to spend money today, head out to your favorite local small businesses. Keep your money in the local economy and support your neighbors. 

I am starting today with a homemade cinnamon roll and an Americano from Yellowhouse Coffee. 

May your day be filled with local goodness! 

Small Business Saturday - Locals, PLEASE COMMENT!

For those of you who can't wait until Friday to run out and get those Black Friday bargains, here is a helpful link.
Black Friday Opening Hours

As for me, I hate it! As retailers push the Black Friday envelope in a fiendish plot to destroy Thanksgiving and meaningful human interaction, I feel the need to push back. So, I am drawing my line in the sand. I will not participate. I will not participate in the ravenous consumer orgy that now begins at 6pm on Thanksgiving. I do not want to contribute to the competitive and mean-spirited drive to get the best deal on some gadget cranked out in China. I do not want to contribute to a system that turns a family holiday into a day of drudgery and misery for those who work retail.

What's the fallback plan for Friday?
I am not completely sure, but I have several tentative plans:
I want to start the day by spending a quiet morning with my beautiful wife. As I work on the list of that for which I am thankful, she is right at the top, and I want her to know that.
I would like to hike in a canyon, bake sugar cookies, have lunch with friends and family, walk the dogs in a local park, put up Christmas lights, and start working on a few handmade gifts.

And, if I absolutely have to go out and buy something for somebody, I am going to hold out for Small Business Saturday.

It's a great way to support local businesses. One study shows $45 of every $100 spent at small, local businesses stays in the local economy. National chains only keep local $13 of every $100 spent.

Skip Black Friday - Small Business Saturday (It's an older article, but it still makes a great point.)

So, those of you who live here on the South Plains, do you have any local small businesses you'd recommend for Small Business Saturday? Gift shops? Local artists? Specialty food sellers? Local stores that offer great customer service? Please share your favorites in the comments section, so others can support those brave souls who go head-to-head with the retail giants that surround and overwhelm us!

May all your Fridays be anything but black!