OK, so it’s been since sometime back in the 80’s that I rode a bike. First, it’s to damn hot most of the time here in South Florida, second, cars have better stereo’s and crash protection, and finally, I never really have been attracted to any of the predominate bike “cultures.” You know, the “Distance Fanatics” (which includes the skinny-tired Tour de France blood-dopers and the cruising couples – hey, sorry TT, but a tandem that costs more than a Harley, WTF is up with that?), or the bone-jarring “Mountain Bikers” or the bronzed and boring “Beach Cruisers.”
Then, Public came along. Maybe it’s the ex-designer/art guy in me, or the fact that the company is the brainchild of Rob Forbes, the founder of Design Within Reach, or the buzz from Wired, NYT, Vanity Fair, etc. (Wired said it best: “These are the same kind of bikes you see all over the place in many Northern European cities. They’re cheap, strong and comfortable, all of which encourages you to ride more… The cool-looking machines combine the sleek, pared-down look of a fixed-gear bike with the comfort and practicality of the Dutch City Bike.” From the name, to the logo, to the vibe, PUBLIC rules. So here’s my shiny new D-3. I’ve had it for two months. Now if it will just get cool enough to leave the house and try it out ….
26.107665
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About Michael Farver
Ex-print media publisher & art/design guru, foodarazzo and semi-pro chef, passionate social activist, writer, photographer and artist. I serve as a national, state and local spokesperson and advocate for childhood hunger solutions as President & CEO of the South Florida Hunger Coalition, where we work to eradicate hunger by acting as a resource and convener for hunger-related initiatives, develop and support visionary community outreach like the Summer Food, Fun & Friends feeding and enrichment program for at-risk kids, Mobile Food Pantries distributing fresh fruits and vegetables to marginalized communities, and championing the expansion and outreach of “Food is Medicine” programs to serve the needs of the chronically ill. I direct a grassroots child hunger nonprofit in South Florida as well as a private consulting business that provides leadership development, social media, brand, marketing and other services. A former handler of championship Dobermans and licensed firearms expert, I have traveled the country for two decades following the Black Crowes (in all their multiple lineups). I’m a Dad, a Husband, and when things get too intense, I flee to Italy to refresh my soul. I’m into everything from modern art, tiki and pop surrealism to wine collecting to all things touching, and touched by, technology.
Edge of the Apocalypse 