Bike Commuters

Bike Your Drive!

Commuter Profile: Zak Tafton

Posted by RL Policar On June - 11 - 2008

How long have you been a bike commuter?

Off and on since last summer. I started commuting every day this past January until now.
Before that I rode an old road bike fixed gear conversion to college.

Why did you start riding your bike to work and how long is your commute?

I wanted to get a head start on my fitness this summer for the riding season and gas prices started climbing.
My work commute is 5.6 miles one way. Usually 6-7 to get home with errands.

How does Bike Commuting help you with your weekend club rides?

Well I commute on a fixed gear, which has improved my pedal stroke and endurance tremendously.

What do you do for a living and in what city do you bike commute?

I work for a remodeling company In Fresno, CA. I draw plans, manage the computers and do the marketing.

What kind of bikes do you have?

Fixed Gears:
2008 IRO Commuter + rack and panniers

1953 Schwinn Paramount Track Bike All Original

One Road:
2005 Kestrel Evoke + Full Campy Record 10spd

One Mountain:
2007 GT I-Drive Full Suspension

Any funny or interesting commuting story that you may want to share?

I am starting to see alot of the same people on my commute and lately and
while waiting at traffic lights they have been asking me whether I am:
1. Carless
2. Commuting
3. Crazy

What do people (coworkers, friends) say when you tell them that you are a bike commuter?

They think its cool, they say they wish they could do it too. I tell them they can! I’ve converted and encouraged a few frends to bike commute too. I used to get mixed feedback when it was colder outside and gas was cheaper. Now all of a sudden its a great idea and everybody wants to do it. Amazing how that happens.

How about bicycling advocacy? Are you active in any local or regional advocacy groups?

I belong to the Fresno Cycling Club and My self and a Friend have a bike blog www.bike4more.com
We cover issues like improving health, the environment, and bicycle awareness. Its fun.
We also go to local cycling events like Bike Hop: http://www.fresnofamous.com/node/5545


Anything else that you want to share with us?

Your stories and articles are great keep them coming.

Popularity: 9% [?]

5 Responses to “Commuter Profile: Zak Tafton”

  1. Ghost Rider says:

    Hello, Paramount. That’s a beauty!

  2. [...] Posted in June 11th, 2008 by Zak in Advocacy, Bike Commuting My commuter profile is on BikeCommuters.co Check it [...]

  3. Scott says:

    Hey guys, I really enjoy these “commuter profiles” you have been doing lately. I have learned so much from your site. Thanks a bunch and keep up the great work!

  4. Mike Myers says:

    I agree with GR. The Paramount is amazing.

  5. Comfortably, the piece is actually the greatest on this worthwhile topic. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your upcoming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the wonderful originality in your writing. I will right away grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Gratifying work and much success in your business enterprise!

Leave a Reply

Sponsors

Photos

IMG_5349IMG_5348