On becoming an ambassador...

With an empty stomach and great expectations, I found my way down to the B.E.S.T. Pancake Breakfast at Granville Square to find a massive assembly of happy smiling people waiting patiently for their fluffy pancake breakfast and organic coffee.... (more)I found the friendly VanCity camp near the back and signed in to get my bright new shiny red cruiser, complete with matching bike lock and helmet. Though apprehensive about the thought of riding up a hill in one of these babies, I figure the 75 other people entrusted with the bikes are in the same boat as me =) I think of the most notable things I've been getting used to is how much attention you get riding one of these things around town. Being a marketing person myself, I'm no stranger to the wonderful world of PR and my first impressions of the program definitely left me with some mixed emotions about being a spokesperson and riding a logo-emblazoned bike... Still, there was a moment yesterday, when riding along Commercial drive and seeing those bikes parked along the street, that I felt a sense of solidarity and remembered what we are all really in this for. To be a part of a project that might help introduce the concept of biking as an alternative means of transportation and as a valuable aspect of Vancouver's social and cultural landscape. When I think about this idea, I'm happy to smile and say "Yea, this is one of those VanCity bikes! Cool eh?" I gotta say, besides getting used to the backpedal brake and no-gears, the VanCity bikes are definitely fun to ride! I've already taken it for a tour through Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park, the Coal Harbour Waterfront and back to my home near Commercial Drive. I stopped off for a refreshing salad at Hyrise Produce on the way back to the office, just barely avoiding a lil' rainshower that popped up during the afternoon. Alas, I didn't have my camera, so I'll revisit those spots so pics will have to wait.Once the weather gets a bit better, I'm looking forward to recruiting a posse of 'Red Riders' for a tour around the beautiful beachfronts of our fair city!More to come!!