Life on Two Wheels
Bicycles are useful, friendly, healthy, affordable, functional, fun, multicultural and powered by you. They encourage freedom, exploration, creativity and awareness; they’re a connector of people, places and things; and they promote a simplified and slower-paced lifestyle.
But while most of us are familiar with cruisers, road and mountain bikes, perhaps more useful for those who want to ditch their car for good would be a cargo bike, which lets you carry stuff like kids, groceries and larger loads with ease.
In 2013, Yuba Bicycles, the nation’s leading maker and seller of cargo bicycles, relocated operations to Petaluma. Yuba offers six models, including two electric versions. Its Mundo model weighs about 48 pounds and can haul 440 pounds of cargo, not including the rider. The Boda Boda has more creature comforts that make it a favorite with city dwellers, smaller riders and commuters (but it’s still a workhorse). The company’s newest release, the Flip Flop, easily transitions very young riders from balanced scooting to full-fledged riding and features a frame that grows with the child.Yuba bikes are available at select bike shops in the North Bay and nationally, or online at yubabikes.com.
A Plan for Life
There’s no doubt that in today’s world, things are changing fast—in every area of our lives. How does one manage to keep up? Enter A Plan for Life by Tiburon-based author, speaker and entrepreneur, Eric Wentworth. This “21st century guide to success in wealth, health, career, education, love, place…and you” is a solid, easy-reading resource that offers practical tips you can start using right away.
“The Great Recession was the first painful shock to affect millions of people,” says Wentworth. “The rapid rise in automation and computer technology left many people behind. They suddenly realized it’s important to keep up with technology and social media to be considered relevant in the workplace. These changes far outpaced many workers’ knowledge of how to search for a job and manage a career.
“The rise in health care costs and the epidemic of chronic illnesses made millions suddenly realize they needed to be proactive and knowledgeable abut their health,” he continues. “Even love has changed, with one in four couples now meeting online.”
The book also covers education, information about the best and worst places to live, and ways to take positive steps toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Bottom line: There’s something here for everyone.
Travel with a Nomad
As consumer consciousness continues to seek more eco-friendly options for everything from grocery bags to apparel, Novato native Lynes (“Linus”) Downing has introduced the Nomad, a BPA-free, foldable, freezable and dishwasher-safe alternative to more bulky metal, glass and plastic beverage containers. They’re collapsible when empty, so they’re great for travel or emergency kits. They can also be attached via carabiner to golf bags, backpacks or belt loops; or frozen and used as ice packs. Customize them with a company logo for teambuilding events or a memorable corporate giveaway.
