Thanks to Heidi for the link to a Bicycling Magazine article about the folks that bike because they have to, not because they choose to. Folks that log more miles than almost any middle class Bianci commuter. Folks that cycle for freedom and survival rather than fitness, recreation, or principal. Folks that the good ladies at Acme probably know more about that most of y'all reading this blog.

Most of the riders I met viewed their commute as a battle, but exhibited none of the smug, anti-automotive posturing many committed middle-class bike commuters wear as a badge of honor.