Inspiring Riv Riders: Pamela Murray

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I have been so inspired lately by one Pamela Murray out of Charlotte, who rides a tiny 2011 Betty Foy. She is known to her community for her bike activism and her bike safety course, Cycling Savvy. We “met” on social media.

The reason I find her so inspiring is her impressive mileage on her Rivendell. She began riding an Electra Townie (2006, I believe) and put 5800 miles on it. In 2011, she bought her Betty Foy and she has now logged an impressive 50,200 miles on her Betty. 

50,200 miles. Since 2011. Just take that in for a moment...

Pamela rides rain or shine, everywhere, and for any reason. While some of us are obsessing over n+1, upgrades, or aesthetics, she’s out there in the true spirit of Rivendell, riding the wheels off her Riv and inspiring her community to do the same. You can see her around town hauling pieces of furniture she finds curbside, or donating 85 pounds of food she hauled for Cranksgiving, growing her “bike benefits” program, and teaching others to safely cycle in the city. 

Pamela is half my size and 5x as tough, and I doff my polka dot Nutcase helmet to her. She. Is. The. Queen.

Leah

PS I had Pam’s permission to post this thread and her photos.

[dougP]

Talk about a working bike.  That chair thing is impressive.  This shows the versatility & utility of Rivendells, and the creativity of people who ride them.  She's a great example.

dougP

[Joe Bernard]

Between you and this person that's a whole lotta Riv mileage every year. When I get my normal riding schedule back I know what I need to do: Be more like Leah and Pam! 

On Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 10:10:44 AM UTC-8 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Well, if you’re gonna be like Pam you better get a physical first - that’s a pretty optimistic mileage goal! We might just tip over.

[Pam Bikes]

Y'all are all too funny.  You know how good the Rivs ride so I'll take any opportunity to ride.  If anyone asks me if I want to ride, the answer is always yes.  Example: somebody invited me to table at an event but said it was in the next town over and not to ride there b/c it's too dangerous, hard, or too far or something like that.  Well, the only reason I wanted to do it was for the ride there.  So it was 26 miles out.  It was going to be 52 miles round trip which is more than I usually ride in a day.  But I went and am glad I did.  The event was only so so but the ride was great.  As all rides on a Riv are.  If you come to Charlotte, I will ride with you.

[Evan E.]

Great story, Leah!  Welcome to the list, Pam! I hope you’ll visit us once in a while (on the list, that is) and send us some Riv news.

Evan

[True Golden]

Terrific!

Way to go Pam and welcome to the group.

I like the carrying of unusual loads on a bike.

I've used the little two wheel hand trucks / hand carts to tow heavier or larger loads on my bikes a few times.

Also I've carried things probably too heavy for rear rack and baskets all strapped like crazy with bungee cords.

Towing a Christmas tree extra cool!

Paul in Dallas

Safe transporting by bike