Two Wheels
Francisco Molina, better known to his friends as Cisco, currently rides a gun-metal gray Miyata road bike that he fixed up after his uncle found it in the garbage. The salvaged bike, picked up about eight months ago, was in decent shape except for the wheels and tires, which Cisco replaced during the repair.
Cisco is a Lakewood High School student who has lived in the Cleveland/Lakewood area for his entire life. His dad first taught him to ride a bike around the age of four, and he has never looked back. As payment for helping a friend's dad re-do the roof of their house, Cisco received his first road bike, a laser-green Echo that he rode everywhere for the next few years. It met its end just after a winter season of riding and weather damage, when the down tube snapped completely off from the head tube.
Cisco estimates that he rides at least 15 miles a day, using his bike as his only form of transportation. In fact, he doesn’t have a driver’s license and has no intention of getting one. Like Tom Stover, Cisco is an all seasons rider, never dissuaded by snow or rain. Most of Cisco’s friends ride bikes too, all part of the next generation of what I hope will be motor vehicle-free people. They’re definitely on the right track, and seem to be very conscious about the effect of their decisions on the rest of the world.
One of Cisco’s longest bike trips so far was a three-day, two-night trip to Pittsburgh with his friend Dave to visit some family. Their course began on the towpath at Steelyard Commons and followed it through Kent, then proceeded on back-roads into the city. The thrill of the trip has stayed with him, with plans for a ride out to either Colorado or Oregon in the works after graduation.
The only complaint Cisco has about the biking lifestyle is the poor quality of some local roads, especially after the damage caused by road salts after the winter months. These have resulted in countless flat tires, as well as damage to his bike frames.
Cisco is also becoming a great musician and has begun a start-up business doing garden preparation and yard-work with a friend. Always up for a good chat, Cisco is a great person to come into contact with. At my request, Cisco penned a lovely haiku, which is what I’ll leave you with, until next time.
Cruisin’ down the street
Gettin’ where I got to go
Lovin’ my two wheels.
Erika Durham
I am a 26 year old woman who drinks coffee and beer, rides some bikes, reads, takes pictures, makes stuff, and runs long distances.