Green Options Buffalo is profiling an area cyclist each month who make green transportation options a big part of their life. If you have someone you'd like to suggest as a cyclist-of-the-month, please click here to contact Green Options Buffalo.
January 2012: Julian Montague
January 2012 Cyclist-of-the-Month: Julian Montague
The Cyclist
Julian Montague, 38. I’m an artist and a graphic designer (Frazer/ Montague Design). My family moved to Buffalo when I was 11. I was away for college and a little while after that. I have now continuously lived here since 1998. For the last 6 years, my wife and I have lived near the Peace Bridge on the West Side (a neighborhood properly known as Prospect Hill).
The Cycle
I have three bikes for the three different kinds of cycling that I do. For my every day city riding I have a 2009 Raleigh One-Way. It’s a steel single speed bike with drop bars. For longer distance riding (day rides, touring etc.) I have a Surly Cross Check. And for the winter I have a 2005 Raleigh C-500 Aluminum hybrid that I have modified for winter in a number of ways. All of my bikes have long metal fenders and leather mud flaps. Most of the plastic fenders available are far too short to be effective. In general I’m interested in the aesthetics and practical ergonomics of the classic French Randonneur and English and touring bikes.
The Ride
I work from home so I don’t have a proper commute. I do, however, wake up every morning and ride my bike 1.3 miles to Café Taza on Elmwood near Allen Street. I also use my bike for whatever other errands I need to do during the day. I’ve been into doing longer rides for the last couple of years. My longest day so far was a 112 mile ride to Toronto in July. I would like to do some real touring next Summer. I also participate in the Buffalo Lazy Randonneur Club’s yearly Tweed and Seersucker rides.
My Other Bike is a...
My wife has a Volkswagen Passat that I use when the task at hand is not possible to do with a bike. Down the line I could see getting something practical like a Ford Transit Connect. Moving art around is not easy to do on a bicycle.
Cycling in Buffalo
Having been a year round cyclist in Buffalo for over 14 years, I definitely think that things are going in the right direction. There are more people than ever riding and a lot more people riding through the winter. But the percentage of bicycle riders is still pathetically small given how easy it is to get around here by bike.
