I quickly discover that you really don’t need a car to get around Vancouver. I walk to the bicycle store; price of a rental- $45 a day.

“Plus a credit card on file in case it gets stolen,” the salesman quips.

“I can rent a car for that much,” I retort, “Don’t you have anything cheaper?”

“We have an old clunker the boss took to get some coffee ... speak of the devil,” a cool looking hipster pulls in on an old red mountain bike.

“What do you think that bike is worth?”

“Not much,” replies the salesman, waving it off.

I assess the situation, then introduce myself to the boss.

“I’m going to be here for a few days, and I simply cannot afford to rent a bike from you guys every day, and I think you might want to get rid of the old bike you were just riding. Can we work a deal?”

The boss seems surprised, but not unwilling.

“How much were you thinking?”

“Well, your salesman said it wasn’t worth much, it looks a little worn. How about $50?”

The boss considers, examines the bike. “The gears all work, Reddy here is in decent shape,” he coaxes.

“Yeah, but your guy said it wasn’t worth much, however I will need a lock as well, and I’ll pay you cash.”

“Yeah, you definitely need a lock here in Vancouver,” he states nodding. “Allright, you got yourself a deal.”

We shake hands, I’m pleasantly surprised it came so cheap.

Downtown Vancouver- the flag of Canaduh “That was some good negotiating,” remarks the employee manning the register. … A little luck mixed in honestly. I'd have paid more.





They have some steel and chrome locks, but paying as much for the lock as the bike itself, a bicycle I’ll have to give up in a week or so, doesn’t sit right with me. Mr. Negotiator gets the cheapest combination lock chain they have ($18).

Freed from walking, I seemingly fly around the city, down to the beach, over the bridges, through downtown, up the hills. I feel a sense of freedom as the wind blows my hair back, and although it’s nowhere near the best bike in the world, Reddy's 7 gears do me just fine.

One evening I’m headed home, and at the stop light before the bridge, I overhear a girl speaking with her sister about “letting people in.” Her sister bikes away, and our light turns green.

“You’re an AirBnb host?” I ask, half stating it, even though the word never came up.

“I am,” she replies, slightly surprised.

Vancouver Harbor

Hard to reach Rainbow Lake in Whistler



We speed off on our bikes, side by side, chatting, getting to know each each other, as we glide over the ocean beneath us. By the time we cross, we’ve agreed to have a beer.

We lock up our bikes, which seems at the top of the Ten Commandments for Vancouverites, and enjoy each other’s company for the next hour, before bidding each other adieu.

After 5 days in Vancouver, I take Reddy up to Whistler with me , riding her all around the stunning valley, exploring as much as possible over four days, easily eclipsing 100 miles on my trusty steed.

trailer back to Vancouver. But my trip comes to a close. I hitch my bike on the Epic Rides trailer back to Vancouver.

I'm set to fly out several hours later. What to do with Reddy? If I just leave her out, she’ll undoubtedly be ganked by some criminal.

“Alexis, I have an idea for you. When I came to Vancouver, I wanted to rent a bike but they’re ridiculously expensive. I’m sure some of your guests would wish to rent one, why don’t I give you mine, and you rent it out to your guests for $20 a day. You’re doing them a service, and making extra money. We’ll split the earnings up to $500, after that the bike is yours.”

“Great idea!” she messages me back, “Lock it up under the staircase by my apartment and I'll be back later tonight.”





Hot damn! Not only did I get to use a bike for 9 days for $50 plus the lock, I’m going to end up making money on this deal, helping this girl out, and giving her guests a superior deal. Win-win-win, this is turning out absolutely brilliantly.

Bike to her place, lock Reddy up, and head to the airport, a smile on my face the whole way home.

I get off the plane, turn my phone on.

“Rich, I’m so embarrassed by my city, when I came home the bike was there. I came out two hours later, the chain was clipped and the bike was gone.”

Sorry Reddy! Shoulda invested in a

better lock.