Raven’s View

Yesterday, I promised to elaborate on the reasons why riding the bus is good for the Great Outdoors.

But first, here are three suggestions I’m sending to Asheville Transit:

1. Post schedules on all bus stops.

2. Improve transit Web site.

3. Increase evening service (even more.)

And here are the Top Ten Reasons Why Riding The Bus Is Good For The Great Outdoors:

1. Less air pollution equals bigger, better views in the mountains.

2. Air pollution damages the lungs during athletic activity and increases asthma rates.

3. Acid rain and global warming are killing those really cool spruce-fir forests above 5,000 feet elevation.

4. If we could reverse global warming, skiing and snowboarding would be a lot more fun in the Southeast.

5. Acid rain and urban runoff from automobiles contribute to poor water quality, resulting in fewer, smaller fish for anglers, less wildlife for viewing, and dirtier water for swimmers and boaters.

6. Public transportation decreases traffic, making it easier to get out of town and to the trailhead.

7. With the large amounts of traveling my fellow adventurers and I partake in, we need to make up for our excessive emissions.

8. The more we use public transportation, the better public transportation gets. Imagine if you could load up your mountain bike and head out to Bent Creek on a bus.

9. With the idle time spent on a bus ride, you could plan your next expedition, read a magazine or do finger and forearm strengthening exercises.

10. With the current cost of gas, your fuel savings could buy you new gear.