Pedalo El Pueblo

If there's one thing I've learned from Drew - we like our beer nice and cold, but also his knowledge in various topics of history, their hand with valley native plants and a desire to watch the valley prosper in ways that will help sustain our home, sustain ourselves, most importantly alongside one another. That one way is - biking.

Before starting this interview here are a few shout outs he'd like to give out "Big shoutout to the bike mechanics who keep me rolling: Josh (bearded Josh), Josh (Sexy Mustache Josh), Leo : the love of my life, father to our children, my twin by blood, and Carlos @ Cyco Therapy in Mission, TX"

Drew, Pedalo El Pueblo

I ask Drew,  what compelled you to create your new substack/your page on instagram - Bikergv956 or as it is also called Pedalo El Pueblo as he says "My Substack was created as a school project , but it coincides with my IG page and my ventures exploring the Rio Grande Valley by bike. I plan to highlight existing bike mechanics and shops around the Valley from Brownsville to Rio Grande City, and I document cyclists and their stories. What compelled me to make this page is my goal to establish a nonprofit in the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley is one of the most obese, inactive, and overweight regions in Texas. Pedestrian infrastructure is minimal, and about a quarter of the people here live below the national poverty line. There aren’t enough existing resources to empower and support those who rely on walking or biking for daily transportation. I created this page to address those issues—to highlight and advocate for safer, more just movement. I’ve joined many bike groups from Brownsville to Mission to experience different rides and to get to know local cyclists. One of the questions I always ask is, 'Who in your group is advocating for safer pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure?' Generally, there aren’t many. That’s how this organization came about, to fill that gap and uplift our community." Living in Palmview - I see various bike riders, but due to not living near the city. Living near mechanic shops that operate as taquerias by night. There isn't the proper infrastructure for my local bike riders in my area who are simply leaving to get groceries or going to work. One nail in the dirt or grass and its game over. I look forward to seeing how this gap get filled - I look forward to learning as I one day get a "new" bike from marketplace.

What is it that you wish to bring forward to the community? Due to this not just being a platform, but being a engaging self made learning opportunity for those who wish to come out as he states "I hope to inspire people to try commuting by bicycle, to educate, and to provide low-cost or free workshops on how to maintain their bikes. I plan to lead free community rides across the Rio Grande Valley, through our state parks and beautiful colonias, and to empower people to stay active and connected." I remember seeing one bike workshop months ago - about how to change the tires? Just how there has been free workshops on oil changes. This is something that comes in handy. Not just to know, but to meet those within your community who could lend a helping hand. With the assortment of individuals Drew knows - these workshops are possible! Hell, when I think of the bike rides done by certain groups it does...intimidate me, but even "beginner" short routes would be cool.

Pedalo El Pueblo,  not only has done call to actions and done the action of "no driving for a week" and the Museo956 bike tour - what do you have in mind to bring out? What do you feel is your next call to action? "Some of the next community projects I hope to facilitate are collaborative efforts with the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, organizing bike groups to attend City Hall meetings, and showing our elected officials that pedestrians and cyclists exist. We’re out here, and we’re just as important as drivers. I’ll continue hosting rides across the Valley to engage and bring community together. "

How can someone, themselves - see biking past a "form of transportation" - how did YOU see it past a "form of transportation" to where you are now as he shares by saying "My journey with biking started because I didn’t have a vehicle. I had to sell my car and didn’t have one for about two and a half years. I bought a bike from a pawn shop in Houston for $45, learned to fix it up, and it became my daily ride. I moved back to El Valle and I took that bike everywhere—on the bus, to school, from Edinburg to downtown McAllen. We were inseparable. Recently, I bought a shitbox truck (that I LOVE) off Facebook Marketplace, but I’ll never forget the first time I chose to ride my bike instead of driving. It felt incredible in the cool evening air. I saved gas, got a bit of exercise, ate a bomb-ass burger from ‘Gremmies’ (The Gremlin), had a brewski and a road cigarette… nothing beats that after putting a few miles on a bike." I remember Drew and I were talking. There's the little things we could do - there's the little things that can get us off our vehicle. The corner store down your block, the drive in you pull up to for a beer or something close to you. Start by walking. Why waste gas, why drive for something so minute that can't be done for a couple of steps. Thinking about the reasons "why you shouldn't" but as Drew mentions "had a brewski and road cigarette." You'll have your "treat" at the end of it. No matter what it may be. We start with the little things in our own ways.

For someone such as myself who sadly...does not ride ... yes yes shame on me, but I will one day! There is shared information on bike shops, repairs, and individuals you know that can help others. Even with the idea of getting your FIRST BIKE or any bike - for a newcomer or a beginner it can be difficult leading to the individual dropping the idea of getting a bike. What would be some words of encouragement you can give as he exclaims "Facebook Marketplace!!! or local pawn shops are great places to start. Through my page, I plan to upload informational videos, zines, and posts explaining bike types and what to look for when finding the right fit. It can seem scary, but reach out to us, send a DM, and we’ll help you out. Do some research beforehand too, especially if a certain frame catches your eye. I always say 'steel is real.' Avoid bikes from Academy or Walmart—those are usually assembled in-store by non-professionals, and the parts on the bikes are cheap. You can find better bikes from enthusiasts selling online or through pawn shops. Think of all the Winter Texans who own nice bikes and give them up when they head back north on their journeys home! There are so many riding styles: road bikes, cruisers, and gravel bikes for trails. It all depends on how you see yourself riding. An upright cruiser with 26-inch wheels is comfy for bumpy sidewalks, while a road bike with thin tires is built for speed and long paved routes. So if you’re thinking about getting a bike, message us, visit your local bike shops, and ask questions. It might feel intimidating, but show genuine interest, people will want to help. Nobody wants you to buy a bike you’ll regret." Back in 2019 I did buy a bike from Academy. It was so....shit. The way the seat busted my balls every bike ride made me just stop riding lmao, but I'm ready to get back on it. The winter texan's bike shall be mine. REAL tho, a zine would be incredible. Especially in various topics/guides/advice.

How would you say biking and community intertwine with one another?

"Let me ask y’all this: when was the last time you were driving and had a positive conversation with the driver next to you? I can tell you countless times I’ve had great conversations in passing with friends on rides, waving to strangers, getting friendly honks from drivers, or pulling my imaginary airhorn and having an 18-wheeler driver actually honk back. That kind of connection doesn’t happen behind a windshield. Community and biking go hand in hand. And it’s not just biking, there are run and walk clubs too. One of my favorites is @rgv.queerrunclub. I’ve seen them at their hosted events while on my bike, waving to everyone, seeing familiar faces, it brings such a sense of connection and joy. When you’re seen and acknowledged, that’s community. You don’t get that feeling often in a car." The last "conversation" i had with another driver. The jeep in front of me threw rocks at my windshield lol. I was like ????? - not one ounce of joy unlike bike riders with one another.

Any upcoming event currently in the works at the moment?

"Every last Friday of the month, if you have a working bike, I urge you to join @criticalmassmcallen or stay connected through my page @bikergv956. I hope to start future projects where cyclists and pedestrians show up to Town Hall meetings to make ourselves visible. The Valley needs to be interconnected, all four counties and every city should have safe, well-lit, protected bike and pedestrian lanes, trails, and paths. Everyone deserves safe, accessible, and autonomous ways to get around without owning a vehicle."

Any final comments? "A quarter of the Rio Grande Valley lives in poverty. We’re the most obese and inactive regions in Texas. It feels like our state leadership thinks Texas ends at San Antonio, but we exist—and a majority of our people rely on bikes as their only mode of transportation. We need more nonprofits and organizations to provide free or affordable bike maintenance resources, promote health and empowerment, and bring people together outdoors. The Valley is beautiful, we’re so rich in biodiversity and culture. We’re a vital corridor for migratory monarchs and birds from all over the world. You wouldn’t believe how many rare and beautiful birds I see or hear on my rides, or the countless bird watchers I’ve met who traveled from around the world to see the birds I’m fortunate to encounter every day on my commutes. I’ve lived in other parts of Texas, and I can say biking here is special, It’s safe, scenic, and full of life. We just need better infrastructure. Through my page, I hope to keep highlighting trails and routes that local cyclists use and trust, and to show how we can make our region even more connected and accessible for everyone."