Pedals of Fire: Pedal for Hire – Episode 1

[baiskeli]

Thanks for the story!

Be sure to tell all the tourists that you’re furloughed.

[elcee]

What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure you’ve figured out that higher-quality personal connection = higher tips. Time to research all those obscure factoids about DC.

[brendan]

@essigmw 48106 wrote:

The real question is, with a cash business do I claim all tips for my taxes? Or is it better to claim everything then try to deduct all of my bike parts, gear, clothing, coffee, hot dogs, etc as a business expense?

If you’re not already itemizing I won’t give you advice to do anything illegal…

If you are already itemizing, run the numbers through a tax program/website/accountant.

Brendan

[Arlingtonrider]

I’m curious – did any of your passengers ask you questions or want to chat with you, or did they mainly view you as transport? If they did want to chat with you, were they interested in biking, DC, sights, etc?

[DismalScientist]

Actually, this has nothing to do with itemizing. You are about to enter the wonderful world of Schedule C (or C-EZ).

Tips count as revenue. (Since you negotiate prices, what is a tip or not a tip?)
Bicycle expenses used for business are legit expenses. Gear and clothing that you use on recreational rides may not be. It depends how specific the expense is to the business at hand. Food and coffee are not likely business expenses although you might make the argument that incremental food consumption is an expense required by the job. Food shared with clients as a “business lunch” may be expensed at 50%.

[Rod Smith]

You’re badass. I know pedicab drivers make more than me but they work a lot harder. GPS your travels. Another ringer on the BA National Bike Challenge team! I hope you get back to your real job before you decide you can’t work at a desk again.

[Bilsko]

@elcee 48115 wrote:

What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure you’ve figured out that higher-quality personal connection = higher tips. Time to research all those obscure factoids about DC.

I vote you tell ’em all about this

[Mikey]

What is interesting is that I leagally can’t give “tours”. I would need to spend $200 take the d.c. tour guide license test and get a tour guide license to give “tours”, but nothing stops me from giving rides. I mean it’s a free country and I can talk about what ever I want – captive audience right?

[dasgeh]

@essigmw 48138 wrote:

What is interesting is that I leagally can’t give “tours”. I would need to spend $200 take the d.c. tour guide license test and get a tour guide license to give “tours”, but nothing stops me from giving rides. I mean it’s a free country and I can talk about what ever I want – captive audience right?

There’s a case about this wrt to Segway tours going through the courts right now… (Your situation would be different, but that case could impact your situation)…

[Mikey]

@Tim Kelley 48056 wrote:

Fascinating. Do you have any photos to share?

What did you do for food, water and bathrooms?

Was the money you made pretty average for a driver?

I will bring my camera next time.

I packed a lunch but stopped for a sandwich and to fill up my water bottles once the basebal game crowds started to let up. I used the facilites before and after my shift, but I guess I could have used the restaurant. Also, I was pretty dehydrated by the end of the day.

I think I made less than most of the other guys, they were much faster than me, but I was out earlier in the day. If I hadn’t bailed early I probably could have doubled my take. Now where can I buy EPO in Near SouthEast?

[Steve]

@essigmw 48200 wrote:

Now where can I buy EPO in Near SouthEast?

Nats’ clubhouse.

[dasgeh]

@essigmw 48200 wrote:

Also, I was pretty dehydrated by the end of the day.

DC Water used to produce a map of where you could fill up water bottles for free in dc…

[sblanco]

Simply awesome! Hopefully the weather stops being such a grump and you can actually enjoy your days out there. I hope to catch you at some of the Nats games. Please be safe out there.

[Bilsko]

I think we calculated this morning that with 2 people, you’re pedaling on about 500lbs of total load. It could be worse.

[Mikey]

@Bilsko 48491 wrote:

I think we calculated this morning that with 2 people, you’re pedaling on about 500lbs of total load. It could be worse.

I believe that is called Purgatory

[Author]

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