John Farren | CoGo Rebalancer - Have you ever wondered who is behind the scenes at CoGo Bike Share? Get to know us with some quirky questions. We may be small, but we are mighty!
What do you like about working for CoGo?
I am proud to work for an expanding company in the growing city of Columbus. CoGo combines tactical urban transportation, fun, and exercise to produce a consumer friendly service. As an advocate for alternative transportation and cycling in general, I find CoGo to be an affordable and practical transportation option for folks rich and poor, young and old.
What’s your favorite spot in Downtown Columbus to hang out?
Scioto Audubon park provides the best view/most activities in Downtown Columbus.
What are your hobbies?
When I am not at CoGo I run a small fleet of three pedicabs in Columbus for events such as concerts, festivals, and football games. I am also a guitar player of twenty three years with an associate's degree in music recording. For the past three years I have been learning to play the drums in order to write, record, and release music entirely on my own. My preferred style lies in the realm of fast and technical heavy metal. Cycle racing is also a passion of mine. I have been racing road, cyclocross, and mountain bikes for nine years.
What is your favorite sweet treat?
I really like the "Psst brand" Dutch Cocoa cookies at Kroger.
What skill do you wish you had?
In the next decade I would like to learn more about carpentry, plumbing, and other necessary skills to owning and maintaining a house or rental properties. Learning to cook healthy meals that are also consistently delicious is also a priority.
What 3 things can you not live without?
food, water, shelter
What is your favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurants in Columbus are Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace, Tip Top Lounge, and High Beck Tavern.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have no tattoos or piercings because I become unconscious at the sight of needles.
Where would you camp out during a zombie apocalypse?
Unfortunately I am not a doomsday prepper so I would likely be unable to get out of the city during a zombie apocalypse. It would be necessary to move quickly, quietly, and through obstructions to obtain survival supplies. I would probably use a fixed gear bicycle (which is mechanically silent) as my vehicle and a crossbow (retrievable ammo) or sword as a weapon, since modern zombies are attracted to noise and can mobilize in large swarms. I would likely be barricaded in one of my warehouse spaces with other survivors offering a fire ladder to enter via the roof. We would wait there for the peaceful bliss of Columbus' eight month winter to thin the hoards.
What do you do first thing when you get home from a long day at work?
After work I usually try to pick up a guitar, a bike, or a barbell before I have a chance to get tired or lazy.
How long have you been growing your hair?
I have been growing my hair out for a month short of four years. I will continue to grow my hair until I have completed a few life goals such as releasing a new original body of music and becoming competitive in the elite class of cyclocross.
What is you perfect pizza?
I have recently become a fan of build your own pizzas at fast casual shops like Blaze Pizza and MOD pizza. You can choose any amount or type or amount of like 50 toppings for the same price, it's fun to split one with a friend to see which toppings you can agree on.
