Seven Observations About This Morning’s Bike Ride
1. I am glad I ignored today’s forecast for rain.
2. If I ever see a U of M undergraduate who is on a bike, wearing a helmet, and not riding on the sidewalk, I will give that person $1. I am fairly confident I will never have to part with that dollar.
3. There is no way to say “on your left” on the shared bike/walking trail without sounding like a dick. And yet, buzzing the person without a warning would be far more dickish.
4. Dear 3-year-old girl on the trail waving at me as I rode by: you made my day. Dear 3-year-old girl’s mother: I am sorry I was setting a bad example by riding no-hands at the time. I hardly ever do that, I swear.
5. Now is officially the best time of year to listen to by Jason Falkner. Or to have it in your head while you ride to work.
6. Looking across the Mississippi at the dense mass of finally-green trees lining the river, I thought, “Well, at least we still have that.”
7. I am fortunate to have jobs that allow me to show up wearing jeans and drenched in sweat. May I never work for The Man again.
(Awesome “Self-Portrait of a Bike Commuter” by the awesome Minneapolis studio .)
Posted: May 7th, 2009 under Minneapolis.
Comments: 9
Comments
Comment from Ed Kohler
Time: 7 May 2009, 11:58
I hear you on the dickishness issue. I’ve been trying to find the least-diskish sounding bell to help deal with this issue.
Comment from Jake
Time: 7 May 2009, 12:39
Excellent idea. Maybe I’ll get a bell for the people I don’t want to scare shitless, and a boat horn for the people I do.
Comment from Margaret
Time: 7 May 2009, 13:17
I opt for the “on your left” prior and say “excuse me, please!” while actually passing. At least in Minneapolis. In Boston, I should up my obscenity usage to gain any attention.
Comment from Philip James Hart
Time: 8 May 2009, 10:02
I think if anybody qualifies as “The Man”, it’s that Draconian bastard, President Bob.
I also think you worry too much about your level of dickishness. We all do, really. At least in the upper Midwest (Chicago and LaCrosse, WI notwithstanding).
Comment from Jake
Time: 8 May 2009, 11:22
True, though when I did work for Bob, I was allowed to teach classes wearing pretty much anything I wanted. As you well know.
Comment from Sms Laan
Time: 10 May 2009, 11:13
I suddenly miss riding my bike…it’s been months since I last go around and enjoying the green park while riding my old but reliable bicycle. And oh, I also like Can You Still Feel by Jason Falkner.
Comment from Libby
Time: 13 May 2009, 12:41
I’ve always found a high and loud, “Mee-meep” ala The Roadrunner works pretty well. Doing so lightens my heart as well as either amusing the people I am passing or irritating them. Either way, I totally win.
Comment from stefanie
Time: 16 May 2009, 17:19
I love that self-portrait. That could even be me, as I often wear jeans while riding, thus not shaving as often. For the passing thing, bells are both friendly and utilitarian (not that I have one, but still).
Comment from Court
Time: 13 August 2009, 11:13
I know this is an old post, but I’m just catching up. Here, in Forest Park on the bike path, I always say, “Passing on your left.” I’ve gotten several thank yous from other riders for alerting them.
I wish you were here in STL, because I typically ride in the street with a helmet, using my awesome hand signals in the turn lanes. Of course I am not an undergraduate and our sidewalks are worse than the streets, but I’m proud to be a road biker.
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