Commuting - Good news, bad news

Good news: I met a cyclist on the train today. We both had our bikes on the train, getting a lift into town.

Bad news: when I asked him about whether he ever rode his bike instead of taking the train, he asked me, "How? Do you take the sidewalk or something?"

I was embarrassed. The gulf between us became so wide so quickly that I couldn't bridge it with comments like, "nice bike," "great day to ride," etc.

:(

I will be more careful to read people before I assume anything anymore.

Why did he have his bike with him?:confused:

To be charitable, LBM, suppose his only available route into town comprises high-speed roads with narrow curb lanes and no bike lanes or usable shoulders. He may be willing to mix with traffic in 25mph/40kph residential or central business districts, but not on arterials designed like freeways.

Originally posted by John E
To be charitable, LBM, suppose his only available route into town comprises high-speed roads with narrow curb lanes and no bike lanes or usable shoulders. He may be willing to mix with traffic in 25mph/40kph residential or central business districts, but not on arterials designed like freeways.
Sounds a lot like I was, not so very long ago.

So, Pete, are you the same LittleBigMan that was posted a few times to the old bicycleforum site or what?

Chris! It's me!!!

John, I realize my fault, now. Please let me clarify:

I was not embarrassed by my fellow cyclist's behavior. I was embarrassed because I felt I had intimidated him. Next time I talk to a cyclists, I will not make them feel small.

It's amazing what us "cyclists" think about cycling compared to people that have bikes but never ride them.
You would think there is some similarity to our thinking but there just isn't sometimes.
A guy at work who owns an old MTB, which has hardly been ridden, road to work recently. Knowing I'm
a "cyclist" he started talking to me about the subject. He asked which side of the road he should ride on
when there are bike lanes? I nearly fell over in shock. He told me that he rode to work, on the reverse side.
I mentioned that he should always follow the road rules not only for his safety but anyone coming the other way.
He laughed and shrugged off my comments. When I asked what he would do if someone like me came at him the
correct way at 35+kph, where would he go : the gutter or the traffic, he stopped for a moment and
realised how stupid he had been. I didn't get through to him though. Later in the week he was asking
about helmets (which are law). I told him get one that fits snugly. I told him that without the strap done up
it should stay on your head when you look down, it shouldn't slide around. He responded with : well I don't do up the strap anyhow!

I won't give him any more advice.

CHEERS.

Mark

Dutchy,

This sounds a lot like the discussion I had with a friend at work about what bike to buy. I tried to reason gently but firmly with him about going to a bike shop instead of XXXX-mart. He wouldn't be convinced.

But fate intervened. In the end, he told me he inspected the bikes more closely at XXXX-mart and discovered all the parts that were loose, wobbly or frozen stiff.

Truth has a way of making itself plain, eventually. Let's hope your friend doesn't crack his skull, first.

I'm with you, man.