A Night of Firsts
 

I managed to pop my cherry on several things last night. I attended my first critical mass ride (atlanta), rode fixed for the first time, and drank a 40 in a public park for the first time:lol:. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with everything. For someone who was very skeptical of critical mass, I enjoyed it very much. Some d'ouche did still throw a sandbag at us, but one of the riders turned around and confronted him about it. I dont know how I feel about that, but what kind of an idiot confronts 200 cyclists whilst stopped in traffic? Riding fixed was very invigorating for me as well, and im loving the sense of oneness with the bike. The 38-16 t combo climbs the hills of downtown atlanta like a billy goat and I managed to ride at the front and off the front in mock pursuit whenever someone would "attack" the mass. That being said we waited up for the mass to keep up. Unfortunately I wont be in town for the next one, and i dont believe there is a critical mass lewisturd he he he. Give a holler if anyone else was out there last night.

I think you've accidentally posted in the wrong forum.
Commuting is a utilitarian form of cycling which is highly dependent on co-existing with automobiles, or (as in the case of some here) at least riding in such a manner to stay out of their way.
Critical mass is simply counter productive. While you were having fun making your critical mass renegade run, it left a mark in the minds of those affected cagers which can negatively affect commuting cyclists in that area to get to work and back safely.
Next time it might not be a "sandbag" he throws at a cyclist.
What kind of idiot confronts 200 cyclists? The next time you're bottlenecked in line at the airport or store somewhere because 200 people jumped in front of you in line, you will have found the answer to your question.

MN, Critical Mass can be productive in the right cities. If anything, it is fun and fosters a sense of community among cyclists.

That said, he was riding with CM which does deal with traffic, so I think commuting is a fine forum for him to post in! What do I know, though? I don't have a blue star. :)

There are plenty of other public parks to advocate cycling and drink beer in.

im sorry i upset you MN. I posted this in commuting because there is a good sense of community here and I would have thought people would enjoy reading. I understand your viewpoint on critical mass, and thats how I feel too but I felt like it was something I should try at least once. Whats the difference between 199 cyclists and 200? Also, in Atlanta, the authorities have come to accept this event as a legitimate form of protest, and police tend to smile and wave. The "sandbagger" was the only person who had a negative confrontation, many many other people rolled down their windows for a thumbs up or a kind word.