stoogeswoman

As discussed in another thread, today I got my Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike back from the bike shop (Metropolis Bikes in North Hollywood), where I'd left it for a tune-up, and was pleased to find that they'd not only done a thorough job of checking it over, they also installed a metal bottle cage on the handlebars, free of charge - thanks guys!

I drove it a few miles to Valhalla Memorial Park, a totally cool cemetery with great views of both the Burbank airport and the Amtrak/Metrolink train station. It's also the perfect place for out-of-shape folks like me to exercise - because there are NO HILLS! Yes, it's totally flat! And bonus - since it was a hot day, the sprinklers were going; making it the perfect place to test-ride my newly restored folding bike!

I took it out of the trunk and unfolded it. The hinges have always been a little clunky to use and they still are, but the Metropolis guys put some oil/lube on them so they worked as well as they're ever going to work. Once I got it set up, I adjusted the seat, put my feet on the pedals, and started to ride ...

... when what to my wondering eyes did appear but a COYOTE - yes, a real live coyote! - headed straight for me!!

Well, I was a little nervous but what that coyote didn't know was that I'd spent a hectic morning chasing a pack of wild Chihuahuas away from my yard at home, and figured, hey, a dog is a dog, right? I'd gotten rid of the evil dogs by running towards them at full speed, yelling and waving a stick, which did the job quite nicely (also works for Jehovah's Witnesses btw ).

Anyway, so back at the cemetery, I figured I'd just do the same thing. Rather than turn wheel and run, I pedaled harder, directly TOWARDS him, shouting, "Bad dog! Bad dog!" That was all it took - he turned around and ran (followed closely by one of the cemetery groundskeepers, who'd been keeping a close eye on the situation from his tractor a few feet away).

All in all, I was quite pleased with my Schwinn Folding Bike's performance. Sure, the seat is still a little uncomfortable and it's a little hard to pedal. But it keeps the coyotes away, which is pretty much all I ask of any bike, folding or non-folding.

J B Bell

Coyotes' "safety record" is far better than that of domesticated dogs; they're pretty shy with people, with the usual wild-animal exceptions (defending young, rabies, stuff like that).

Anyway, this doesn't tell us much about folder-vs.-coyote utility without a study with some controls. We should compare a Raleigh, a Brompton, a couple Dahon models, and, what the heck, a recumbent could provide useful data. Manufacturers please contact me to donate models for comparison testing. :-D

SunnyFlorida

stoogeswoman-...Well, I was a little nervous but what that coyote didn't know was that I'd spent a hectic morning chasing a pack of wild Chihuahuas away from my yard at home..

For some reason I can't get this image out of my mind. I see packs of chihuahuas, foaming at the mouth, running down kids and ole ladies with shopping carts, chomping on their necks.

Kudos for not panicking when you saw the coyote. You kept your head and sped toward the coyote - a ballsy move. Cool!!!

Glad you decided to use your Schwinn for what you originally wanted to do - riding in the park. Great move of the bike shop to give you a cage for the water. It pays for itself if you come back again to them.

I just solved a problem with my new Speed D7 and should be enjoying more of the folder starting tomorrow.

Regardless of the problem I encountered, I'm glad I made the purchase. It's a beautiful bike.

I think in the days to come, you'll enjoy your folder more and more.

Good riding.

P.S. When you've ridden on it awhile, post a review of it. I plan to do the same, for my folder, once I've ridden it a few weeks.

snafu21

We need pix. Always carry a camera when out bicycling.

brakemeister

I ahve to admit ... id nt know if I would have the guts to ride towards him ...... and not the legs to ride away from him ...

cool story
( even if its the wrong bike ....













I AM KIDDING )

thor

stoogeswoman

snafu21, I had my cellphone camer with me and did get a couple of very shaky "Blair Witch Project"-type videos, but the coyote is pretty hard to see.

Plus I was filming with my right hand and riding with my left hand. It was a little tricky.

stoogeswoman

brakemeister, the "wrong bike" is the bike you don't ride.

I'm riding this one (went out on it today, too - no coyotes this time!).

Ipso facto, ergo sum, it's the right bike!*



*for now, that is!

stoogeswoman

As always, thanks for the support, SunnyFlorida!

Hubby and I are driving up the coast this weekend to visit my parents, and the bike's in the trunk - we're planning to use it at the beach. Will let you know how that works out!

SunnyFlorida

Well, it goes to show you that the men aren't the only ones here with cujones.


Sorry thor I had to correct the spelling. It was killing me.

curb hash

There have been a couple of coyote attacks on children in Westchester county, NY recently. Maybe they are getting too numerous.

kamtsa

Yes, most of the residents are kind of out of shape...

folder fanatic

I am surprised that people are allowed to still cycle in cemeteries around Los Angeles. Most of the time, it is my experience that the security guards or the caretakers if no guards chase bikes away-i.e. Forest Lawn, Glendale last resting place of music star Michael Jackson. I am glad that Valhalla lets people visit there no matter what mode of transport you use. Perhaps I will be able to visit a close friend lost to me many years ago who is interred there soon with one of the bikes. It will make going across the grounds-using the paved roads only of course-much easier for me.

Coyotes are becoming more of a problem around here as people either destroy their hunting grounds by overbuilding, or feeding them thinking that it helps them. I like to leave them alone, and they leave me alone. I zipped passed one on my bike about thirty-five years ago. We both headed very quickly in opposite directions.

stoogeswoman

folder fanatic, I've been to pretty much every cemetery in the L.A. area (no, I'm not morbid! I'm a cantor at my church!) and have seen lots of bicyclists. Perhaps the ones who got chased away were causing some sort of disturbance (driving directly through funeral processions). Most of the cemeteries here are pretty laid-back about people using them for recreational purposes, as long as they're respectful.