Having committed myself to commute to a new job via train and bike, my main focus since March has been staying alive. Like all commuters I have had my share of close calls, aggressive drivers, half asleep or speeding bus drivers and gorgeous sunrises.

Yesterday on my way home, my survival 6th sense kicked in. Fort Belvoir has recently finished widening and repaving its main drag including bike lanes. The post speed limit is only 35 but at 5 pm the road is very busy and has quite a few, untimed stop lights. I was approaching a light on a slight downhill, running almost 20 mph with a green light. My view of the light and intersection was blocked as a small bus pulled alongside me just before reaching the light. Having scanned ahead I thought I remembered see a car in the turning lane heading my direction. My 6th sense told me she was going to turn in front of me as soon as she cleared the bus. As I was reaching for the brakes, sure enough she started to accelerate. I was sliding my butt back on the seat as the rear wheel locked up on loose gravel for just an instant. In that same instant the driver saw me, slowed and I released the brakes and continued.

In my mind's eye I could see the whole thing happening before it did. Say it's part of defensive riding, say it's self-preservation, say it's the Lord looking over my shoulder, it's your call but yesterday I was glad for my 6th sense.