Originally Posted by Helmet Head
Bottom line is you think of narrow lanes as having to take the lane and I think of it as having the opportunity to take the lane, even when faster traffic is present. You see it as a burden, I see it as an opportunity.
We have markedly different attitudes, and it is very likely these attitudes are reflected in our behavior and body language as well as in our written language, which others pick up on and react to. I think that is a better explanation for the differences in our experiences than anything else. Speaking of that, I'm off to enjoy riding in the traffic on LJ Village Drive!
You may be right, but for all the wrong reasons.
I "have" to take the lane because no other alternative exists... I tend to feel rather smug in my lane use... rather rightous and somewhat arrogant... I may be projecting that. I have no qualms about taking the lane, and I really do enjoy riding there. "King of the road," as it were.
Motorists might be reacting to that chip on my shoulder... but frankly that arrogance grows out of the confidence that I have every right to be there.
Now as far as enjoyment in traffic... which you once asked me about... I would really rather not ride in traffic, if I had a choice... But I do know that if I am riding in traffic, I belong there.
My wife recently spotted me riding in traffic near El Camino Real... she said the ear to ear grin on my face showed I must have been having a darn good time... could it be that ear to ear grin just pisses off motorists that have to drag their sad butts to work in a car? Food for thought. Perhaps I should learn to scowl a bit when I ride, eh?
