I have a tale that's not directly related to commuting, but it's on topic. There's this woman I know who I used to ride with all the time. She was a nut for biking. A big group of us were out 5 times a week and she was always there, plus riding another couple of days on top of that. Anyway, she just stopped riding one day. She was still around, coming out to the bar, talking the talk, but not biking. We sent her everything but an engraved invitation, but no joy. We even made special "slow girl" rides built around her schedule, but she stood us up on every one. It was ridiculous.

Every spring, I hear the same thing, "How come you guys don't want to ride with me anymore?" This has been going on since 2000. Last weekend I ran into her at a party, and she was whining to be taken out for a ride. I kind of read her the riot act, but politely. Anyway, I sent her an e-mail saying that I'll let her know whenever we go on a ride, but there won't be any special treatment. I want to get her back out, but she's such a pain in the ass. <grumble>