Last night I was heading for home, rolling out of the garage and coming to a trackstand on L Street waiting for a gap in traffic. I realized that to most people I probably look like a total dork (and a total Fred to roadie snobs): dress shirt and pants with reflective cuff-bands, loosened tie, helmet, bike shoes. A huge, dinged-up 4X4 rolled by and there was a teenage girl in the passenger seat. She leaned out the window and I expected her to say something rude or throw a soda can. Instead, she smiled, gave me a friendly wave, and said, "Hey! I like your bike!"

Now that made my day.