Originally Posted by
idcruiserman
Take the mountain bike and ride the hypotenuse.
I'd be tempted to if it wasn't private property and covered in thorny dead plants. I have enough trouble with flat tires even sticking to paved roads unfortunately.
Originally Posted by
noisebeam
Totally reasonable to ride on the sidewalk for short distances between intersections, especially for this specific route with no driveways or other intersections along the way.
Not wise (as you obviously noted) to choose the road for wrong way riding.
Another more recreational choice for the return trip would be to not follow they way you came, but take a right from the video store and go around the block into a different collector road for the neighborhood, with only right turns needed.
Al
Thanks for all the tips and advice. Good call on the all right turns, although that is a longer route, but when the weather isn't so hot and I'm not in a hurry, longer isn't a big deal I suppose.
Originally Posted by
whatsmyname
I wouldn't beat myself up about it so long as you're not being a ******. It looks like the kind of neighborhood where people don't walk along the sidewalks much anyway - correct me if I'm wrong. Is there a dividing strip down the middle of the main road that means you can't just ride to the correct side of the road (not that hopping 4 lanes of traffic in 500 ft is much fun)?
Yeah, Phoenix in the summertime isn't much of a walking town, especially out in the 'burbs. I definitely try to err on the side of being as polite as possible and yielding to other folks when I can. The road does have a raised median, but I guess I could pull out like a car and either ride in the median itself or cross all the way (actually 6 lanes + center lane) then cross back. I think in the mean time I'll probably stick to just going real slow along the sidewalk though.
Originally Posted by
mtnwalker
To answer your question that is 640 feet and 30 seconds too long to ride the wrong way of the street.
Take the long way around. It builds character.
Yeah I know, but when it's this hot, you only have a little over 5 minutes or so before you start to sweat and I hate the idea of having to change clothes and take a shower just for such a short ride. I may take the long way once it cools down though! Summer's nearly over (finally).
Originally Posted by
noisebeam
If I can assume from this you are relatively inexperience in cycling around metro-Phx...
Before you can jump onto high speed arterials and follow vehicular rules, one needs to gain experiece on less busy and slower streets. Some folks may suggest fairly challenging manuevers, merging across several lanes, left turns at arterial intersections, etc. All these can be done with safety and comfort, but it does take some practice to get that comfort.
It sounds like you are on the right track given the thought you have put into your post.
Thanks. My parents were always very anti-bicycle when I was growing up and my dad would quote stats on how a quarter of all traffic fatalities were due to car versus ped/bike collisions and whatever. I think the real number is more like 10% but either way, I grew up with a healthy respect (fear?) of automobiles and try to take whatever means needed to keep myself safe and sound while not spoiling the pure joy of riding in the first place. I am fortunate to be close to one of the canals that is paved, which gives me a place to ride my heart out without any risk of getting hit by a motorized vehicle.
Thanks everybody, I'm sure a lot of you get tired of answering dumb questions, but I appreciate the kindness and patience of others!