a rant...

It was a lovely day. It will continue to be so. I have a date with a beautiful women tonight who I've been persuing for four years. It was a short day at work, yet I got over time. My Chicago Schwinn commuter is doing well and better than my brand new bike and keeps me smiling. The MUP was pretty much glass free and smooth rolling. Breezy...not windy. My health is getting better daily and I love commuting and just generaly going for a roll whenever/wherever...

So! When you and I crossed paths on the bridge over the river and your only statement was "Get a Helmet!" I about choked and ,yes, I yelled an obcenity after you. Untill you yelled at me, I was watching my line, gazing ahead before I got to the bridge for traffic, what was on the path, outside pedal down so I don't ground out, and just genrally enjoying myself. Heck, I was going to nod in a friendly way as we passed but instead, before right before you spoke, YOU weaved a bit and I had to look you in the eyes to make sure YOU were paying attention and to try to ascertain what your intentions were, if they could be read. You were the potential hazard for that moment. You were more concerned about telling me that I needed a helmet than maintaining your line and concentration.

I appreciate, in a very small way, your concern for me and my lack of helmet. I chose not to today. I have also raced motorcycles, been there for friends who needed limbs removed/attached because of said MC's and I've spent 100k miles commuting by motorcyce and about 5k by car in the last 6 years...I know very well the risk I am taking. I don't mistake the severity of a fall or accident (and probably more than 50% rider error) no matter the speed. I get it.

I also chose and will choose again at some point to go sans helmet. In the future, please keep your indignation and self-righteous proclamations in your head. It just really rubbed me wrong even though I will give you the benefit of the doubt and hope your day and weekend go as well as mine is shaping up to be...


Enjoy...

/rant