I was out casually riding the neighborhood, killing time before going to Saturday Ultimate pick-up and warming up my muscles. Some guy comes by at around my pretty slow pace and tells me, "You know you'd better put on a rear brake or you're going to die." This guy was in his 30s, wore a cycling cap, and jersey. I cannot recall if he had on cycling shorts, but his bike seemed pretty nice - not just a casual cyclist. (Just to give you an idea of his possible background). He said his comment with obvious distain and criticism.

I thanked him and let him get ahead of me, musing over the incident. I realize that I noticed the cycling cap because he was not wearing a helmet. Now, I wear a helmet by my choice and I won't ride without one. However, I try respect the choices of others to not wear helmets, and do not attempt to convert experienced cyclists who make this choice. Interesting that he would criticize me for not sporting a rear brake. He approached my bike slowly from the rear, so he would have noticed my single gear. I wonder if he knows what a fixed gear bicycle is...



I found this encounter interesting, thought I'd share.