Originally Posted by
SanJoseBob
I'll be taking Caltrain 257 up for it, so I have time to cruise over to American Cyclery before it starts, riding my green '69 Raleigh Superbe 3-speed. CM is just a big group ride for me. The only "club" ride I can enjoy without wearing a helmet, that won't shun me for my personal choice. Vive la liberty!
Probably return on the 194 at 10:00. I always just start riding with the group and not look up or think about where I am until I'm done, or it's done, then figure out where I am and head to the train station. It's like being on the train; a continuum of people forming a single "supervehicle", others in cars needing to wait for it to clear the area, a little moment for a minority to exercise their right to a regularly scheduled peaceful demonstration.
Despite the bad rap for CM, the vast vast vast majority of faces seen will be smiling, understanding, patient and tolerant.
Bob, I know most of the BF'ers here wouldn't shun you fro not wearing a helmet or cycling "gear." It's your personal choice, and most of us are pretty laid back.
However clubs like Western Wheelers, Alto Velo, SJ Bike Club, etc, etc... have an identifiable organization that may be held liable and/or get bad publicity from any kind of accident. BF is not an organization, it is a collection of friends who like to talk bikes, and meet up for rides.
On the North Bay (Mt. Tam) ride from last year, didn't you ride with regular athletic shorts and no helmet? No big deal.