Frantic
06-13-01, 12:43 PM
#1
Sumanitu taka owaci
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Frantic
I confess. I am not the calm, composed, in-control bicycle commuter I pretend to be. I have noticed that traffic has had an effect on me as a cyclist.
As a driver, I had to learn to calm down in traffic. Everyday had some crazy move by another motorist getting me riled. I made dumb mistakes if I didn't calm down.
As a cyclist, I am far more relaxed. But still, I've noticed that traffic has had one lingering, and subtle, effect on me: the urge to go faster.
This may not be bad in many cyclists' view, but why should I let traffic push me? It is purely psychological. How could I ever hope to cruise any faster than 25 mph? And realistically, it's more like 18 - 20. I simply will never match the cars at their strong suit.
Wouldn't I be better off learning how to take it easy, at least at my own pace? After all, catching motorists at the next light seems to make it all worth while!
As a driver, I had to learn to calm down in traffic. Everyday had some crazy move by another motorist getting me riled. I made dumb mistakes if I didn't calm down.
As a cyclist, I am far more relaxed. But still, I've noticed that traffic has had one lingering, and subtle, effect on me: the urge to go faster.
This may not be bad in many cyclists' view, but why should I let traffic push me? It is purely psychological. How could I ever hope to cruise any faster than 25 mph? And realistically, it's more like 18 - 20. I simply will never match the cars at their strong suit.
Wouldn't I be better off learning how to take it easy, at least at my own pace? After all, catching motorists at the next light seems to make it all worth while!
06-13-01, 01:40 PM
#2
RAGBRAI. Need I say more?
Join Date: Apr 2001
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I often have the same problem when biking around town. For some reason, I have it in my head I should be able to go as fast as cars. My rides would be a lot more relaxing if I would realize my place on the road and stop trying to be a speed demon.
To escape my speed demon ego, I love rolling out the city bike, complete with full fenders, dual baskets and 35 pounds of steel. It forces me to slow down and have a different sort of fun.
To escape my speed demon ego, I love rolling out the city bike, complete with full fenders, dual baskets and 35 pounds of steel. It forces me to slow down and have a different sort of fun.
