Kids on Fixies
After yesterday's sufferfest, I was on the way home on the ARBT. Between Hazel and Sunrise (headed W) I came upon a group of kids on fixies. One of 'em was riding a beautiful orange Masi. But I digress.
They were chuggin along at a respectable pace (around 17mph) and were screwing around. Taking feet out of toeclips and putting them on the top tube type stuff while letting their pedals continue to spin. One nearly went down, to much laughter from the rest of the group. I think there were 7 or 8 of 'em.
Anyway, they were taking up both sides of the path and not leaving any room. So I figured the best way to get around was to crank up the speed, call out "on your left", and leave them in the dust. Which I proceeded to do. As I past, one was heard to call out "holy s***!" I guess they didn't expect to get passed. This was on a slight uphill (3 or 4%).
As I crested, I noticed that the one on the orange Masi was right behind me, spinning madly. He didn't stay there long as I cranked it up on the down. That one rider had some skills. Good spinning technique, not bouncing. Clean and smooth. The others, not so good.
I suppose I could have given them a lecture on taking up the whole path, but I expect it would have fallen on deaf ears. Either way, it was an interesting encounter.
|
