I almost forgot why I hated riding in the city
#1
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I almost forgot why I hated riding in the city
...people are terrible drivers! Not like I'm telling you something you don't know, but holy man! I thought the neon orange jersey would make me more visible, but apparently not. Countless times getting cut off, people trying to squeak in front of me at light, etc. Once I get more miles under me it'll be coutnry rides only!
#2
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I can't imagine riding in the city...
All the stopping, cars, pedestrians, road hazards, etc...
I like to get on the bike and ride...
But more power to those who do...
It would be like me riding in 35 degree drizzle (something I avoid)....Hardcore...
All the stopping, cars, pedestrians, road hazards, etc...
I like to get on the bike and ride...
But more power to those who do...
It would be like me riding in 35 degree drizzle (something I avoid)....Hardcore...
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I just get a lot more aggressive in city traffic. Folks tend to play nicer when you hold your own decisively.
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There's a nack to it. It requires a special set of riding skills. Just this weekend as I was riding in a little bit of traffic I thought longingly about it. I miss it. It's a challenge that you can't replicate anywhere else.
Anybody can ride on a quiet country road.
Anybody can ride on a quiet country road.
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#5
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I don't even live in a big city, but people still drive crazy, sometimes I wish I had my panitball gun w/ me
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Yup... polite aggressitivity (yes, that's a word, just trust me) is the way to do it. A challenge describes it well. The area that I live in is fairly big for cycling, so drivers are either
A) used to it and deal with it (yea! ride another day!)
B) used to it and are frustrated with it and want you dead (aka voluntary manslaughter)
C) not sure what to do so they give you plenty of room (yea! ride another day!)
D) not sure what to do and let you barely escape with your life (aka involuntary manslaughter)
Philly is trying to be cycling friendly, but not all the citizens are in on it apparently
A) used to it and deal with it (yea! ride another day!)
B) used to it and are frustrated with it and want you dead (aka voluntary manslaughter)
C) not sure what to do so they give you plenty of room (yea! ride another day!)
D) not sure what to do and let you barely escape with your life (aka involuntary manslaughter)
Philly is trying to be cycling friendly, but not all the citizens are in on it apparently
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#8
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I would have to learn to track stand....
And get a bell....
And get a bell....
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#10
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Originally Posted by Hammertoe
I would have to learn to track stand....
And get a bell....
And get a bell....
As for track stands... I've come to learn to watch lights as I approach and slow enough so that I creep forward towards the light until it turns.... albiet track stands are much cooler
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cell phones have made driving in traffic so much harder. Today I saw a guy on his phone look right at me before cutting me off, with his phone to his shoulder and a cigarette in his hand.
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In the city you've just got to ride like you own the road. Ride in the middle of the lane and keep up with or go faster than the traffic.
I absolutely hate it when people try to cut in front of me at a light. I'll take my bike, walk in front of them and set it back down and wait for the green.
I absolutely hate it when people try to cut in front of me at a light. I'll take my bike, walk in front of them and set it back down and wait for the green.
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I love city riding with all its perils and excitement. It used to terrify me when I first started a few years back. The best advice is to be very assertive and take the lane when needed. The people who do it well make it look like ballet with a little bit of shouting.
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I went cycling in Central Park last weekend. I forgot how poorly the streets of NYC are paved, potholes and cracks galore. I'm a recreational rider, haven't gotten out much until recently.
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There is no way to describe the rush you get zipping through traffic in heavy populated areas. On my days off, I often commute into San Francisco just to ride with all the traffic. I feel safe around cars that can barely move. Keeps you on your toes too.
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I ride almost everywhere these days. I bike to work and back through the city, and then when I get home I take off into the countryside. I find that even with the hassles of dealing with drivers, I'd still rather be on a bike if I can manage it. I usually only drive when I have to be somewhere immediately or I'll be carrying too much to take by bike.
#18
Making a kilometer blurry
Originally Posted by CastIron
I just get a lot more aggressive in city traffic. Folks tend to play nicer when you hold your own decisively.
It's a real high. I've been doing it for 16 years without incident...
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We all hate it but it is quite a challange, you get the passive won't pass you and the agressive don't care how I get by you drivers. I try and avoid by riding lower speed roads or park roads with lots of shoulder room. It seems with our high-tech age people foret how to deal with bikers and that they exist.
#20
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I'm originally a NY'orker but now in Socal. I kinda miss dodging cabs, dogs, pedestrians, stealing hot dogs when the vendor sticks his hand out. You get tough cycling skin in the city.
#21
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We all complain about it like we hate it, but secretly we love it. We usually feel like the underdog and sometimes it almost feels like a form of rebellion or protest or something I can't really think of the word for right now.
Lots of stories and practices in the A&S forrum. Learn VC.
Lots of stories and practices in the A&S forrum. Learn VC.
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Originally Posted by Stoeger
I almost forgot why I hated riding in the city
Which city?
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Originally Posted by Tapeworm21
There is no way to describe the rush you get zipping through traffic in heavy populated areas. On my days off, I often commute into San Francisco just to ride with all the traffic. I feel safe around cars that can barely move. Keeps you on your toes too.
For a "treat" I like to go downtown when there are special events or rush hour traffic if I'm able just to play in the city. Sometimes I get way too carried away, honest it's not my norm. Teasing every driver that's antagonizing over each forward inch of pavemnt as you sail past everyone, splitting and weaving in and out lanes making a mockery out of the mass of congestion. You know they feel it, and it hurts, and they crave your nerve and your freedom.