[Dickie]

[QUOTE=creadinger;26831

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20120729/NEWS01/307290064/Community-mourns-loss-Fairport-teacher-Heather-Boyum

I’m expecting that the driver of the car will be seeing some serious charges in the near future as well – DUI, hit and run, manslaughter…

Such a tragedy, hope they throw the book at them both.

[Dickie]

@jabberwocky 26835 wrote:

I’ve never had any issues with motorcyclists. As a group, I’ve found them to be more polite than motorists.

Agreed, a few weeks back a burly dude on a hog past me and gave me the peace sign, made my morning…… thanks two wheeled compatriot! But also agreed, there are idiots everywhere!

[Dickie]

@baiskeli 26657 wrote:

I live right at the intersection of the W&OD and Bluemont Junction trails–I am the Junction Keeper.

“… What is your name? What is your favorite color? What is the velocity of an unladen Swallow?”

[Dickie]

@txgoonie 26579 wrote:

I think – I could be wrong – that we’re trying to create something of a semi-indelible mark to ID other forumites. Bottles – for me – wouldn’t do that.

Agreed, but judging by this thread finding an article of clothing for everyone to wear might be tough. Perhaps re-focussing on the sentiment and purpose of said indelible mark might help. I for one wear a different jersey each day of the week, so for me I change jerseys far more than bottles and bike accessories, but again that’s just me. I love this idea though… we could all get tattooed! Now that would be epic and a real commitment.

[Dickie]

I think we need to agree on an item we all use, something that is quick to spot, non-gender specific, and reasonably priced. Regardless of how we ride and what we wear the one thing we all have in common is that we own bicycles, and I would safely say the majority of us use water bottles. If not, you should…. dehydration is no joke, and it can happen in the winter as well as the summer. What about a very specific and unusual color for a water bottle with the BA logo on it? These are really easy to spot, especially in bright pink or yellow! They are cheap so you could buy as many as you like, you could even buy a bunch and give them out. When you are being passed or crossing paths with someone, spotting a hat or socks or even the writing on a jersey can be difficult… but a super bright water bottle will be a beacon. And hey, if someone just happens to have the same colored bottle it’s a great chance to talk to them about BA and WABA.

Just a thought.

[Dickie]

I have not found anything out about this but thanks for original post. If you get any additional information please keep us posted.

[Dickie]

@Certifried 26413 wrote:

now you must purchase and wear a kit based on this jersey and ride around for a day holding a sign that says “please give me my 80s street cred back!”

Holy Crap I will own that, oh yes!

[Dickie]

@rcannon100 26473 wrote:

That sounds like cause to establish an official group name:
* The Cult of Dirt
* Wheels on Dirt
* We Ride on Dirt
* I Like Dirt
* Me gusta la suciedad

I vote for Dirt Diggler!

[Dickie]

@KLizotte 25803 wrote:

I also wouldn’t wear a backpack. All that weight is bound to cause problems irrespective of fit for some people.

I have been using a “proper” back pack for years and it’s a dream… no back issues, no sweating, but it took LOTS of research and testing. Vaude makes amazing cycling specific back packs. I load 20-lbs. in it most days and don’t even notice it, and being 43 working a physical job I’d be the first to complain. However, for all the other back packs I tried, I have to agree…. they generally suck!

[Dickie]

@Certifried 26167 wrote:

I was thinking of putting together some sort of “compendium” of information for new commuters. It seems there have been a few recurring questions, some of which I know I’ve posted, seeking commuting tips from you commuting veterans. Even if it’s just a collection of links pointing to sites like Greenbelt’s tips. Anyone know if this has already been done?

If you do commit to this I would be glad to help out, I think it’s a great idea. I have found myself providing help to many of my friends who are just beginning to commute by bicycle and have legitimate questions and concerns.

[Dickie]

@OneEighth 26366 wrote:

I thought “people are people” was Depeche Mode.

BUGGER! I just lost my 80’s music trivia title.. I stand corrected and slightly ashamed.

[Dickie]

For some reason I found myself unusually annoyed by this thread and topic, so much so that I spent a good part of my morning attempting to resolve my angst. I ride roughly 4000 miles a year, the majority of those miles are from my daily 25 mile commute. I try to use my commute for fitness and training, but also for fun and economical reasons.

Based on the described visual stereotype I would be labeled an “elite” cyclist. I ride a thoroughbred racing bike in full cycling kit and I even match my socks (I’m OCD). I travel at a good clip, mostly on the roads, but occasionally of the trails. The only item that would distinguish me as a commuter would be my fully loaded back pack.

Now I say all this because it dawned on me that I was taking many of the comments personally. The labels need to be dropped. Defining someone as an “Elite”, “Roadie”, “Commuter” does nothing more than divide us, and that just bums me out. I have been riding in this area for 6 years, and 30 years in total, and I have no doubt that the majority of cyclists out there are idiots no matter what label you assign them.

Every single day I ride I witness numerous stupidities from all types of cyclists. Running red lights, weaving, wearing headphones, riding against traffic, no helmets, no shoes, talking on phones, passing without warnings, passing two abreast, passing on blind corners, riding between cars, traveling too fast on the trails…. The list goes on and on. I tried for years to “educate” the offenders, or lead by example but it doesn’t change. To quote Tears for Fears (sue me), “People are People”. The same folks that care only for themselves behind a wheel, or in line at the grocery store are the same folks riding bicycles, you can’t change a culture by simply teaching cycling etiquette, although I applaud the attempts.

Jason, I’m sorry you had to deal with one of these idiots, and I wish it had been me that approached you that morning. Perhaps if I had politely past you at an appropriate spot, with plenty of warning, a nice smile and a “good morning” I might have created a better impression for you, even if my socks matched my bibs and jersey.

[Dickie]

“I’m not “papa.” I’m your god-damned father.”

Love Breaking Away, Peter Yates has directed a number of my favorite movies including Bullitt. Both are a must see for any movie buff.

[Dickie]

@KelOnWheels 26006 wrote:

Is it on Netflix? I need a good movie to watch whilst I lay about perishing of the consumption.

I don’t believe so, but I own the DVD and you’re welcome to borrow it. I can bring it to the next HH if you like.

[Dickie]

@acc 26057 wrote:

In other words, emergency surgery did wonders for your cycling?

I am hoping (for my own pride and self respect) that the surgery was of the “Million Dollar Man” variety and Jim now has legs made from hydraulic pistons and was given Jacques Anquetil’s heart. Geez, either that or I am the biggest wimp in the world…. seriously, welcome back Jim, way to crush inertia!

[Author]

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