|   Not sure but think I knew the guy... | Cucucachu
Jan 16, 2004 6:16 AM | | A Roadie was struck by an unattentive driver less than two blocks from my house yesterday. He was pronounced DOA. The driver said, in spanish because she couldn't speak english, she couldn't see him because of the glare from the sun. This is really bothering me, not because it was so near my house but I think I might have known the guy.
I live in a development that has a population of approx 58,000 and actually a small city in itself. This development has very well defined bike lanes about 1 yard/meter wide on the right side of all main roads. Before each intersection a sign is posted "Yield to Bikes", because you have to cross the bike lane to enter the right turn lane. Its basically designed as a very bike friendly community.
When not able to ride off road, I break out the road bike and do a 20 mile spin to keep the juices flowing. Sometimes during a ride it seems like the drivers are out to get you. As the old farts drive past they are so busy looking at you through their rear view mirror they drift into the bike lane in front of you. Punks flying by in their little Turbo cars like to pop their aftermarket waste-gate right next to you; it startles the piss out of me. The majority are just busy yakking on their cellphones trying to avoid other cars - pedestrians & cyclists beware.
On the days I do these 20 mile spins, I'll normally catch up and ride with other roadies doing the same. You tend to meet and remember these people by face or may get a first name only. But other than casual conversation I don't really know these people. During one conversation the guy suddenly noticed I was riding with MTB shoes and double sided Shimano 747 pedals. He quickly asked if I'm a mountain biker and during the next few miles he unsuccessfully tried to drop me. I decidedly took a turn because he obviously didn't want to ride with me. But most of the guys enjoy riding with someone else or in small groups for better protection against the cars. I think the guy who was killed was a guy I've ridden with several times but only learned his first name. |
| re: Not sure but think I knew the guy... | Wzl
Jan 16, 2004 7:43 AM | | Why is there this endless lack of respect for mtn bikers from roadies? Can't we all just be cyclists? Granted I much prefer the dirt, mostly cuz there are no cars that try to run you over, but the road machine is a necessary evil.
One way to keep them from thinking your a mtn biker is to get yourself some road shoes and road pedals. The larger platform pedals and stiffer soled shoes actually do work better. Just don't show up to a group ride wearing your camelbakand your baggy shorts. |
| Unfortunate | AZBound
Jan 16, 2004 5:27 PM | | Its unfortunate you lost your bike-lane "friend", and of course for his family. Its interesting how you can develop a relationship of sorts with the people you see around you, even if there's never any real interaction.
As for recognizing mountain bikers, it used to be a good bet that anyone riding predominately on their road bike's brake hoods was an off-roader out cross training. Lance Armstrong changed all that, I guess.
This is an interesting little story about the fitness any top-level bike racer has, regardless of their chosen bike:
http://www.wtbracing.com/news2.html |
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