Dang it, I hate it when I ...

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11-20-2005, 04:36 PM
Eaglewalker

Dang it, I hate it when I ...

I went out for what was meant to be an hour's exploring ride today, as a nice start to Sunday. On the way back, I got onto a road I knew -- not a particularly good riding road - highway-ish and in not the best part of town, but I only meant to be on it for a short transition. Due to the highway nature, I was on the sidewalk. I felt the back tire go over something, and then chunk-a chunk-a chunk-a, something stuck in the tire.

I pulled up to have a look. Poor Crimson Joy had gotten a nasty nail stuck in her hoof. I had a patch kit with me, but my pump was broken, and I had procrastinated getting a new one.

Dang it, I hate it when I put something off until later, and later comes too soon.

I pulled out the nail and walked Crimson Joy along the road. Just up the way, the cops were spend their morning manning a speed trap. I walked up and asked where I could find the nearest service station with an air pump, the kind that takes quarters. They weren't sure, but pointed me in the general direction, and off we went.

On the way, we came across three men conversing on the sidewalk. (See above regarding the neighborhood.) I was a bit nervous, but took my usual way out of possibly dangerous situations that I can't avoid: treat people as though you expect them to be decent folk. I said Good Morning, and one made a joke that he wanted to ride, and I said, Sorry, no, I had a flat, and did they know where the nearest service station was? One of the gentlemen actually walked me to the corner and pointed the way. I thanked him. Then, as we were parting, he asked whether I was riding to lose weight. I laughed and said I just ride for fun.

Okay. I am 9% above prime, and cycling clothes show it clearly. But do you have to mention it? The lip quivers.

I found the service station, took the tube out, and found the horrible hole. Got out my patch kit, tried to spread the adhesive, and discovered that the adhesive had dried up completely.

Fortunately, I was only a couple miles from home, and at least Crimson Joy could walk. When I bunged up my previous ride, Bonny Blue Bike, she was so badly hurt that I had to carry her.

Now I have a new pump, new patch kit, and two new tubes. One for now, one for later.
11-20-2005, 04:47 PM
Lise

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglewalker

I thanked him. Then, as we were parting, he asked whether I was riding to lose weight. I laughed and said I just ride for fun.
Okay. I am 9% above prime, and cycling clothes show it clearly. But do you have to mention it? The lip quivers...Now I have a new pump, new patch kit, and two new tubes. One for now, one for later.

So sorry to hear about the flat, and all that followed. But I wish above all that the idiot could have honored you instead of insulting you out his own obviously profound sense of inadequacy. Looking for the brightest possible perspective, I'd guess that he is struggling with his weight and wondering, "What exercise could be most effective for me? I'll ask this obviously fit and friendly woman." Doubt it. :mad: It took so much for me to even put on bike clothes in the first place, since they hide nothing, and I'd spent a lifetime hiding.

I also hate when I put off necessary things to the point that they cost me much more later. This reminds me to get another CO2 cartridge--I gave one to a gal who had a blowout during a triathlon in ...August... and I never replaced it.

Take care, L.
11-20-2005, 06:26 PM
Trekhawk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lise

So sorry to hear about the flat, and all that followed. But I wish above all that the idiot could have honored you instead of insulting you out his own obviously profound sense of inadequacy.

You know I have often wondered what makes people say things like that but I think Lise has it right its because they feel inadequate in some way. They are trying to make others feel how they feel most of the time. How very sad. So think of it this way you looked strong and fit and this intimidated them. :)
11-20-2005, 08:10 PM
Eaglewalker

Actually, I think it may just have been his insensitive way of making conversation. Maybe the women in his life make such things so much a part of their conversation with him that the only way he knows to talk to a woman is on a(n inappropriately) personal level. Or maybe his idea of how to converse was gained from Jerry Springer and such shows, where people "sell their psyches for a little attention".
11-21-2005, 09:09 AM
bluerider

Sorry to hear about the ordeal with the flat and the "gentleman" on the corner. He may have been a jerk...or a jerk...or a jerk...or possibly totally clueless that his comment was uncalled for. I would've looked at him in total shock and said "WHAT?!?!?! This is meant for riding? And you can lose weight doing that? Get outta town mister! I was just taking Crimson Joy out for her morning walk."

On a lighter note, I love the names of your bike: Crimson Joy and Bonny Blue Bike! :)
11-21-2005, 01:23 PM
Selkie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglewalker

Actually, I think it may just have been his insensitive way of making conversation. Maybe the women in his life make such things so much a part of their conversation with him that the only way he knows to talk to a woman is on a(n inappropriately) personal level. Or maybe his idea of how to converse was gained from Jerry Springer and such shows, where people "sell their psyches for a little attention".

I think you're right, Eaglewalker. He probably was just an ignoramous and didn't realize that he was being offensive. After all, he was nice enough to walk you to the gas station.

When I was in college, I babysat for a couple who were professors. One day while the male, Bill, was driving me to their house for my babysitting gig, he was telling me all about his stationary bike and suggested that I ride it because it would help slim down my thighs!! I was take aback. OK, I've always had muscular legs for my petite build but geez, he never saw my legs in shorts (I always wore jeans). I just laughed. He meant no offense---he actually thought he was being helpful, as he was so excited about his newfound passion for riding a stationary bike!
11-22-2005, 03:49 PM
Eaglewalker

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickchick

OK, I've always had muscular legs for my petite build but geez, he never saw my legs in shorts (I always wore jeans).

That reminds me of the time I did a self-portrait and showed it (covered below the armpit level) to a friend. He looked at it and finally asked whether I wanted to have muscles like that (meaning, did I want to develop muscles that looked like the ones in the picture). I said, "I DO have muscles like that!" He'd only ever seen me in polite clothes, which aren't revealing.

It only goes to show the deceptiveness of appearances, and how clothes can disguise just about anything. :D A friend of mine who lived in Minnesota had a baby (well, two babies, six years apart) in August. She said no one had a clue she was pregnant until she was in her third trimester, because of the bulky warm clothes she had to wear.