Dear Woman-On-A-Bike,

I see you riding every Tuesday near my neighborhood as I head to chem class in the morning- you're noticeable becase a.) you have the same jersey on all the time (me too, I'm poor) and ride the same route and b.) you look like you're having so much fun. You look new at it- your mountain bike doesn't quite fit you, and your handling skills are a little wobbly. However, I'm glad to see you every week, and to tell the truth, I'm jealous that you get to ride and I have to go work problems about partial pressures of atmospheric gasses. I also admire your courage to ride alone near traffic AND be new-ish.

Don't worry about the drivers too much- I already tore some old dude a new one when he threatened to run me over simply because I was following the rules of traffic and waiting to turn left (with my hand extended, signaling my intentions) when I was riding home from volunteering the other week.

I know I shouldn't cuss at old folks, even if they yell at me to get off the road and rev the engine while blaring the horn and inching towards my back tire. Since it appeared he received his driver's license sometime in the late 1800's before cars were around, maybe he just didn't know better. Or perhaps he couldn't see well enough to notice that I'm an actual living and breathing person. It's also quite possible that they were late to some crucial Bingo game in the culturally thriving metropolis of downtown Edmonds. I'm also sorry that his wife had to witness my outburst- she looked shocked that such words could emanate from a young woman.

However, I'm both sarcastic and Scottish, and I don't like being messed with. So, there is one less driver that will bother you in this area- he backed down when I got out my cell and threatened to call the police if need be to review Washington State traffic laws.

cheers!
-tricky