Tgif

[LadyinWhite]

Why is it pedestrians who would never blatantly step right off the curb into the path of an oncoming car think it's ok to step in front of a road bike traveling at over 20mph?

I took a lazy ride in the sun along the beach today. A few miles of very, very slow (5 - 10 mph) yet adrenaline filled "dodge the pedestrians" (reminded why I never ride this part of the world on gorgeous beach days or weekends) followed by several miles of glorious flat out riding w/ the ocean on my right and the wind at my back. Total miles only 15 w/ an avg spd of 15mph but was out for the fun of it today after riding hard daily all week in rain and cold and generally :P weather.

Don't forget to have fun out there Ladies

Headed up to Maine now for a few days - debating on bringing the bike. Have done so in the past but... only going Sun to Fri sooooo.. should I bother?

T.

[Tri Girl]

Amen on the TGIF!
Sounds like your ride was more of an obstacle course.
Take the bike? Of course!!! ALWAYS take the bike!

[sbctwin]

I agree, TGIF!!!! DH and I just came back from Red Butte Gardens where we enjoyed our dinner and a bottle of wine. What a pleasant way to start the weekend. Always take the bike. You don't want to be saying to yourself "wish I had my bike". If you don't ride, OK, but if you get the opportunity, you have no excuse ....

[Bad JuJu]

Biking in Maine can be glorious--definitely take your bike!

[RoadRaven]

Why is it pedestrians who would never blatantly step right off the curb into the path of an oncoming car think it's ok to step in front of a road bike traveling at over 20mph?

I think they just have no idea how fast a bike can actually go!

I would love to visit Maine... New England... New Hampshire... I'd love to go to that part of the States one day. Enjoy...


"Goodnight you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England"

[lph]

Why is it pedestrians who would never blatantly step right off the curb into the path of an oncoming car think it's ok to step in front of a road bike traveling at over 20mph?
T.

This is in fact one of the Great Mysteries of Life, right up there with where do scrunchies and single socks go. The real cruncher is when they turn their heads to check for traffic, look you right in the bloodshot eye, and THEN step into your path.

[Bad JuJu]

"Goodnight you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England"

Cider House Rules, right? I loved that book! My first multi-day bike tour was in New England--in Vermont, to be exact. Big news--Vermont is so NOT flat! Fortunately, I lived in New Jersey then, so I'd been able to train on some hills. Now that I live in flat old Florida, I bet those Vermont hills would kill me.

But I also wanted to add that people on bike paths take the prize for getting the way of cyclists. I guess because there are no cars on the paths, they figure they can just wander around blindly, or let their kids do so. Knuckleheads.

[Mr. Bloom]

This is in fact one of the Great Mysteries of Life, right up there with where do scrunchies and single socks go.

Hmmm...this is a global problem...


Where are you going in Maine?

[RoadRaven]

Cider House Rules, right? I loved that book!

Yes... I read it years and years ago for the first time, have re-read it several times. (If you like his writing you may also like "The World According to Garp".

When the movie came out, I was dubious - usually movies trash the book and are not true to the story.
However, with Michael Caine in it (he plays Larch - the doctor - the one who says that every night to the "orphans" ), we thought we'd give it a go. Most excellent rendition of the story.

I have watched it several times over, and my children have all seen the movie from about 10years of age. I know the subject matter is very adult (abortions, unwanted children and incest) but it is so respectfully and gently handled it is a beautifully made movie. It does not condescend to the characters or to the movie-watchers.

Tobey McGuire is a sensitive Homer, and Charlize Theron is in it too - she is another actor whom I have much respect for.

[LadyinWhite]

Hmmm...this is a global problem...


Where are you going in Maine?

The inlaws have a summer home on the ocean in a small summer community called Ocean Point, just outside of Boothbay Harbor. We go up every year, usually for at least 2 or 3 weeks. We have a 22' sailboat we keep up there. This year the summer was so packed with other stuff we didn't get up.

This was ok by me, after 24 years of OP, I'm ready for a break but the Mr. really REALLY misses not going up (his childhood summers etc etc). SO, even though the boat never got in the water this year, we are popping up for a very quick visit.

I'm not thrilled about it but it is letting the small stuff slide that has kept me happily married for 22 years. If it's that important to him, buy me a bag of red licorice for the drive and I'm in.

All packed and set to go, still on the fence about bringing the bike. The Mr. doesn't want to b/c we have a cumbersome rack that prevents the hatch on the car from being opened. He thinks we need to buy a more $$ rack that swings away. However - he's no dummy - he said "Honey, if you want the bike, we'll take the bike."

If momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy.

Leaving the laptop home. Actually unplugging from work for a few days - WOW!

T.

ps: Red licorice AND tiny bag of Peanut Butter M&M's already set to go for tomorrow. God I love riding and being able to eat the occasional crap with a clear conscience!!

pss: born and raised in VT here.. and you are right JuJu, it is NOT flat!! LOL - I've been in NJ for 22 years and my whole family (still in VT) has said I'm officially a flatlander now. A "city girl" AND a flatlander!

[LadyinWhite]

There are bikes at the house already, ready and waiting. They just aren't MY bike.

You all get it.. don't you?