ALmost got hit by the newspaper dude today! It was a CLOSE one!!
We have a gated area that is like a T. When you go through the gate you either take a left or a right. Well I usually take a right, go do a loop then come down and go through the hood that's on the left, then go loop the hood on the right again and then go out the gates. So today I did that, I took a right, looped then went and rode the left side of the hood and was heading back to the right side. I was riding by the gated entrance when a guy that was coming towards me (from the right side hood) decided to cut me off and take a left right into my path. So it was either hit him or swerve to the right. So I did that and I gave him a thumbs up and said "thanks buddy" and shook my head. So he stops his truck and rolls down his window. So I come up to him and I say "You need to watch for bicycles please" and he says "I saw you."
Me: "then why did you almost HIT me"
him: " I didn't. We were both turning" (BY now I'm stopped an unclipped)
Me: "NO. I was going straight. Did you see me signal a turn?"
Him: "No, but you turned"
Me: "yeah, because I didn't feel like getting HIT today!"
Him: "Oh.... (pause)... I'm sorry. I really thought you were turning."
Me: "well when you see a cyclist, please don't assume anything. If you had hit me it would have been ugly for both of us. I know your distracted delivering papers and all, and your probably running late, but you need to remember that there are others out early in the morning too. Esp. in the summer."
Him: "I know. My brother rides bikes so I should know better. I'm really sorry"
Me: "well thanks for that, most people don't take responsibility. Just please be safe out there"
Him: "Oh I will, believe you me! I would never forgive myself if I hit someone"
Me: "And your brother wouldn't either. Imagine the holidays after THAT?!" and I kinda laughed. He did too and then we went our seperate ways.
It stated out a bit tense, but when he realized he was wrong he really started apologizing. Of course me pointing out that I knew he was delivering papers prolly scared him to. I could have called the newspaper on him. But like I said, he took responsiblity, so I chalked it up to one of those things. I was lucky though cause it was REALLY close!! I was going about 18 mph at the time. That would have hurt.
Other than that, not much exciting. Just an early Sunday morning ride. ONly had time for 1.5 hours tho because someone is coming to pick up the Volvo. My hubby sold BOBO lastnight, so I had to clean her out. I'm going to miss that car. I'm kinda sad. But she's going to a good home...