Is It Possible To Feel Cranky and Optimistic At The Same Time?

As Rambling As a Sunday Bike Ride

My first Century is done, dusted and for the most part recovered from. Let me catch you up, though I have always loved to cycle, and am not adverse to long days in the saddle, the fact that I had never ridden a proper century event (100 mile/160 km bicycle ride sportive) weighed heavily on me. That all changed when the two day, 200 km event I had been riding to support the MS Society for years changed formats to a one day Century ride. I rode it last weekend, by myself; it was lovely if a tad lonely. The route was brilliant, the people were not and that is what started me on this cranky spiral I find myself contemplating on a sunny Sunday morning. Why are so many recreational cyclists, such complete and utter jerks?

Where I live, recreational cyclists are 80% more likely to get hit by a car than commuter cyclists. There must be a reason for this, and it can't be all on the side of the drivers because the commuter cyclists manage to be stay relatively safe. It has long baffled me that so many recreational cyclists I know don't give a damn about the environment, complain about drivers put pull some of the most asinine stunts on the road and are ignorant to other cyclists, especially if the cross a different type of cyclists (triathletes are rude to roadies who are rude to anyone on a bike that doesn't cost the price of a car and mountain bikers disdain them all). It's worse than the worst high school cliquiness I ever encountered. 

Back in my days as a less bitter advocate for safe cycling routes as a community concern, I was confused that the recreational cyclists completely failed to show any interest in the subject. I couldn't wrap my head around why they were so apathetic until I realized that many in my community strap their bikes to bike racks, drive their cars to an area with little car traffic and start their rides on lightly traveled country roads. Never mind that such green spaces are slated to be developed, and that those roads will soon be arteries to get to the expanded toll highway. It doesn't affect them now so they are not concerned.

Last night, on a stroll along the waterfront trail, a multi-use recreational path that runs parallel to lake Ontario, has no hills, many barriers to high speeds and is generally conducive to a light ride even kids on bikes with plastic wheels can easily manage, I counted at least 4 energy gel wrappers littering the ground in a stretch of about 1.5 km. Really cyclists? I will avoid getting elitist and question refueling needs on such a path, but I will point out that your jerseys have pockets, pockets you carried the full gel packs in to that point, pockets your now empty gel wrapper could easily slip back into instead of littering a lovely green space in the middle of urban sprawl with your garbage. Your jersey can be easily washed, the planet cannot!

Back to the Century ride, I was stopped at a red light behind the car in front of me (because that's what you are supposed to do) and waiting to make a left hand turn. Another rider from the event passed me on the right just as the light turned green, passed the car in front of me (remember, the light is now green) and cut directly in front of it, indicating his left turn by putting his hand on the hood of the car, also cutting off a truck coming from the opposite direction. To their credit, neither vehicle driver gave way to rage (I would have), the just stopped their cars and looked shocked for a moment before driving away with much head shaking. I easily caught the rider in such a hurry that he'd rather die trying and put as much distance between me and him as possible lest he get me killed by the next driver who might not remain so calm.

During the ride I crossed many local cyclists out for a ride who were not part of our event. Most blew past, ignoring all other cyclists who were not in their "equals". The older the rider, the more they seemed determined not to see you. However, I did pass more than a few groups of young riders, at least three with a Team Ontario or O Cup jersey in their midst who were more than happy to say hello, holler wishes for a good ride and generally be happy to have the luxury of being out on a bike on a beautiful sunny Saturday in August. And that is where my crank turns to optimism.

Maybe these young riders, raised with recycling, Share the Road and groups of people to ride with will be different. Maybe they realize that active transit, lots of people on bicycles are good for the community, good for the planet and something to enjoy.

Finally, a chance encounter with a tweet brought me in contact with a Guelph woman with a terrific idea called "The Sweet Ride". Very leisurely, women's only bike ride that explores local cafes, bakeries and farmer's markets to sample their wares. Now my optimism soared. Maybe we could have something like that in Durham. A way to get all those women who have told me they don't ride bicycles due to fear, out on a bike for a comfortable ride in a non-threatening environment. Grow their confidence, make them aware of the personal and communal benefits of cycling and most importantly make new friends. 

So that's my new "off season" goal, research safe, user friendly and easy routes to various cafes and bakeries (a real challenge in my community where the car is EVERYTHING), connect with Guelph's Sweet Ride creator and get as many women as I can back on their bikes! Get your bicycles out of storage, give it a tune and get ready ladies, because next Spring The Sweet Ride is coming to Durham!

For more on my inspiration for The Sweet Ride see heartheather.com blog. Again thank you Heather for taking the time to respond to my messages and offer me support!