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!
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!
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