Carrying their bicycles on the latest SUV model, they are in it for the ride and the ride alone. They don't just wear spandex. They have to wear everything, regulation form fitting and nice and neat. They aren't a bicyclist anymore, they are a flag, a beacon to all aspiring to be as great as them. You don't know if you should salute or wave as they pass you by. I wouldn't do either, they often find you beneath them to respond. They are in the mode. You will find them riding Big Cottonwood Canyon, you will find them riding Millcreek Canyon and you will find them riding Emigration Canyon. About the only place they have made a rare occurrence at is the actual Salt Lake City. Which is a shame, because we need as many bicyclist who are enthusiastic about bicycling to have a presence in this city.
Now, I remind you not all who ride road bicyclist and choose to adorn spandex, jerseys and the likelihood are like this, so I give you the greeting test.
1. If you, the bicyclist are going down the street and are within sight of a roadie give the head up nod of acknowledgment. This is a common greeting among the bicyclists who wish to remain in control of their bike vehicles.
2. If no reply, proceed with caution. Do not be offended if you get snubbed. They will often see you as competition, and therefore look to destroy you and that cheap ass bike that you ride.
3. Give 'em a ringing of your bike bell. This will throw them off entirely. Then tell them "Happy Birthday". Hey, your not going to make a friend, but at least you can have your own fun and create stories that they can share with their friends.
What do I like? I like bicycling to where I am going. I like feeling the wind in my hair, but not worrying about when I get there. I like exploring the back streets of Salt Lake City. I like riding my bicycle in the early hours of the morning, when streets are quiet and the bicycling is alive. I like gatherings of bicyclist that make it easy to feel accepted, whoever you are. I like not only riding in Emigration Canyon and City Creek Canyon, but riding to them as that is half the challenge. I like diversity in bicyclists, but have a hard time finding room for the above mentioned model bicyclist. Because to me bicycling has been and will always be about community. After a discussion with some folks, I will be at the next Josie Johnson ride next year, I went for the two years straight prior, so I suppose I was taking a breather. Hopefully I won't have to tell anyone Happy Birthday. :)
I am looking to get involved in other ways too, we will see how that rides out.
Until then, Bike Kill.
movie credit: youtube.com
photo credit: saltcycle.com.
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