Quirky things you do on your rides
10-24-19, 02:27 PM
#26
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I yell at chipmunks & squirrels to get out of my way
10-24-19, 03:40 PM
#28
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Quirky things you do on your rides
Because I have ridden essentially solo for decades, I have a few I have admitted to:
Because I have ridden essentially solo for decades, I have a few I have admitted to:
When I'm peeved by a driver’s actions, instead of the middle finger and obscenties, I give my own special Bicyclist's Curse. I vigorously and repeatedly point my finger at the offender while shouting, “You, you, you…” with the intention that future harm befalls them. It’s more satisfying to me than the other gesture, with the hope of future metaphysical retribution.
I do also bestow Bicyclist's Blessings to drivers who show even a modicum of respect and compassion, with a friendly wave, a “Bless You,” and wishes for good things for them in the future. Even in car-crazy Boston, I perform numerously more blessings than curses. Probably about 2-3 blessings a day on a 14-mile commute vs about 1 curse every 3-4 weeks.
I feel empowered to perform these rituals, because my friend who introduced me to adult cycling once commented when a threatening rain turned sunny, “God smiles on His Bicyclists.”...
I do also bestow Bicyclist's Blessings to drivers who show even a modicum of respect and compassion, with a friendly wave, a “Bless You,” and wishes for good things for them in the future. Even in car-crazy Boston, I perform numerously more blessings than curses. Probably about 2-3 blessings a day on a 14-mile commute vs about 1 curse every 3-4 weeks.
I feel empowered to perform these rituals, because my friend who introduced me to adult cycling once commented when a threatening rain turned sunny, “God smiles on His Bicyclists.”...
... because I have such nice routes to ride, I have adopted an "imaginary friend" to bring with me on my rides and I point out the sights to him. He is actually an active subscriber to Bike Forums and from his many posts I think he is someone I'd like to ride with.
He's from the midwest, like myself, and I really enjoy showing such "paisanos" around the Boston area.
He's from the midwest, like myself, and I really enjoy showing such "paisanos" around the Boston area.
Originally Posted by X
*** is really creeped out right now.
Originally Posted by ***
Hey, everyone needs a sugar daddy. 
Its funny but I find that on my commute into work, I find that I am thinking about and composing my entry for the "How was your commute today?" thread while on the bike.
What about you?
What about you?
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10-24-19, 05:00 PM
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During colder weather, I look for puddles that have begun to freeze over, and ride through them to make the ice go crunch.
Also, I do the crunchy leaves thing.
Also, I do the crunchy leaves thing.
10-24-19, 07:25 PM
#31
Flying and Riding
I practice presentations and briefings that I'm going to give that week. That and spitting out bugs....
10-24-19, 11:16 PM
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I bike commute 4 days a week. My co-workers find that pretty damn quirky.
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10-25-19, 06:51 AM
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I just remembered one other quirky thing I do. If a car coming from the other directtion doesn't signal a turn, I honk (AirZound), and then hold my hand down on the side they were turning and open and close my hand a few times quickly in what I hope simulates a turn signal.
In reality, if the driver even notices me, they probably assume I'm flicking boogers.
In reality, if the driver even notices me, they probably assume I'm flicking boogers.
10-25-19, 11:58 AM
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I recently converted to tubeless for my mtb commuter. I intentionally ride aggressively down bad roads with massive potholes and ride through broken glass. Since it is the only bike I have with fenders I also splash in the puddles without a care in the world.
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10-25-19, 10:39 PM
#35
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We don't have much for leaves here but we do have these annoying large beetles that run across the path with their butts pointed straight up... They make a rather satisfying crunch
10-26-19, 11:56 AM
#36
Newbier than Newb
I often point at people in cars & make it clear that I intend to race them.
Mind you I commute on a traditional single speed roadster. Chaincase, fenders & all.
I don't often win.
Mind you I commute on a traditional single speed roadster. Chaincase, fenders & all.
I don't often win.
10-27-19, 04:18 AM
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When I'm tired, I give the five to the branches that stick out on the path, as if they were people who want to spur me to keep going...
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10-27-19, 07:40 AM
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I wear goofy looking "night driver" sunglasses, more like goggles, with a mirror poking out. And I dodge small animals - I'll never agree with 'aim right at them and they'll dodge".
Oh and I play "head games" with the deer sometimes. Stupid deer think you don't see them if your face is turned away.
Oh and I play "head games" with the deer sometimes. Stupid deer think you don't see them if your face is turned away.
10-27-19, 10:23 AM
#39
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__________________
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
10-31-19, 05:29 PM
#40
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I crunch leaves, but I also aim for small rocks (up to 2 inches maybe?) to roll over them and feel my big soft tires deform. It also helps me know when I need to add air. Sometimes I get down to 15, I really probably shouldn't let it get under 20.
11-01-19, 07:46 AM
#41
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I talk to animals. Greetings to the varied wildlife. Also greet the horses and cattle I ride by. I'll wave and say a thanks to "chevy dude" or "ford man" etc. who have moved over the center line when passing. Also "wave" to drivers that intentionally pass too close and I may vocalize a string of greetings I learned from a drill instructor or two.
11-01-19, 08:07 AM
#42
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This guy does it on foot.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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11-01-19, 09:36 AM
#43
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11-02-19, 09:04 AM
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11-02-19, 11:08 AM
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11-03-19, 07:43 PM
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I do that all the time. Especially lately, since there are so many dried up leaves on the road.
On Friday, I had a lousy day at work, so I left early to go for a ride. Out in the country, riding along, I noticed a leaf that had just fallen from a big tree...It was fluttering down slowly and erratically...Right into my path, and I caught it in my left hand as I rode along. I don't know why, but that turned my mood from bad to great.
On Friday, I had a lousy day at work, so I left early to go for a ride. Out in the country, riding along, I noticed a leaf that had just fallen from a big tree...It was fluttering down slowly and erratically...Right into my path, and I caught it in my left hand as I rode along. I don't know why, but that turned my mood from bad to great.
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11-03-19, 10:36 PM
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We have some turkeys in my neighborhood. Interestingly they seem scared of me on my bicycle but will stand still in the road when a car approaches. So when I am riding I acclerate and aim straight at them. Funny to watch them scatter. Even better is when I come across a flock blocking the road with a car waiting for them to move. Then I give it my all with full speed and yelling and clicking my tongue. Fun to speed past the stopped car(s) while the turkeys scatter and the drivers are left just sitting there.
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11-06-19, 04:42 PM
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Oh, that reminds me. I think I unknowingly smile a lot when I ride. A lot of people smile at me, so this is why I think so.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
11-10-19, 03:36 PM
#50
Pedal Stompin'
I love this! I talk to animals a lot on my ride:
- "Bun-bun, make the right choice!" damn bunnies, so cute and they jump right in front of me (they're lucky I'm slow!).
- "You have a lovely family!" to the hissy and nervous springtime papa goose.
- "CrowFRIENDS, get some FOOD!" to the crows, especially the groups of juveniles who are learning how to fend for themselves.
- Long, loud, and low call of "COYOOOOOOOOOTE! Go on, GIT!" to the curious coyotes in Jan-Feb (their mating season around here, when I see a lot of them in the early morning and they aren't as skittish as they are the rest of the year).
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