Kat12

Not everyone lives anywhere near "woods, forests, trails, small dirt/gravel roads, quieter ****tier paved roads, etc." And, some people ride their bikes in order to commute-- whether it's to work or to the grocery store-- and that commute might include city riding.

mstateglfr 

The OP was simply voicing their experience and concerns.
You seem to have taken the words as an attack on riding on roads and in traffic, but it isnt that.

I am confident everyone here is aware people in cities use their bike to commute to stores and/or work.

jonathanf2

The reason I bought a gravel bike is so that I could easily hop a curb, cut across a grassy field, or ride on a rough surface when the roads aren't safe or practical. I live in an urban setting and always see painted white bike memorials strewn across the city for cyclists killed on the streets. I now see the roads merely as a way to ride to my off-road trail destinations where I can then worry about being attacked by a mountain lion or brown bear on a secluded trail!

10 Wheels

Use a Marine Air Horn to stop the dog when

it get Close

Kat12

Starting an entire thread about "i just don’t get how road bike dudes/women risk it, hours at a time out on only roads" isn't a judgment?

And, I'm pointing out that not everyone has a choice like OP is lucky to have.

mstateglfr 

It could certainly be a judgement, yet not be an attack.

If I say - 'I just don't get how free climbers risk it, hours at a time dangling off cliffs by their fingers', is that me attacking climbers? Of course it isnt.

As for the discussion of choice, people in a city also have a choice whether to ride a bike or not.
If they choose to ride, then yeah it most likely means riding in traffic due to realities of location. That's no different than anywhere else- you have to ride based on your location.
Heads up- this is the gravel forum. It's pretty common for more rural riding to be discussed and one such part of that is...fewer cars.

Kat12

The word "attack" literally appeared nowhere in my post, nor was implied in anything I said. That was your word.

mstateglfr 

I'm aware I initially used the word 'attack'.

Here is a recap.
- OP says they don't want to ride near cars since they don't have to.
- you feel judged for some reason and decide you must point out that not everyone has the choice to ride without traffic.
- I used 'attack' to describe how I interpret your crying about how some don't have a choice but to ride in traffic.
- you then get all bent out of shape about the word 'attack' being used..

Seriously, it's all a distinction without a difference.
Im sure everyone recognizes some people must ride in traffic if they choose to ride a bike. Yup, that's a reality. Your observation has been noted.



Eta- I'm out on this one unless substantive discussion starts back up.

Bald Paul

Corrected your spelling for you.

Chuck M 

Some time back, I had reason to drive a back road I and apparently many other riders use according to Strava. I saw the lack of shoulder, the number of rednecks barreling down the road pulling trailers and other things in a different light. But I didn't change my opinion of riding that road. I'm looking forward to half marathon season being over so I can put a new chain and tires on my Saturday roadie and start riding that route again.

I'm not saying it makes sense. But like the smokers that say "something has to kill you", maybe I don't care if this is what kills me.

bonsai171

Thanks for the tip. I carry pepper spray, and luckily have only had to spray a few, been able to outrun most dogs, though I had a scary encounter on gravel at night once where a dog snuck up on me, couldn't even see it coming with tons of lights (it came from the side). Pretty much yelled at the top of my lungs and scared him off. Couldn't react fast enough since he was so close.

Dave

Kat12

LOL. If that's your idea of "crying" and "bent out of shape," you don't get out much (nor do you look in a mirror much; you're the one who started an argument because I made an observation and then started going on about "attacks" and "feeling judged" and other drama).

(How much does it end your world if anyone ever actually gets angry at you? Do you make a habit of projecting emotions onto others? Is it common for you to have this kind of overblown vitriolic reaction when people don't agree with you?) Have a nice day; apparently you need it.

Bomb Komodo

It's too fun and I'm finally able to climb mountains, so once I get my legs strong enough for that I will be on the road bike at times.

That said, I absolutely love not having to deal with cars much anymore. I find that I am riding a lot more often without needing a group road ride.

Had some folks get killed on the same exact route I used to ride in FL, and that really started me rethinking things a little. I also wanted to enjoy all the gravel and trails right near my area as well. So for me, this has been a no brainer. I am really enjoying my riding time again, and I can zen out a little and relax for once when I ride.

biketampa

I definitely prefer gravel and have a nice 20 mile gravel loop that is 95% gravel and it’s a common route for cyclists and there are still houses and farms so I never feel too isolated.

I still occasionally ride on the road with my rod bike but I pick and choose when and wear. With that bike I tend to ride on a nice wide multiuse path so no cars there.

Siu Blue Wind

@mstateglfr and @Kat12 please stop replying to each other on the thread. If you need to, take your argument to PMs please. Thank you

mstateglfr 

It's been 10 days since I said I was out on responding to the other poster, and I have followed thru.
...but your direction has been noted.

Siu Blue Wind

Thanks.

Wattsup

I think gravel riding can be about as dangerous as you want to make it. I cracked a couple of ribs last year, almost fell off a 100 ft embankment and into a creek. Deer are a constant threat, especially when riding through the woods at dusk. And there's the dogs. Dogs salivating for a calf. Other cyclists pose a danger on gravel, especially kids. Kids just mosey on along, head down. I've had to yell "Heads up!" many times at opposing bike traffic. The faster you ride, the more danger involved. That said, I'd rather die riding gravel than being mowed over by an old one-eyed lady driving a Buick.

Wattsup

What are those mirrors for on the helmets, to give you a few seconds to say a short prayer?

Wattsup

I keep a few Milkbones in my pocket.

Wattsup

I've felt a little vulnerable at times riding deserted gravel paths. Every time I get a little creeped out, I say I'm going to order some pepper spray as soon as I get home. I never do though. I think I will now. I figire I need two small canisters, one on the bike, and one on my person in case I get knocked off the bike. Maybe a small knife too.

pipeliner

Luckily that is not a problem for me where I live... BUT In her younger days my wife carried a small revolver with her when riding on the highway early in the morning because a couple creeps stopped and tried to “talk” to her. Scared the heck out of her so I bought her a Fanny pack concealment holster just to ease her (and my) concern and she could continue her morning rides that she loved doing. She never had to reach for it but the peace of mind is worth a whole lot IMO. She could protect her person if need be. I think a lady riding by themselves on a road day in and day out is susceptible to things that don’t occur to most of us until it happens. Some sort of self defense is a very good idea no matter where you live or ride. Firearm or mace or whatever.
I’ve read that bike-jacking is a thing in some areas now too. People actually get robbed of their bike and left standing on the side of the road. Not that I would get into an armed altercation over a bike but the level of brazen criminality is definitely on the rise.

xseal

I carry this in my top tube bag.

https://www.benchmade.com/3300.html

mstateglfr 

You have a $500 knife in your bag?
That seems about $475 more than necessary, but to each their own.

xseal

You haven't seen/tried one. Somethings are expensive because they are worth it. Then again, I a lot of time getting trained by tax dollars and know the difference b/t a good weapon and one that isn't.