Total Serious Happy Thread

[MouseWife]

ha ha Matt! I have spewed some expletives at some stupid people who cut me off. I don't think it is very nice to crash on your bike. If someone ever makes me crash, I am taking them down with me!!

But, I do make sure I do the speed limit as well as wear a helmet.

Do you guys all wear helmets? Only once did we cruise about without them. It felt good but wearing one isn't too bad.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by MouseWife

Do you guys all wear helmets?

I still need to get mine. I finally did take her out for the first test-drive late this afternoon - just around our parking lot so I could get used to it. But, once I hit the road, I will have my helmet.

[MouseWife]

Well, honestly, I didn't smile, Matt.

Good habit, Teresa. We've always tried to wear them as an example to the kids. It isn't such a big deal. It may feel awkward at first, especially if you are just getting used to a new bike, spinning it around a bit.

It can suck, though, when you ride to a destination, remove your helmet and have helmet head. :0( I do carry a baseball cap for that.

Are they still called baseball caps? None of mine actually sport a team name...

[Snowflake]

Yay! I sold out of books at the Silent Film Fest! WooHoo. The best part wsa, not everyone in line who bought a copy was a person I know!

Lashbear, your books will be on the way later this week!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Originally Posted by MouseWife

I've found that you have to use a bell. Of course, I ride the bike paths which are shared with people. The Strand, the Boardwalk, and, any bike path is always shared with walkers, skaters.

In the street, maybe not so much. I think you need a brick in that case, to get through to some of the ignorant drivers. Or rather, I wish I HAD one when some of them pull out in front of me like I'm not even there.
....snip....
Crazy huh? You'd think people with kids would look more for kids? I always look for bicyclists/motorcyclists/walkers/runners.

There's a progression: if you're a good distance away from the pedestrians, and ding the bell, they probably won't freak out, and have time to see you. In the middle distance, they see you but don't have time to choose their reaction and may do unpredictable things. If you ding the bell close to them, they'll be more likely to startle.

Drivers make me crazy sometimes. People who just do not pay attention. Did you hear that Mayor Villaraigosa just got in an accident while biking and a car pulled out in front of him? Broke his elbow.

Originally Posted by Snowflake

Yay! I sold out of books at the Silent Film Fest! WooHoo. The best part wsa, not everyone in line who bought a copy was a person I know!

Huzzah!!!!!