Tuesday, September 25, 2007

That was close.

I use my bike downtown for getting around short distances, like going to lunch. Yesterday I went to a favorite lunch wagon and had my plate lunch secured to the bike and was riding back to work. It just so happened that another cyclist rolled up and we were waiting at a light together.

The light changed, and we were off, but he chose to ride the sidewalks and I rode on the road. When I first started riding in the city, a friend reminded me that a bike is a vehicle and everyone can predict what I will do if I ride like a car, and not like a pedestrian. Besides, it's faster and it's the law.

We were travelling along pretty much side by side, with him weaving around people and bus stops and the like. I was feeling very superior on the road just pumping away at the peddles, intent on showing him how much better and faster the street is.

Suddenly, one of the parked cars doors suddenly swings wide open barely a bike length in front of me! It happened SO FAST! I know I yelled and my heart stopped. Even now I don't know how I missed the door. By the time I realized what was happening it was over. There was not even time to decide "jump, swerve or slide" (I think I swerved), it was just over. I didn't even have a chance to cuss or give "stink-eye", not that I WOULD EVER do that! 0:-)

The worst part was, as I slowed down to remove my heart from my throat, the other cyclist cruised on by on the sidewalk and I could hear him grinning all the way back to work!


This message was sent from Rich's Treo 650.

8 comments:

Gung Ho said...

The bigger issue is...was the plate lunch okay? And where was the plate lunch from? And what did you get?

Barbara said...

Hahaha! Those were my thoughts exactly, Gary!

Rich said...

Okay, now for the really important info...It was hamburger steak with gravy and onions, 2 scoops brown rice (heathier that's why!), and potato salad. I got it from the Simply Ono lunch wagon by the Frank Fasi Municipal Building for $5. No plate lunches were harmed or damaged during this event... well, at least until I got it back to my desk!

Bolo said...

Brown rice? Usually, I'm all for brown over white in most matters (especially my landlocked skin), but man...why, Rich, why?

Oh, wait. You said it's healthier. Bleh.

Go eat at Richie's for me! Ooohhh, I can almost taste the boneless chicken, all rice...

Gung Ho said...

One of my coworkers was eating a boneless chicken with gravy over everything...made me hungry for one at Richie's. Hmmm...maybe I'll go tomorrow.

Bolo said...

You would, G.H.

Come to think of it, you should...just 'cause you can.

Sandy Fewell said...

Oh, my, as your mom, I see this picture entirely differently! First, it was good that you were obedient to the law! Secondly, praise God that your guardian angel was watching over you! Thirdly, God has a way of teaching us humility---did you think that instead of gloating, your companion biker in his grinning may have been thanking God for your safety! Who knows! Glad God helped you swerve your bike at just the right moment!

Rich said...

GungHo did it! He visited Richie's and got a photo of their Boneless Chicken with Gravy all over! Read his blog entry here:

Mmmmm...Richie's