Most interesting (positive) thing seen or done while riding this year (2008)

[skiffrun]

We see or do lots of things while we ride or prep for riding. Would it make a decent thread to note some of them?

I'll start:


Met on road, chatted and rode a bit with Bruce (a 48 year old parapalegic), who was enjoying the day and getting his exercise riding a hand-crank custom-made trike. He has no feeling and little to no strength in his arms (none in his hands), so essentially "pedalled" the crank with his shoulders, where he is lucky enough to still have some strength.

If Bruce can ride, I can ride.

[skiffrun]

No takers so far (by which I mean posters, 'cause there is something like 190 views), but I'll try again.


Not-so-good ride (about a week ago) made good in one 150 yard stretch by:

seeing bright flourescent green-headed duck take flight from a pond on the right (don't know that I actually ever personally saw a duck in the act of taking flight before),

followed almost immediately by seeing a wild turkey take flight from the higher ground on the left (second turkey witnessed in the act of taking flight in two weeks; second turkey taking flight in a lifetime).

[Zonda]

This is not an observation while riding, but a cycling related observation that was moving.

How about the link to the photo Michelle posted, http://flickr.com/photos/jrees/2448516993/

I think it's a great reminder to drivers that their carelessness talking on their cell phones, texting, drinking and driving, etc. may seriously injure or kill someone. The all white bike and sign speak volumes.

[piper_chuck]

Nearly all of my rides share a road that has a turn that's at the crest of a hill. Visibility is terrible. Every time I approach this turn I take the lane and increase my focus to be sure an impatient person behind me doesn't try to pass when there is an approaching car. I've found if I don't take the lane that some people will pass even when they can't see if it's clear. Several times the oncoming car was forced onto the shoulder to avoid a collision.

When I hear a car approaching from behind and can confirm nothing is coming from up front, I wave them past. If I know it's not clear I hold out my left hand to signal them to stay back and then wave when it's clear.

On my last ride I had to signal stay back and once the oncoming car passed, I waved the person by. As they passed, the person in the car yelled "thank you". It was a nice reminder that most people are not impatient buttheads.

[TracyW]

On my last ride I had to signal stay back and once the oncoming car passed, I waved the person by. As they passed, the person in the car yelled "thank you". It was a nice reminder that most people are not impatient buttheads.
Congrats! Seems like if I do something like that I hear "get off the road" as they pass.

[skiffrun]

Sound of apparently free-ranging guinea fowl as they flee what they must think is the approaching predatory monster (cyclist on a bike).

Yes, you can still find domestic "chickens" that are not in pens within easy riding distance of Raleigh.

[RoverDave]

Well as this in only my 3rd month of riding, I must say that the warm welcome into the cycling family has been one of the greatest things for me this year. I have made some great friends in the past few months and had some great times on and after the rides, especially the SlowSpokes & OMV crowd. The TSC Tuesday rides in quickly becoming a favorite "short" ride and a good crowd there. I love the way that new people are welcomed in (I have seen several in the few months I have been riding). Everyone is willing to take the time to answer questions, give good advice and help get others well on their way to enjoying cycling. Overall a all around great family that I am sure I will spend many many years enjoying time on and off the road with.

[KarenG]

my most positive thing for the year so far...seeing the progress that i've made in the past 10 months as far as my climbing ability. the climbing that i did this past weekend - i could not have done any of it 10 months ago. and, 10 months ago, i would never have even entertained the idea of riding Roan Moan and doing the century route. i'm ready for it now. :)

[tombiowami]

I kind of like the horses, goats, lamas, and various other animals on the farms. Except for the dogs that run in front of us.

T

[robbielink]

I've lived here for over 25 years, now. But I've seen more beautiful roads and scenery in the past year that I've been doing group rides than in the whole time I've been here. Getting out of the car and off the rat race routes that I drive has opened up a whole new world.

[JimP]

A couple of weeks ago I was out on an early Saturday solo ride. I was about an hour or so into the ride and I was on Stagecoach Road in Chatham. I saw someone on mountain or hybrid bike riding towards me on the opposite side of the road. As he got closer I noticed he had panniers on. Well, maybe he had to go to work or was out shopping. When he got closer, I noticed the bag on his left side was moving! Finally, a small dog poked his head out and kind of sniffed around .... I almost fell off my bike I laughed so hard! :D