Metal Dragons (Body Concepts Kick Off Ride Part 3)

In yesterday's blog I described a car's role in amateur race training as... "All you need to remember is that cars are metal dragons and you look like a nice, juicy, two-wheeled prince(ss)." Even in the hands of the most well-meaning driver, they are two tons of metal hurling themselves down the same roadway you are on. It only takes a split-second of distraction to turn you from rider to ridden over. No one can guarantee your safety once you decide to mount up, but following the rules of the road can go a long way to ensuring that you survive the journey and get back to your castle in one piece.

Rob at Body Concepts really emphasizes obeying traffic laws; especially when it comes to red lights and general road etiquette like staying far right when cars are approaching.  We are billboards for our sponsors and need to act in a way that represents them well.  Not only is Rob watching out for the team’s image, and the sponsor’s good names, he is looking out for our safety. I’ve been witness to group rides that imperiled its participants with dangerous behaviors such as running red lights, blocking roadways and general rudeness. Rob’s emphasis on traffic laws really shows up in our rides as this is the most careful group I have ridden with; which makes it kind of odd that we were the target of a few attacks while minding our own business.

At times it is hard not to want to retaliate when when drivers attack (yelling, honking, spitting, throwing garbage, swerving, etc…) without provocation.  I feel the urge to yell something back or even flip them off.  However, as I thought more about this I realized something; for someone to feel the need to yell at or threaten you their life must really be bad and they must be in a lot of pain themselves. They are not someone to engage, they are someone to pity. They are not experiencing their joy as I am at that moment on my bicycle. Once that thought came to me, my anger melted away, the driver is forgotten in the moment of freedom and the road.

Speaking of which...  To the guy that drove by us and yelled that he hoped we would “all get run over” (along with a few other choice words, keeping this blog family friendly); Happy Holidays!  I hope you and your family have a safe and peaceful holiday filled with joy. To the rest of my fellow cyclists, remember, do not mettle in the affairs of metal dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.