Due to a certain change in my private life, a few forum members have requested that I start a daily post of mainly (but not exclusively) bike related one liners. Also, you can send questions via PM to me and I can answer them through this thread.
This thread will be locked and only I will access it. Obviously, most forum members will not be able to post replies but you can always start your own thread referring to the stuff here.
So here it is … watch this space.
Cheers
Des
Sorry for the delay.
There were a couple of technical issues that needed to be addressed first.
For today’s post, I’ll pay tribute to TC and add something of my own.
[size=10pt]Wear a helmet … but don’t use it[/size].
That is all.
Des
There’s alot of bicycle noobs on the roads now that summer is here.
Set a good example. Ride well.
That is all.
Des
Be nice to drivers, even though some of them drive like maniacs.
“Spreading The Love” has to start from somewhere.
There’s no shame if you are that person.
That is all.
Des
You know a guy has big thighs when what you thought were baggy shorts turned out to be cycling knicks.
That is all.
Des
Running a red light.
Almost hitting an elderly lady crossing the street.
Wearing the Australian National Champion colours.
You sir, are a first class muppet.
That is all.
Des
Buy/Build a quality bike for someone you love.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
That is all.
Des
I was asked why a certain member of our forum often removes his shirt in public.
The answer is he is hot like a curry and that makes others sexist.
That is all.
Des
If you’re worried about your bar tape not matching your saddle, you’re not riding enough.
That is all.
Des
Having matching front and rear wheels is over rated.
That is all.
Des
Muppet Commuter #1:
Your bike does not end where your nose is. When you stop at a light, be aware of where your front wheel ends up.
That is all.
Des
Muppet Commuter #2:
If you are a slow rider. Do not squeeze your way to the front of the queue bikes at a stop light.
That is all.
Des
It’s been pointed out to me that most muppet commuters are so because they don’t know any better. Everyone’s on a learning journey I suppose and the assumption is that a muppet commuter now might become a much better rider tomorrow. Arrogant riders on the other hand are muppets because they just don’t care about their well-being or that of others. These are probably the worst breed of cyclists in our society today. So in future posts, I will make the distinction between the two.
That is all.
Des
Muppet Commuter #3:
A helmet is not meant to protect your handlebars.
That is all.
Des
Arrogant Commuter #1:
Just because you can ride well, it doesn’t mean that other cyclists on the road can. Wearing a matching team kit with the matching pro bicycle doesn’t mean you can ride like it’s the last kilometer to the finish line in the 1st stage of the TDF.
Give other riders some room and pass with care.
That is all.
Des
Muppet Commuter #4:
It is usually a good idea to do a head check, hand signal, then move to the left. NOT move to the left, come into my lane, cause me to brake suddenly, then do a hand signal and head check.
Always know what’s going on behind you.
That is all.
Des
This will be my last post for this thread in 2007. So I’d thought that I’d leave you all with a bit of a longer commentary. Thanks for all the positive feedback so far. See you in 2008 and take care.
(Start Rant)
There are plenty of reasons to ride a bike:
For fitness/health
For fun
As transportation
As an environmentally friendly alternative
To socialise
Because you love bicycle meachanics
For fashion
etc etc
I often think that riding for fashion has got to be the lamest one. However, lots of things that humans do are driven by fashion or for wanting to be cool or with the ‘in crowd’. Looking back, I started riding single speed MTBs because (among other things) I thought that they looked cool and by riding one, I, by association, was cool/fashionable/hip/not like your average Joe etc etc. A year later, I started riding street fixies because of the very same reasons. I hate to admit it, but I was a hipster way back when. Maybe not your tight-jeans wearing, tattoo covered, castro-cap wearing variety of today but a hipster none-the-less. But, the more I rode, the more my time on the bike became about having fun, getting fit, meeting others that also rode bikes, having a great time with great mates while riding, not using cars, a great form of transportation that suited me well and less and less about being hip.
The way I see it. Life is a journey. On my journey, I’ve reached the point where I am comfortable with my interaction with my bicycle. I am riding not because I want to be hip but because riding allows me to live the life that I want and need. So in the end, being a hipster wasn’t so bad and maybe not so lame. Don’t burn your top tube pads, just ride your bike. Who knows … you might just get sucked into a deeper and more meaningful experience.
That is all.
Des