The beginning of February is only a couple of days away and I can't stop wishing for warm weather. I want sun, heat, trails and no more layers!!! I'm usually patient with the weather and take the four seasons as they come but for some reason this year I want winter to be over with. The trails are calling and I can't wait to get on them!! The temps have been in the (-)'s, factor in the wind chill and we are in the.... COLD.
Aside from the weather I also have another thing I want to vent about.
I went out for a ride on the back county roads the other day, just movin' along. I like taking the back roads because there is less traffic and the less traffic there is the less I have to deal with ignorant motorists. I am always cautious on the road and I respect motor vehicles. I keep to the edge on my one inch of pavement. In fact many times when there is a vehicle coming I peal off to the shoulder and allow them the lane, especially if there are cars coming from both directions.
I needed to take a 'busier' connector road between concessions, so there I was heading west. A vehicle was coming from the opposite direction, no prob., until I heard a roaring sound from behind me. The edge of the road had a slight drop onto the gravel so I opted to hold my slim margin of pavement. As the oncoming car was approaching I could hear the vehicle behind me speeding up. Sure enough both cars went by at the same time. I felt the wind as the truck did not budge an inch and was WAY too close for comfort. I sure hope the driver read my lips because I had a few chosen words for him. He proceeded to the next road and turned left and totally eased off the gas, almost 'puttsing'. There really was no room for error and that idiot (to be kind) had me a bit shakin' and incredibly mad.
SHARE THE ROAD!!!!
I think it should be mandatory that before you get your licence, you have to bike on the side of the road and see what it feels like to have cars pass. Maybe then there would be more respect for bikers!
Safety for cyclist is all I want. Perhaps it's times like these that make me realize why I like riding off road. Just me, the bike and obstacles that don't move!!
Stay warm and ride safe,
Sue
What road were you on? What was the speed limit (for motorists, I mean)? Is there any way you could've taken up more of the lane to maybe prevent such a close call (maybe holding your left arm out)? Or did it all happen too fast?
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great idea- making new drivers ride on a busy road before getting their licenses!
Hi Kari. North Malden out of Essex going south,toward the county (south side of #3). I only had 2 km's on that road! It happened quite fast. The posted speed limit is 80 km/h, but this guy was flyin' and sped up to pass me. > then 80 km's for sure. Not much I could do. Sticking my arm out would have meant losing my arm. :( There was only one car oncoming and then this truck. Dude could have slowed down and than pulled out around me into the other lane once the car passed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and your comment.
Sue