By Darin Glass
I am not comparing myself to the now infamous Lance Armstrong–although my endurance is based on all local organic beer with no artificial fillers. I recently took a leisurely bike ride back from one of our neighborhood festivals when I suddenly found myself face down on the asphalt.
This was an unfortunate event caused by my own speed and lack of “bike mileage.” I had recently purchased a hybrid Cannondale to work up miles to commute to work, which is about 15 miles one-way. I had enjoyed riding around our neighborhood going to the Grant Park Farmer’s Market with the family, riding to the Run Before You Crawl 5k, and other events.
Seeing the neighborhood from the bike is a unique perspective as you sit at a higher vantage point and are able to see details from a variety of wonderful yards. Our neighborhood has very distinctive character from original brick borders to very unique front yard art. It has been a wonderful way to see our historic area and the variety of decorating techniques.
I wish more of us could appreciate our neighborhood on bikes, but it can be a very dangerous endeavor if you are not prepared. Even if you are, many of the vehicles that are on the roads do not take heed to bicycles on the road. This is not ideal as a car can really put an end to a wonderful ride.
If you see a rider, exude caution, and do not drive too close or go by too fast. Provide space for the rider and respect their piece of the road as they have as much right to be there as a motorized vehicle. Also remember to slowly back out of your driveway if pulling out into the road. This may be elementary advice to some, but Atlanta is not typically a city where cyclists have much respect.
I have been turned on to these discoveries more and more as I ride. I came from the mountain bike side of riding with trails and single-track riding. When you crash in the woods, you typically hit a tree or slide down a cliff with soft dirt. Soft is a relative term I know, and asphalt I found out is not so forgiving.
My crash did not deter me from riding and trying to commute to work. I really have just scratched the surface (metaphorically for my elbow) of my neighborhood riding and am looking forward to getting back on the saddle. So, if you see me riding around town, please take caution and give me some space. I am going to need it.
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