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04-09-2006, 03:44 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the basement of my house, Murray, Utah.
Posts: 15,941
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Took the new bike out this morning..
I have to say that I'm proud of myself. I went about 17 miles this morning - all on the mean streets of Murray. After about 12 miles I started to feel a bit of cramping in the calves, but I toughed it out and made it home. Cramping left at about the 15 mile mark, so I was able to finish with postivie thoughts that cycling is a good thing.
One thing I did learn that was a negative is that I have the same luck with hitting every red light possible on a bike as I do in my car. :evil:
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"The beauty of baseball is not having to explain it." - Chuck Shriver "This is now the joke that stupid people laugh at." - Christopher Hitchens on IQ jokes about GWB. |
04-09-2006, 04:06 AM | #2 |
Demiurge
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 36,365
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is there not a good bike path for you to take somewhere? In general it is dangerous riding on the streets alone. Esp highways with or without shoulders.
Be careful out there. (and please tell me that you use a helmet). |
04-09-2006, 04:16 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the basement of my house, Murray, Utah.
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Yes, I wear a helmet. A really cool University of Utah helmet, even.
Today, I got started at about 6:00 am when there wasn't much traffic around, so I felt rather safe. There is a nice bike trail along the Jordan River. As per your advice, I'll start riding there from now on.
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"The beauty of baseball is not having to explain it." - Chuck Shriver "This is now the joke that stupid people laugh at." - Christopher Hitchens on IQ jokes about GWB. |
04-09-2006, 04:28 AM | #4 | |
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Quote:
That being said, paths are great, but they can be annoying if they are multi-use, as a lot of kids and walkers and joggers, oblivious to the world around them, end up being obstacles. Most (but not all) of my close calls have come on bike paths when I have almost falttened some goof ball who doesn't listen when I say on your left or some such.
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Sorry for th e tpyos. |
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04-09-2006, 04:35 AM | #5 |
Demiurge
Join Date: Aug 2005
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I don't know if it's just having more riders and more people in general, but I have heard of too many injuries and deaths around here to want to ride much alone on streets and highways.
Luckily there is a great riding area very near me. I only go out on the long road rides in groups. |
04-09-2006, 04:41 AM | #6 | |
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Quote:
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Sorry for th e tpyos. |
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04-09-2006, 04:44 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Norcal
Posts: 5,821
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We have miles upon miles of country roads out here. Perfect for riding, but of course with the occasional scary encounter. Hey IlPadrino, tell us how you feel the very next time you sit on that seat. :wink:
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04-09-2006, 04:54 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the basement of my house, Murray, Utah.
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Will do. Right now, I feel ok, but I suspect I'll feel it a bit more tomorrow.
As for how I'l fell the next time I get in the saddle, I can't imagine it would be any worse than getting back behind home plate after getting between the plate and a 230 pound baserunner.
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"The beauty of baseball is not having to explain it." - Chuck Shriver "This is now the joke that stupid people laugh at." - Christopher Hitchens on IQ jokes about GWB. |
04-09-2006, 05:11 AM | #9 |
Demiurge
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 36,365
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It's safer to ride in groups, because you are much more visible.
Same thing holds for motorcycle groups. I will take my chances in a group anyday, compared to riding solo. |
04-10-2006, 03:38 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 2,919
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We've had very few, if any, bad cycling accidents in our area, despite this being a very active cycling community.
One guy was killed about 2 years ago, riding solo on a country road at 2:00am with no helmet. And yes, he was wearing blue jeans and not technically a true cyclist, but that is all we have had. I've been run off the road once while riding on a quiet country road a couple of years ago, but really no close calls beyond that. Actually the only other close calls I've had were during group rides or during centuries with other riders being stupid. I personally feel very safe riding the roads around our area. I typically ride very early in the morning before there is much traffic, and I hardly ever ride in or near town. One of the benefits of living in a semi-rural area where country roads are 5-10 minutes away from my house in 3 of 4 directions. |
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