I love this so much I have to RT (retweet for those who do not tweet), but if I do, it's goes over the max 140 characters. So I'm putting it here.
"The nod...when I"m out cycling and someone goes past it's like "hey, we're doing awesome things let's be friends for a second"
This RT comes from a blog called 1000 Awesome Things. It's pretty neat really. And I only discovered it because I read this guy: Rob Anderson, who's latest blog is called 100 Awful Things (yes, an intentional opposition to the 1000 Awesome Things).
I'm going to make my own lists (of both) some day -- probably the same day I do this: Sorry Samsmama, eventually I'll get around to it. I promise. Pinky swear even.
Anyway, enough of the back story.
Here's why I love this one-liner from 1000 Awesome Things.
Yesterday I was riding my bike (I'm writing more about yesterday after I finish this blog) and as neared the railroad tracks that I mentally mark as my official transition into 'downtown riding,' I could hear conversation being maintained behind me. I rarely encounter other cyclists while I ride, so I looked back to see two pros gradually gaining on me (I call anyone in spandex and an aerodynamic helmet a pro).
Surprise. On the rare occasion that I do see a fellow cyclist, he or she more on the homeless/never-shower/don't own deodorant side than the side that these boys were on. And for a half a second I felt kind of embarrassed to be on my purple Huffy, in jeans and a t-shirt as they cruised closer to me all decked out in legitimate cycling gear. Can you say intimidating?
The cool part was they didn't laugh (like I imagined they would). They gave that nod the writer of the one-liner mentions and then they actually stopped their conversation and had a quick one with me. I felt like part of something bigger than just riding my bike to town. I felt like part of a community or world of people who cycle for recreation and fitness. It's the first time that's happened. And as silly as it seems. It was empowering.
On a less significant scale, I make every attempt to wave and nod at everyone I pass or everyone who goes out around me while I'm riding. The people in my neighborhood actually know me know for riding my bike and walking my dogs now. And I've meet a couple people who work next door because I cross the street as they're pulling the parking lot. I make all attempts to converse with the people in our neighborhood. And I'm happy they're willing to nod and wave back.
"The nod...when I"m out cycling and someone goes past it's like "hey, we're doing awesome things let's be friends for a second"
This RT comes from a blog called 1000 Awesome Things. It's pretty neat really. And I only discovered it because I read this guy: Rob Anderson, who's latest blog is called 100 Awful Things (yes, an intentional opposition to the 1000 Awesome Things).
I'm going to make my own lists (of both) some day -- probably the same day I do this: Sorry Samsmama, eventually I'll get around to it. I promise. Pinky swear even.
Anyway, enough of the back story.
Here's why I love this one-liner from 1000 Awesome Things.
Yesterday I was riding my bike (I'm writing more about yesterday after I finish this blog) and as neared the railroad tracks that I mentally mark as my official transition into 'downtown riding,' I could hear conversation being maintained behind me. I rarely encounter other cyclists while I ride, so I looked back to see two pros gradually gaining on me (I call anyone in spandex and an aerodynamic helmet a pro).
Surprise. On the rare occasion that I do see a fellow cyclist, he or she more on the homeless/never-shower/don't own deodorant side than the side that these boys were on. And for a half a second I felt kind of embarrassed to be on my purple Huffy, in jeans and a t-shirt as they cruised closer to me all decked out in legitimate cycling gear. Can you say intimidating?
The cool part was they didn't laugh (like I imagined they would). They gave that nod the writer of the one-liner mentions and then they actually stopped their conversation and had a quick one with me. I felt like part of something bigger than just riding my bike to town. I felt like part of a community or world of people who cycle for recreation and fitness. It's the first time that's happened. And as silly as it seems. It was empowering.
On a less significant scale, I make every attempt to wave and nod at everyone I pass or everyone who goes out around me while I'm riding. The people in my neighborhood actually know me know for riding my bike and walking my dogs now. And I've meet a couple people who work next door because I cross the street as they're pulling the parking lot. I make all attempts to converse with the people in our neighborhood. And I'm happy they're willing to nod and wave back.
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