As my strained calf muscle continues to heal, I am finding a way, through cycling, to mimic my long runs so that my training doesn't suffer. What's also nice is that I've found new ways to challenge myself and a way to build untapped muscles. I've also learned that certain motorists entrust their medical care to cyclists... unfortunately, cyclists are often too preoccupied with their ride, rather than healing ailments of others (sorry guys!).
Case in point. I was challenging myself to a 40 mile ride today which was a simple out and back on US 209. Generally this road has nice, wide shoulders and I can spend the majority of my ride out of motorists' way- the only exception being when I ride through towns and the shoulders disappear. Now, I can generally stay as far to the right as possible and even at times go the town speed limit (which is pretty cool).
As I was on this ride, a motorist all the way on the other side of the road (the left side) decided that I was the person he needed to show his injured finger to. Now, I can't say that it was broken because I clearly kept on my ride, but he looked pretty surly, and I know that when I'm injured I get pretty surly, too. This is the only explanation I can think of for him showing me his finger.
After all, I was on the right side of the road, which is the correct side, so there's no reason why he would need to point me in any other direction. There was nothing interesting in the sky or on the ground to look at. There's no way he was proud of his car or his appearance so I can't imagine why he would be pointing at either of those. It's kind of a weird way to wave or cheer for someone (if I'm making a cultural faux pas, please forgive me). The only reasonable explanation for his showing his finger to me is to highlight something wrong with that body part.
I've known other cyclists who take offense to drivers showing off their fingers. I mean, come on! WE'RE NOT DOCTORS! Stop trying to get free medical care from us! Some of these cyclists get really offended and gesture back that they won't see them without at least a $1 co-pay. The drivers, apparently, get really offended at the $1 medical fee and will pull their cars over and "have words" with the cyclist.
I, however, take a different tact... I simply ignore and move on. In life we need to realize that some people want medical care from random people on US highways free of charge. We need to be OK with that and let it go.
Other things I've noticed while riding more. People in cars do not wave to anyone. People on motorcycles only wave to people on motorcycles. Runners wave to runners and often cyclists, but only if the cyclists are decked out in cycling gear and looking like they're making an effort. Cyclists wave to other cyclists who are decked out and making an effort and they will wave to runners. Walkers wave AND talk to anyone who passes by, which makes you a real jerk if you don't say something in return- so cyclists and runners should always have something nice to say- the weather is usually a safe topic. People on scooters... this is a new one that happened today... will wave at cyclists (this happened twice, with the same scooterist).
In any case, remember while you're out there driving- stay off the phone, keep your eyes open and watch for children, cyclists, runners, and walkers. Go slower as you pass and give them a reasonable berth... and wave, they might wave back and, if they don't, that's OK, just remember they're not all doctors and they don't really care about your ailing finger.
Thanks and God bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment