As predicted here

MARTA has announced its intention to switch to a distance based pricing structure. Which sucks. We seem to be following the DC Metro model when we should be following the Chicago El/Commuter rail one.

Country Dogs and City Dogs

Do you know the difference between country dogs and city dogs? City dogs tend to be behind fences or on leashes. Country dogs too often run free. Last week while riding through rural north Georgia a dog chased me for the better part of a mile.

Spring Has Sprung

It appears that spring has come to Atlanta, and with it March showers. So I took a very foggy wet ride and was thankful for my fenders.

Why Are You Trying to Kill Me?

Situation: I coming down a fairly quick downhill on a bike laden down with books. The driver looks right at me and then starts to pull out in front of me to turn left across the street. Now here's the great part once he pulls out into the lane he stops, I guess he suddenly sees me. So now I have to hit the brakes hard. Did I mention the bike was packed full of books? So the rear wheel starts to slide out and I start doing the calculations should I go down or try and ride her out. I choose to keep it up and manage to straighten her up stopping just a few inches from the car.

And the guy is still just sitting there. Sigh...

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Right Now

Right now I'm looking at a Specialized Roubaix that's ridden by one of my law professors who is also a bike commuter. He brings it into class with him while I have to lock my bike up outside like a sucker.

Thinking About Lane Position

Yesterday on my way back from the thrift store I was passed by another cyclist. This is nothing new, I'm kind of slow, people pass me all the time. But what struck me was our difference in lane positions. While I ride inside what would be a cars passenger side tire track (sometimes even further to the left) the guy who passed me rode right on the white line.

Now in metro Atlanta most roads do not have shoulders; so for my safety I take the lane, but I'm in the minority. Most cyclist I see ride almost on top of the white line. Now if there is a shoulder and it's sufficiently wide (at least two handlebar widths) I will use it, otherwise I'm out in the lane forcing cars to go around me. So how about you? Where do you ride?

How the Other Half Lives

Riding around for a week on roads covered with sand, gravel, and salt has given me a new insight into what northern riders endure. Having cars pelt your face with this stuff isn't fun.

An Adventurous Start to the New Year

We're just seven days into the new year and I've already had many days of subfreezing rides, snow, ice, and an encounter with wrong way driver on a one street. Only 358 days left to go.