 Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
Okay, maybe it's more of a pistachio looking thing but for the duration of this rant, peanut heads will do.
That would be those spandex wearing pedal pushing road hogs that seem to have taken over my part of the country lately. They've been around for quite awhile but nothing like the numbers I've seen over the last few years. Then everywhere I look I see "share the road" signs.. maybe that should be directed at them instead of us because since we've been having these yearly "gatherings", they think they own the roads.. passing on double yellow lines, passing on the right and riding three abreast blocking the entire lane.
I have always been of the mind that it's all cool, I didn't mind them being there .. but that ended today.
Larry and I headed to Cherohala early this morning but our plans were quickly altered when about 6 miles out of town, highway 19 was blocked completely. We sat there as hundreds upon hundreds of these people, 3 to 4 abreast made their way up the highway. Doesn't sound much like sharing to me..
Knowing that we would be behind all these peanut heads, and the cars between that can't or won't pass to at least Wolf Pen gap, about 15 miles and an hour of riding at bicycle speeds, we gave up the ghost and decided to just backtrack and do 197 to Hiawassee.
It was a great ride at first, light traffic and great weather until we turned down 17 to Helen.. then we got into more piles of peanut heads backing up traffic as far as the eye could see. After dodging these A holes left and right as they pass on either side we finally reach alt 75 but no relief as they are turning that way as well.
Having had about enough of bicycle speed riding, Larry and I started playing their game, we worked our way through the throngs of cars backed up to the mass of peanut heads blocking the road at which time I just rolled on the power and laid on the horn and made a hole. Everytime I'd come on another one not off to the side of the lane, I'd lay on the horn and drive on through.
I am now a hater as are many of the people I have ridden with... These people are nothing more than arrogant, inconsiderate buttholes. I have to pay for the privilege of driving on these roads via insurance, tags and license and I am supposed to share the road with these people who are exempt from such things and evidently speed limits or the laws the rest of us must abide by.
If I'm going to share the road, they need to share the burden.. taxes, licenses and insurance... and rules!
Peanut heads...
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
I wave to these peanut heads but get nothing in return while bicycling in normal shorts and an spf30 rated long sleeve shirt. Heck just yesterday I was passed up by a peanut head and said hello. He just peddled on not saying a word in response to my hello. Well, I let him get about 100 yards in front of me then I matched his speed for the next 4 miles. That was my way of saying his fancy digs don't mean dung. Here I was on a 20 year old mountain bike (hardtail), fat tires and all and he was on a fancy dancy road bike wearing all the spandex regalia he could afford. It was actually GROSS as his shorts were virtually see through. Anyways, poor pitiful peasant that I was was shadowing him and such at 20mph... Imagine that. You know that term peanut head got me to thinking. ATGATT. I guess not when it comes to bicycling. Seems a peanut shell, err lid is one thing I should consider buying. Yet I can't help thinking the rise I would get from the bicyclist were they to see me riding with a full face motorsickle helmet. Humm...Maybe this winter. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Chy wrote:
I have to pay for the privilege of driving on these roads via insurance, tags and license and I am supposed to share the road with these people who are exempt from such things and evidently speed limits or the laws the rest of us must abide by.
Excellent point here, Chy...especially the part of the above that I highlighted. If a motorist can be cited for going too slow and/or not allowing fast traffic behind them to safely pass them by failing to move as far right as possible, then, yeah, I agree with you here. Bicyclist should also be cited for these sorts of offenses while on a public road.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Having had about enough of bicycle speed riding, Larry and I started playing their game, we worked our way through the throngs of cars backed up to the mass of peanut heads blocking the road at which time I just rolled on the power and laid on the horn and made a hole. Everytime I'd come on another one not off to the side of the lane, I'd lay on the horn and drive on through.
That. Is. Awesome. 
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Yeah Chy , I agree . Seems like every time I go around a blind turn on Wolfpen or 19/60 or ANYWHERE up that way thar's them pistacio heads hoggin' up the lane . Arrogant urbanite spandex snobbies .  I'm gonna git me a PA system like ole' Robert Duvall had on his Huey in Apocalypse Now and instead of "Ride of the Valkyries" I'm gonna blast "Duelin' Banjos" at 'em . Hey Boy , that's some purty spandex . 
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I'm gonna git me a PA system like ole' Robert Duvall had on his Huey in Apocalypse Now and instead of "Ride of the Valkyries" I'm gonna blast "Duelin' Banjos" at 'em .
Okay Wade. Now while I get why you'd not be playin' the "Ride of the Valkyries", after all as far as I know you don't have one of those Honda models in your collection OR a German BMW motorcycle for THAT matter, I gotta say I'm not quite gettin' the whole Duelin' Banjos" thing here?!!!
You haven't just purchased one of those Confederate Motorcycles now have ya???!!!
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Hey Boy , that's some purty spandex .
Oh wait! It's the whole "squeal like a pig" thing here, ain't it?!
(...NOW I get it!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Yeah Dwight , it's Southern thing . You'd have to watch "Deliverence" to get the subtle implications . There's tee shirts that say "If you hear banjo music paddle faster" , on infinitum .
Ned Beatty still has nightmares .
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 80 |
Quote:
Yet I can't help thinking the rise I would get from the bicyclist were they to see me riding with a full face motorsickle helmet.
Now that would look cool! Don't forget your boots though.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
+ one..had it happen to me this summer up here also ..I got around these guys to come up on a 4 way stop ..I stop for the stop the sign..they blow right on through it...wft...and turn and smile at me as they do it..I use to back these guys up kind like 2 wheels brothers.. but in the last few years they have got to be real pain in the ass.. Ed 
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
in the last few years they have got to be real pain in the ass..
Well Ed , I 'spose it's because of that thing that they sit on that's loosley defined as a "seat" . They just have some anatomical issues .
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Remember, these guys now refer to themselves as "Bikers." They must be some real bada$$es! 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
I gotta say, 'roadies' are a PITA here too.
Riding like they own the friggin' road.
I could go on but I won't, it's a family show
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
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Our local paper recently had a long article about a group of these guys whining about the abuse they have to put up with from motorists. NOT once did the article mention any of their infractions of the state rules of the road!!!Similar to what Chy mentioned. mike 
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Quote:
Remember, these guys now refer to themselves as "Bikers." They must be some real bada$$es!
They are the original bikers and I do think they pay Fed Excise taxes on their tires.
As an an Iowegian you'll like this story. My brother was living in Musketine, working at a packing plant. One sat mourning he was on his Honda Shadow traveling down a main 2 lane blacktop. In the distance he sees a large group of cyclist stopping at the stop sign and crossing his right of way. As he closes he notes that all the cyclist have crossed. He's doing about 65 mph, as he approaches the intersection a 20-something straggler runs the stop sign in a effort to catch the main force of cyclist. A nano sec prior to impact the cyclist looks him right in the eyes. The bicycle is sliced in two, the cyclist suffered a broken leg, arm, ribs, foot and a concussion. My brother maintained control finally coming to a stop in the ditch. He felt really bad for the kid, but laughs about it now. I'm guessing that cyclist rant about motorcyclist like we do cagers.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I haven't ridden a pedal bike in several years, (although my doctor thinks I should.) I remember blowing through a few stop signs and going from road to sidewalk and back to the road as convenience dictated. Going from vehicle to pedestrian, or vice versa, in an instant had it's benefits too. I always tried to avoid being a obstacle since the laws of gross tonnage apply even more on a 10 speed than a Triumph. What I don't remember is the sense of smug condescending entitlement that seems so prevalent among the spandex crowd now.
I recently heard one of these guys actually say that he and his crowd were saving the Earth because they were not using gasoline while they were out on their weekend rides. Of course they took their bikes out there strapped to their cars. I guess when you are responsible for saving the Earth you can ignore little things like common courtesy and the rules of the road.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
I should first state that I ride a bicycle. A lot. It's a mountain bike. But when I get on the Blue Ridge Parkway on my motorcycle and these a$$holes are riding three abreast... The BRP is possibly the WORST place to ride a bicycle in the world. No shoulder, no bike lane.
BTW, it's against the law to ride anything other than single file on a Federal roadway.
You shouldn't have gotten me started.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Just proves that those silly looking tight pants cut off the circulation to the seat of reason.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 246
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
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LOL! Good one Greybeard! I like that!  We have a group of bicycle riders here called critical mass who I believe ride bicycles because they fail anger management and had driver licenses taken away. I even had one take the pump off their bike as they heard me comming up behind and swerved over to the fast lane where I was going around just to take a swing at me. Grrr! Still the annual naked bike ride is the topper around here. I swear some of those people don't do anything else active all year, and then choose to ride throughout Portland in their birthday suits. Spandex is FAR preferred to that!
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
You should get you a big foot costume and put it in your bags for a fun occasion were you can pass them then hide in the woods. As they come near jump out and scare the crap out of em.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I haven't ridden a pedal bike in several years, (although my doctor thinks I should.) I remember blowing through a few stop signs and going from road to sidewalk and back to the road as convenience dictated. Going from vehicle to pedestrian, or vice versa, in an instant had it's benefits too. I always tried to avoid being a obstacle since the laws of gross tonnage apply even more on a 10 speed than a Triumph. What I don't remember is the sense of smug condescending entitlement that seems so prevalent among the spandex crowd now.
I recently heard one of these guys actually say that he and his crowd were saving the Earth because they were not using gasoline while they were out on their weekend rides. Of course they took their bikes out there strapped to their cars. I guess when you are responsible for saving the Earth you can ignore little things like common courtesy and the rules of the road.
Well that's because you are a good person. These so called eco crusaders are really just sociopathic head cases that suffer from delusions of grandeur.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
F'n tree huggers.....
Unless they're riding bicycles INSTEAD of cars, commuting or otherwise, I don't think there's any 'tree huggin' going on. Most of the road riders I know throw their bikes into the back of some environmental disasterpiece, take it to the Parkway, piss off everybody for an hour, then put it back in the Hummer.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
Quote:
F'n tree huggers.....
Unless they're riding bicycles INSTEAD of cars, commuting or otherwise, I don't think there's any 'tree huggin' going on. Most of the road riders I know throw their bikes into the back of some environmental disasterpiece, take it to the Parkway, piss off everybody for an hour, then put it back in the Hummer.
You are correct but these same delusional suckers who are paying $400 for a pair of bike shoes think they are some out door, canoe buying,tent buying Starbuck drinking with a Red White And Blue circle on their Hummer new age hippie.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
After 15 years my spd shoes took a shite. Went to the local bicycle shop and inquired about a pair. I was handed a $100 pair and when I asked if those were the least expensive available, they responded yes and gave me a slight smirk. Gotta say though that these shoes are the cats meow.
The bicycling community at large is a community of fellows that think there shite doesn't stink. They can be pigeon holed in two words: Snobs Extraordinaire
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I have an old single speed beach cruiser with coaster brake that I may start riding on the old railroad rail bed that taxpayers turned into a free bike path. Maybe with my dog on a leash. That ought to impress them.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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 Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
Where you see the word bicycles in all the above. subtistude the word motorcycles.. and you have a series of rants from a "cagers" point of view.
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610 |
Really?
Because sooo many motorcyclists go around blowing stops signs and completely disregarding most traffic laws. While a very small portion of motorcyclists may do this, the greater majority of bicyclists do... Atleast that has been my experience in two different cities and their surrounding areas. And yes, I too ride a bicycle... in the parks and trails.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
It's interesting the difference between groups of bicycle riders. Road cyclists all seem to wear their skin tight, garish, NASCAR-inspired $300 outfits. Mountain bikers tend to wear whatever was on the floor of their truck with the least amount of mud on it.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Yeah but the mountain bikers have disguised shorts. That is, the shorts have a microfiber/wickable crotch sewn in. They look normal, but are higher tech than that which is found on the floor of pickemup trucks. But I hear you. I ride with what ever pair of normal shorts that are laying around. As far as blowing stop signs and red lights while riding a bicycle, I do and will unless I have reason not to. Appropriate reasons? Traffic for one. Traffic for the another. Someone earlier mentioned the mass disparity. Well that's a good reason not to blow a stop sign or run a red light. Now if you can see that the only reason you would observe the rule is well lacking, then why not blow it? Traffic cameras do not have the capability to photograph your ID. Do I split lanes, oh yes. Will I ride two abreast in traffic? NO! Will I hog the road for no good reason? NO. It's all about respect. Or it used to be. Now it's all about 'me' it seems.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Really?
Because sooo many motorcyclists go around blowing stops signs and completely disregarding most traffic laws. While a very small portion of motorcyclists may do this, the greater majority of bicyclists do... Atleast that has been my experience in two different cities and their surrounding areas. And yes, I too ride a bicycle... in the parks and trails.
+1
I think Kenny's point is still made albiet not to the same degree. The bad amongst us sour the whole lot of us in the eyes of cagers. Of course we don't have a wanton disregard for traffic control devices. Or do we? Think about how many times you come to a full stop at neighborhood stop signs. Is not rolling through a stop sign at an empty intersection pseudo acceptable behavior? There are only a few stop signs I will blow through around my way. (Blow through meaning not even slowing up.) When I can see 500 yards in each direction sometimes I just roll on the throttle. Are there any cages around? No. Dogs pedestrians etc? No. Trees/buildings etc? No. The minute someone else is waiting to pass through that intersection, the minute we run a red light or run a stop sign with other folks involved, well therein lies the root cause of soured relations: Lack of respect. The minute we put someone else out due to our lawless behavior, that is the time we show our arse.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
Yeah but the mountain bikers have disguised shorts. That is, the shorts have a microfiber/wickable crotch sewn in. They look normal, but are higher tech than that which is found on the floor of pickemup trucks. But I hear you. I ride with what ever pair of normal shorts that are laying around.
I live and ride in what is frequently described as 'the mountain biking capital of the world'. I don't know anyone that owns such things as you speak of. You must ride in different circles (no pun intended) than I do. I don't own a pair of shorts that cost over $12.
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I think Kenny's point is still made albiet not to the same degree. The bad amongst us sour the whole lot of us in the eyes of cagers. Of course we don't have a wanton disregard for traffic control devices. Or do we? Think about how many times you come to a full stop at neighborhood stop signs. Is not rolling through a stop sign at an empty intersection pseudo acceptable behavior? There are only a few stop signs I will blow through around my way. (Blow through meaning not even slowing up.) When I can see 500 yards in each direction sometimes I just roll on the throttle. Are there any cages around? No. Dogs pedestrians etc? No. Trees/buildings etc? No. The minute someone else is waiting to pass through that intersection, the minute we run a red light or run a stop sign with other folks involved, well therein lies the root cause of soured relations: Lack of respect. The minute we put someone else out due to our lawless behavior, that is the time we show our arse.
Must...not...mention...excessively...loud...motorcycle...exhausts...here...now...'cause...I...do...not...want...to...get...into...yet...another...debate...about...how...that...
pisses...off...cagers...and...the...general...non-motorcycle...riding...public...right...now!
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Peanut heads
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
Quote:
I think Kenny's point is still made albiet not to the same degree. The bad amongst us sour the whole lot of us in the eyes of cagers. Of course we don't have a wanton disregard for traffic control devices. Or do we? Think about how many times you come to a full stop at neighborhood stop signs. Is not rolling through a stop sign at an empty intersection pseudo acceptable behavior? There are only a few stop signs I will blow through around my way. (Blow through meaning not even slowing up.) When I can see 500 yards in each direction sometimes I just roll on the throttle. Are there any cages around? No. Dogs pedestrians etc? No. Trees/buildings etc? No. The minute someone else is waiting to pass through that intersection, the minute we run a red light or run a stop sign with other folks involved, well therein lies the root cause of soured relations: Lack of respect. The minute we put someone else out due to our lawless behavior, that is the time we show our arse.
Must...not...mention...excessively...loud...motorcycle...exhausts...here...now...'cause...I...do...not...want...to...get...into...yet...another...debate...about...how...that...
pisses...off...cagers...and...the...general...non-motorcycle...riding...public...right...now!
+1
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