Today's Ride: Some absolutely gorgeous mists on the spit and a few interactions with others. Positive interactions first. I took a break in a park by the lake. There was a family who were taking pics of themselves and the area. Another park user offered to take their picture as a group. They took loads and explained that it was their first day in Canada and it was all in all pleasant to watch. It got better. (multi-part post in the replies) #TodaysRide#BikeTO#BikeTooter#BubblePeople
As the pic taker walked away they asked to get a pic with her. They all took selfies with the pic taker. As the pic taker left I told them how charming that was and they smiled and said they love to do stuff like that and that they bet they are famous in Japan. I wished them a good day. I then continued my ride. Maybe 20 mins later I ran into pic taker again and hollered, "Hey, aren't you famous in Japan" SMILES. AND. LAUGHTER. #GoodTimes#TodaysRide#BikeTO#BikeTooter
There is also a cyclist who wears a full covid face shield when they ride around the spit. I cross their path often and have begun to wave and say hello. They do the same in response. We've never stopped to talk. Saw them again today. Had a Canadian Stand off on the single track in the previous post video as well where we all held each other up and wasted time offering to let the oncoming person by. #GoodTimes#TodaysRide#BikeTO#BikeTooter
And now the negative interactions. With guess who. Motorists. One motorist not paying attention to other road users attempted to t-bone me at an intersection. Then honked and swore at me. Another cut me off then when I gave them the "What's up shrug" in their rear view the proceeded to brake check me and flip me the bird. I passed both of these knuckle heads when they got stuck in traffic of their own making. Ride rating: 17.5 out of 10.
Nothing radicalized me more than living without a car. I firmly believe it’s a literal and metaphorical vehicle for the future. It opens you up to your community. It can make you feel joy when there are many days right now where it’s conflicting to feel joy.
I think more people should become radicalized. Life is a lot different, a lot better, change is scary and every fucking minute of it is worth it #ottawa#ottbike#biketooter#worldbikeday
For #WorldBicycleDay, I’ll post this picture in answer to one of the most frequent questions I get about biking: “But how do you get groceries?” My #CargoBike is large but can hold five full grocery bags up front with no problem, and two more on the back rack if needed. You can do it! It’s easy if you try. #BikeTooter
Some closed NCC pathways on the south east side of Bells Corners on a morning just trying to make new connections west of us and south of us.
From Bells Corners and the Trans Canada Trail going east, I’ve never spent much time. All the roads down there scare me to be honest. I just dont trust people and not knowing where decent shoulders are makes the exploration slow. Yes Google street view etc but my capacity for planning only goes so far 🤷♂️ #ottbike#ottawa#biketooter
Happy #WorldBicycleDay to all who celebrate! Riding a bike gives me a mental and physical workout, a connection with my surroundings and a means of transportation all in one go. We all need more #BikeJoy in our lives. Share yours. #BikeHFX#BikeFriendlyCanada#BikeTooter
#BikeStreak, Day 63: A quick and e-assist-heavy midnight round to the recycling yard and back to see which paths are suitable for riding with a bicycle trailer.
Saw the #VBZ#CargoTram at the recycling yard. It's most well-known use is to collect hazardous and bulky waste (in small amounts) inside the city and bringing it to the recycling yard over the tramway network. So no wonder I saw it parked there.
Slight rain and 7.1km at ca. 14℃. 90m climb on the way back.
I’ve experienced this, too: when I have a camera or anything that looks like a camera on top of my bike helmet, drivers are much more cautious and respectful around me.
It really lays bare that they can see me—can even see a small camera on top of me—but don’t care to be cautious around me unless they fear being caught.
Broke the rest of my tire levers on Tire #2 from the rims-from-he-double-toothpicks. Now, do I cry "uncle" and see if the LBS will mount this tire for me. 🤔 (Updated: Going to buy some Park TL-5 METAL tire levers next!) #BikeTooter#cycling
Shitty bike racks: not only are they inaccessible and generally a waste of space - they also often scratch the paint on your bike. Never seen staple racks with sharp edges, but wheelbenders and other types? Yep.