Multiple Random Thoughts

No formality, no intro, no conclusion; just thoughts. And... go!

-This afternoon I saw a man on the Orange Line bicycle path with his big dog who was not so coincidentally taking a huge crap on the dirt alongside it. (The dog, not the man.) Not surprisingly, the man did not clean up after his dog. It was so sizable that the man himself might as well have pulled down his trousers and did it himself. He actually had the nerve to say good afternoon to me as I ran by (if I don't bike, I try to run at least five miles a day)... I slowed down to see if he would pull out something to clean up the mess, but no. No attempt. If I'd not been coming up on mile 4.5 I'd've yelled at him. I'll bet if I run by tomorrow it will still be there. If you can't be bothered to clean up after your dog, why the hell do you think someone else will? It's disgusting and far from environmentally friendly, you jerk.

-I rode my bicycle for a quick Trader Joe's run at twilight - a time of day that is already my favorite - but this jaunt in particular was, dare I say, enhanced by a feeling akin to flying. The seat of my bike felt a little higher, which let off a little on my knees and lower back. The black of the asphalt and the dark blue of the sky blended into one level of darkness despite my head and rear lights. The night air was pleasantly cool, wrapping its way around my legs, forearms and waist, kissing the back of my neck and ears. It was all so lovely. Then I realized that my roommate had taken the liberty of tuning my bike and adjusting things. Perhaps he saw that my bicycle was screaming for help; perhaps he was just being helpful - in either case I'm going to make a point to learn my bicycle better than just the surface stuff. I already know how to adjust my chain, disconnect/re-connect my brakes and remove my wheels if necessary. Now it's time to get a little more personal. Ride documentation is great and all, but methinks I'm going to get my hands dirty, if you get my drift.

-This may sound horribly morbid, but in the 2+ years I've been regularly riding my bicycle, well, everywhere, I have okayed within myself the possibility that I might die while riding. Ideally this scenario would involve me being 95 years old and having the time of my life, but sadly the scenario(s) involve(s) vehicles and me not making it to my 30th birthday. It is sad and actually exceptionally morbid, but in an odd way it has made me less afraid of death. This isn't isolated only to bicycling; it pertains to being a pedestrian and driving as well. I can only do what I can. If I die in the right, trying to avoid something and being proactive as I can - well, what more can one person do?

-The 10th Annual Los Angeles River Ride is in almost exactly four weeks, and I will be doing the 70 mile ride. If anyone would like to do lunch with me afterward, I will be starving. Hit me up.