Dangerous Cyclists and Dangerous Drivers

I live in a mountain bike and gravel rider paradise.  If I were willing to retreat from cycling on the open road I wouldn't be writing this blog post.  

I don't ride a bike for casual recreation.  I `train' so that I can participate in competition.  I'm on the road for 12 to 20 hours each week.  

Not all dangerous riding/driving is illegal.  Courtesy and mutual regard make the road safer for both.

• It is irresponsible (but not illegal) for a cyclist to `hog' the lane when there is room to the right of the road/fog line.  
• It is irresponsible (but not illegal) for a cyclist to not use flashing rear and front lights so that drivers can see him/her.  
• It is irresponsible (but not illegal) for a cyclist to wear `earth tone' clothing, making him/her less visible to drivers.

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• It is irresponsible (and illegal in most states) for a driver to pass a cyclist with less than 3 feet clearance.
• It is irresponsible (and illegal) for a driver to place a cyclist in danger when passing another vehicle from the opposite direction. 
• It is irresponsible for a driver to harass a cyclist with a blaring horn.  
• It is irresponsible for a driver to place a cyclist in jeopardy by driving dangerously (sudden stop, sharp right turn, entering lane from opposite direction, etc.)

THIS is a link to a video of a truck driver placing a cyclist in unnecessary danger with careless (but probably not illegal) driving.  

THIS is a link to a summary of states requiring drivers to give cyclists three feet of clearance when passing.  

"Too Much Is Never Enough" - Wisdom from Larry Graham

As a cyclist I owe Larry Graham more than I'll ever be able to return.  Larry is one of my ultraracing models and mentors.  He and his wife Christine directed the Calvins Challenge in Ohio for many years.  Larry corresponded a little with me in 2009 as I learned about and became interested in ultracycling.  He lent me equipment, drove out on the course in a driving rain to help me with a stubborn flat.  And advised me on many of the traps and tricks of ultracycling. 

Perhaps the most lasting wisdom from Larry came while I was flailing around trying to train too hard, too much for too far.  His experience in ultracycling taught him that the term `ultra' triggered all kinds of responses in people who take on the challenge.  On one of my whining lamentations about my poor results from training he responded that, for some in ultracycling, "too much is never enough.'  

It shouldn't come as a surprise that, as a psychologist, I often exempt myself from heeding the wise advice of others.  In this situation, however, Larry struck a nerve.  I've considered it a virtue over the course of my life to do more than what is necessary to achieve an objective.  Half the time this had good result. The other half ... I tended to fault myself for being less than capable.  

Larry's wisdom is still a lesson I am learning today.  It is harmful to myself and others to go beyond `excessive' in training.  And ... in other areas of life. 

So, a shout out and a heartfelt thanks to Larry Graham.  

In Praise of Police

So ... I'm riding/training (bike) this morning going north on Skull Valley Road, climbing up the hill to Skull Valley USPS. 

A passenger vehicle pulls up alongside me. 

Guy says: "Hi I'm Deputy {NAME) of Yavapai County Sheriff's Office." 

I say: "Hey! Meet at USPS up ahead?"

He was on his way to work. We spent about half an hour just chatting. He mentioned he spoke to the driver of the truck that buzzed me on the 5th. 

"He works at one of the local ranches. Nice conversation. Just told him to watch how he drives. He apologized. He's a good guy. Things should be better now."

With so many police body-cam vids on social media it would have been great if we recorded this interaction. Just to show how great and essential it is to have local police prove that they, too, are in the helping profession.

I'm not sure why but I felt proud of him.  Real intelligence.  Building strong sense of community