College is back in session and that of course means that students have flocked back to Cedar Falls to get their education. Somebody needs to take it one step further and teach a few of them some things about common sense, respect, and guidelines to using the multi-use trails around town. During my commute home on Wednesday afternoon I almost went head-on with a young lady on a low-visiblity corner near my house. I heard her and her friend coming as I slowed down and pulled over towards the right side of the trail. As she came off the bridge and saw me coming she freaked out and barely missed clipping my handlebars. They were riding side-by-side and carrying on with conversation as if no one else was anywhere near by.

Yesterday afternoon's first scenario was similar although it involved in-line skaters rather than bicycles. This time they were rolling along coming towards me and they were three abreast leaving me nowhere to go. I assumed that the one that was directly in front of me would eventually move over but alas, she did not and I was forced off the trail into the grass. That was such a sweet gesture, on my part. This occurance happened on the trail that circles Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls and I was getting my warmup in before the group ride so I actually did three laps around the lake which meant that I had to meet these in-line skaters two more times. Thankfully, on the second and third passings I was actually permitted to use the trail although it was still a bit closer than I would like. They "gave me room" but were still skating along three abreast.

Then there were the group rides on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Tuesday saw a new face make it to the ride. Brian West a Cat. 3 roadie with Colorbiotics came out to join in the festivities and he did just that. It definitely helped to up the pace a bit with him out there. He wasn't sure of the sprint points of course but, we took care of that and he still raised the bar a bit. Thursday saw Brian come back out as well as Chris Reed who is a Cat. 3 racer with HBA. I have ridden with Chris before and knew that the pace would go up yet again. With Chris and Brian in the group that has already been riding really well, it seemed to have helped everyone step it up another notch last night. It was an awesome ride and for me it is perfect timing leading into Cross season. Attacks, sprints, long breaks, and holding on for the end.

No real plan for this coming weekend for me. We'll probably stay around the house and take care of a few yardwork items that need to be done. A bit of landscaping, tear out a few sapplings, new mailbox, and a few other things like that.

Cannondale has a nice little museum going in their Oldenzall office in The Netherlands. There are some really cool looking rides and jerseys that display some of the custom bikes for some top riders that they have had over the years. Be sure to check it out.

On a final note today, I would like to congratulate Donny Quixote at Rasmussen's Bike Shop in West Des Moines, IA while he prepares for his newest adventure in what we call life. Donny has been doing professional bike-fitting at Rassy's and has recently accepted a position with Specialized Bicycles in California. He has been a staple employee at Rassy's as well as on the bicycle racing scene in Iowa and his presence will be missed. I would like to wish him the best in his new journey.

This entry was posted on 8.29.2008 at 8:59 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.