[Rec_bike] FW: Interesting biking experience

[Joe Wilson]

-----Original Message-----

From: "Wilson, Joe David Jr" <jdwilson3 at tva.gov>
Sent: April 27, 2015 2:23 PM
To: "''Joe Wilson' (wilsonjjr at msn.com)'" <wilsonjjr at msn.com>
Subject: FW: Interesting biking experience

From: Wilson, Joe David Jr
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2015 2:22 PM
To: 'rec_bike at jlab.org'
Subject: Interesting biking experience

Hello from ex-JLab Biker,

Several months ago after work, I was a few miles from the end of a short solo ride. I was pedaling along the two lane main road through a residential area of a small country town. About 100 yards in front of me, a young man steps onto the road, while waving his arms like he needed emergency help. When I stopped to assist, he explained his need for cigarette and asked if I had one. I quickly pedaled away, because I imaged a potential ambush.

For the last couple of years, I ride with flashing lights on my blue Cannondale road bike: front and rear. On another occasion during my southbound return from solo ride on a two lane road outside of town, the local bike club was pedaling outbound (northbound) with a couple of dozen riders. Along the two mile section of straight flat road, which is a posted bike route, there were very few houses along the road, which has ditches on both sides. I was waving to the riders and greeted the few people, who I knew. There were a few cars behind the riders. Suddenly, the last car driver decided to pass the line of cars and bikers. Therefore, I was surprised by my pending head-on collision with a car, which was taking zero evasive action and not slowing. I was momentarily bothered, because the driver had a clear view of me and initially had simple collision avoidance options, prior to accelerating alongside the bike club. Thankfully, I accelerated just enough to reach a driveway before the car reached me. Also momentarily, I feared losing my chain, because I subconsciously switched gears, during my race to the driveway. The view of the ditch bothered me more than the oncoming car.

Last year, I was glad that the Pit Bull, which normally chased me, lost a leg. Later, I learned the dog has fast friends.

Almost exactly a year ago, a section of my favorite bike route was a tornado debris field. My first ride after the storm was over a week later. Near the worst hit area with fatalities, I did not recognize a country road intersection for my right turn. The smell of damaged forest was still strong.


Thanks!

----------------------------------
Joe D. Wilson, Jr.
TVA
Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant
System Engineer - NSSS Group
jdwilson3 at TVA.gov<mailto:jdwilson3 at TVA.gov>
phone: 256-614-7154

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