I often wonder if I get a small glimpse of the mood of the nation (or at least the northwest corner of Arkansas) when I’m on my bike by how much room drivers give me when they pass. I distinctly remember after Obama was elected in 2008, for several months, the window of respect seemed to shrink dramatically. This surprised me because even though it was a close election, I thought there was a general overall positive feeling that ran through the country. Ever since I placed a small American flag in my Camelbak a couple of years ago, the wider berth most cars gave me was very striking. That berth has ebbed and flowed during the past two years.
I set out at 6:00AM this morning, heading into town to pick up a credit card to be able to do some shopping for a special meal at Community Meals tomorrow. Still being early, I had no qualms of going straight down Hwy 45 instead of detouring off onto side roads. Normally, when I ride on 45 at dawn, 99% of the cars will give me an incredibly wide berth, with most going all the way over into the other lane. This morning seemed to be the opposite as I felt some drivers were going out of their way to hold their ground and two pickup trucks seemed intent on getting as close to me as possible.
I thought about the President’s speech last night followed by Boehner’s. I think everyone keeps expecting that Congress will pull through and forge a compromise to avoid the default. But after watching the speeches last night, I had a terrible sickening feeling. Great empires inevitably see their end at some point, but, was this how the United States going to meet theirs? At their own hands?
The irony of having so many cars drive so close this morning was that I was on a mission of mercy of sorts, riding in to help with the Community Meals.
My morning did brighten as I reached the Mission and Crossover intersection. A bike rider came up behind me and commented on the hills in Fayetteville. It turned out that Rich was visiting on business from just outside Kansas City. And, it turned out, he had gotten off the bike trail and wasn’t sure how to get back. I gladly rode with him back the four or so miles to the trail.
I do want to add that there were still many respectful drivers out there this morning. However, when the percentage of those who don’t care rises just slightly, it really stands out.
Today's Ride: 1hr 46mins. 20.56 miles 76 degrees. Miles YTD: 4,800.34
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