We have the monkey...

Here's a picture from the first group ride of the season...

27 miles.  3 very near crashes.  Two due to folks riding over their heads.  One due to forgetting that the human head has the ability to operate on more than one axis.
A bike ride shouldn't result in coming home MORE aggro than when one left the house.
Settle down people.  There's no podium in the parking lot.
And it seems the whole "pointing-out-hazards" thing is lost on a lot of people.  If there's a hole, point it out BEFORE we get to it.  Pointing out shit that's right next to your BB helps no one behind you.  And indication of a smushed squirrel isn't as important as the hubcap-sized piece of missing tarmac that's 25m further up the road.  Prioritize.

If a crash is caused by sheer stupidity, well then...

 Methinks the pace might need to go up a bit to make the ride safer.  Folks might want to take a moment and read THIS ARTICLE again as well...

And one mechanical failure last night, but it sounded like we'd ridden into South Central.

We were JRA...no, really...amid a conversation about stainless steel frames, and Adam's rear tire just blew OUT.  A chorus of "SHIT..." rang out...
Tube blow out.  Sidewall blown out.  A short walk, and a ride from a guy named Sonny followed.  Glad the boy made it home!

And the pollen is already is full effect.  Nice to come home with little, yellow crust balls in the corners of the eyes.  And the "real" allergy season hasn't even begun.

Why is my want for this bike inordinately strong?  Rain bike. Townie bike. Easy spin bike.

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What the fucking fuck?  Really people?  REALLY?  Wait until Strava/Garmin/ReconJet are all integrated, and linked by Bluetooth, and can be uploaded to the Intarwebs live during the ride.  Then one's coach can call them WHILE they are riding and give them tips.
It will be glorious...

Have a good Wednesday everyone!