Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Biking Part 2: Custis Trail

Or why you should expect to see me get hit by a bike(r).
First off: massive apologies to Mr. Bert & Ernie Jersey (Mr. Bej from now on), I gave you a dirty look this morning while I was crossing the Key Bridge because I didn't realize you were the one telling me that you were on my left.
Now that that's over...
Don't be surprised if I get run over by an angry biker trying to get to work or pedalling along the Custis trail in the Rosslyn area. My recent idea is to weave on the sidewalk so that they can't get past. This could cause accidents, seeing as it's probably not safe for me to meander on both sides of the yellow line. Such is life, bikers watch out you are not so high and mighty. Recently when I was running with my boyfriend a ton of bikes passed us (yeah, I can't run at bike-passing speed yet, but I am working real hard at it) and every time they did I got all angry and would "shout" at them. Usually it was an "I hate you (you sloppy slut)!" Uhm, if you heard me I am quite proud since I am not that loud, but then my boyfriend made me run on the inside so that I wouldn't intentionally hit one of the bikers.
Other recent ideas have involved yelling "On your right" as the bikes pass. As noted above I don't run at bike passing speed, but when I do I will do my best to On your left them.
Another is to carry a bike bell with me, and ring it as they pass. Haha. That one is definitely going to happen.
The third and most effective strategy imho involves the construction at the Air Force Association. I won't even get into the construction and the stupid guys with their backhoes tacking up the whole path, but did you ever notice those cones that keep people to far (highway) side of the path? You might have, there is also a sign posted that says "Dismount bike and walk past construction." Now I don't sit at the bike path all day every day, but I have not seen a single person dismounting the bike. Hmmmm, so my brilliant idea is to clearly not get out of the way and then be like, "Don't you see the sign? Get off your bike and walk!"
I will regain public use of the Custis Trail for non-bikers!!!! (Notice that it is not the Custis Bike Trail, just the Custis trail--we have a bike path at home which does use bike in the name... Hmmm.)
A final anecdote, I was walking to work one morning and 2 businessmen were leaving the Key Bridge Marriott. Lucky for me they were perplexed by the stupid bikers and asked what the protocol/traffic pattern was for walking on the "bike path". I just sort of looked at them and was like "Well, they think they rule the world." The businessmen laughed, probably because I was so angry so early in the morning, but it is a hard way to start your day...

Monday, August 29, 2005

Biking Part 1: Georgetown

I know it is 8am and no one is walking around Georgetown being the stupid tourists that they usually are, but please don't bike on the sidewalk in Georgetown. I understand the Key Bridge. You are forgiven. Bike across the Key Bridge as much as you want. But at 8am, it's likely the only people walking across it are quite familiar with the pattern of foot/bike traffic and do not need to hear you ringing those bells or shouting on your left.
And to the woman who shouted on your left very angry sounding this morning multiple times, I HEARD YOU. I wasn't about to dance out into traffic, though sometimes I am compelled to get in your way (more on that later though), so I think once is enough. Unless I am seriously in your way, once is more than enough.
But come on. There is NO NEED to bike in Georgetown. If you work up the hill near where Georgetown is, bike on the going to VA side and cross at the light and get the fuck up the hill as fast as your legs will take you. If you work actually work in Georgetown or are trying to get to Foggy Bottom there is a beautiful and way under-used bike trail along the canal. USE IT. Not only will "I not be in your way" (as I see it, you are in my way, hands down, I am the smaller/slower vehicle thus I have the right of way, check out how boat traffic works, and if you were to hit me it would be entirely your fault), the cars won't be in your way, you won't be riding on brick, there are no traffic lights, just a nice peaceful trail going along the canal. Sounds pleasant doesn't it? It's even good to run on, should you choose to get that kind of cardio.
I digress though, bikers you are sucky sucky sucky, outside of saving the environment. You don't own the world. I would like to teach you that.
Note: If you are the guy who bikes down the bike trail by the Key Bridge Marriott in the Ernie & Bert jersey, hey rock on, you are a-ok in my book, but everyone else, seriously get with it.

Monday, August 22, 2005

I Like...

OK, I LOVE...

Teaism.

They have the best ginger limeade.

For some reason the one near Farragut West was closed today (and I walked all the way there from Smithsonian after I went to the American History musuem today), so I took the train all the way up to Dupont.

And it was worth it. Go there!!!!

Walking

I've had enough of walking ANYWHERE around here. Not even walking, waiting for the bus even... Do people (excuse me, sketchy men) really have to beep at me when they see me standing on the corner waiting for the bus and reading my book or the express? How can they tell that I am pretty from so far away such that they are ready to beep at me when they drive past, because usually it's the guy in the passenger seat leering out the window who has to tell the driver to beep, right? OK seriously, when I am walking back from the gym, all sweaty and disgusting why in the world would you want to beep at me?
If I was less polite every guy that drove by me and beeped would get the double middle finger, but I've been told that's not a nice thing to do.
Besides, these guys are never attractive looking young men who any girl would want beeping at them, I'm sure they are upset that they can't get any pussy but trust me, you're not going to get some pussy that's walking while you are driving.

*Did I forget to mention that I DO NOT dress like a hooker/street whore while I am walking to work? (or at any time of day)*

My favorite story of all of the times that I have been beeped at happened while I was walking across the key bridge one afternoon. This guy driving a VW convertible, top down, not only (a) beeped, he also (b) yelled to me and (c) pulled--swerved--into the close lane!
Anyway, this has seriously been pissing me off the whole time I have been in DC. Why do men have no manners?