Considering I've been recently scolded for my own stupid mistake on a
group ride, I feel that Kerry's message is important to read and think
about.  I'm forwarding it on from team-florida since this thread is
tangled between both lists..

------ Forwarded Message
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hello Kevin,

Thank you so much for your concerns.  Perhaps your comments will affect
change on the Hipp ride.  I have been trying lately to get people to
ride safer along that streach of Williston road and to actually
eliminate the final sprint near I-75.  So far it has fallen on deaf ears.

Part of the problem is we have several new riders who sit on much of the
ride doing little work in the rotation.  They save up their energy and
expend it (unfairly and dangerously) in one final burst for glory they
have not earned.  This causes the group to bunch up dangerously and this
pushes other riders further and further out into traffic.  NOBODY ever
looks back because they are consumed completly in the heat of the moment.

So, new riders, please THINK about the domino effect of your actions
BEHIND you as well as what is in front of you.   If you want to sprint
then either rotate most of the ride or at least start rotating 1-2 miles
BEFORE the sprint zone.   That way the rotators aren't suprised by a
bunch of new guys bumbling their way through the field hell bent for
"THE WIN." Experienced riders, please keep your emotions under control
and let the Freds go if it will make things safer.

Kevin, I heard you honk.  I was the one shaking his head in disgust
about 6 riders back- safely in the bike lane.  I hope nobody gave you
the finger. There are several riders who do deserve it however.

How 'bout it guys?  Let's all grow up a little.  After all it's only a
bike ride.

Kerry

>>>>>>>>>

    -------------- Original message from "Kevin Anderson"
    <kanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>: --------------

    > Someone on the Hipp ride today almost became a statistic. And I
    would have
    > become a statistic too. First off, I know the Hipp ride is not Team
    Florida and
    > it is not GCC so I am not casting stones at either group as a
    whole. But right
    > now, as an avid cyclist and cycling advocate, I am beyond angry,
    scared and
    > frustrated. Now I have a better understanding why some motorists
    hate us, honk
    > at us, buzz us and write letters to the Gainesville Sun. Like a lot
    of you, I
    > rode my bike today. First into work and then home on Williston Rd
    via Wacahoota,
    > a nice 23 mile semi-daily loop. I decided to take my truck, parked
    for 6 days
    > out of the week, to the Publix on 34th and Williston for the weekly
    grocery run
    > about 7 pm. Turning on to Williston, I notice that I'm behind the
    Thursday Hipp
    > ride. Those of you who ride Williston Rd a lot know the area- the
    crest of the
    > hill about 2 miles west of I-75. As I pass the peleton towards the
    crest of the
    > hill, I have two riders in the bike lanes to my right and
    approaching westbound
    > cars in front. No worries, lots of room, eh? After all, I ride this
    particular
    > bike lane every day. Now, I understand that this point of the Hipp
    ride is a
    > sprint to the finish, but the leading 2 or so riders swing out IN
    THE MIDDLE OF
    > THE EASTBOUND LANE- and I do mean THE MIDDLE OF THE FREAKING LANE
    to do who
    > knows what, maybe pass some unfortunate soul. OK, riders on the
    right, cars on
    > the left, cars behind, WTF do I do! I had to slam on the brakes and
    do something
    > I have never done before to a cyclist- lay on the friggin horn.
    >
    > There may be many of you who say that a s cyclists we have as much
    right to the
    > road as motorists and for the most part I am one with you in that
    regard. But
    > this incident was not only wrong from a legal point of view (and
    yes, I have
    > read the Florida statutes), but just plain stupid, ignorant and yes
    suicidal. I
    > will remain a cycling advocate, but my level of understanding of
    motorists who
    > are pissed at us has increased by an order of magnitude.
    >
    > Riding again tomorrow, but in the bike lane
    >
    > Kevin Anderson
    >
    > Team VetMed Faculty Advisor
    > GCC Member
    > Occasional Team Florida Rider
    >
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------ End of Forwarded Message
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