Didn't get a chance to post yesterday. It wasn't too interesting of a ride. I've started to recognize the same people on bikes at the same places everyday. Not something that I ever did when I drove to work. It's kinda cool. I did have one interesting incident on my way to work. I encountered a slightly handicapped gentleman who, with his canes, stepped out into traffic between two parked cars, crossing against the light. Luckily, I tend to be a defensive rider and saw something not right between the cars before he even stepped out. Usually it wouldn't be too much of a problem, but it was before sunrise, he was wearing dark colors, and the streetlights were mostly obscured with trees. I really tend to wonder about people. The guy had trouble walking, and probably couldn't run, so why step out between parked cars against the light?
On with my commute today. I've been working at trying to find the best way to get to work. I didn't like riding over the Burnside bridge, and decided last week to try the Hawthorne. It hasn't been too bad, but I never really rode in that area, and don't know the roads that well. It has been interesting to say the least. I finally found the street that eventually turns into Sandy. I don't know if I like this way yet, I just rode it today for the first time. The nice thing is that there is very little traffic at 5:30am, and there is a bike lane. It takes about the same amount of time, so I will try it for a week or so.
On the way home, I was noticing just how diverse the population of Portland is. I saw everything from the hipsters on fixies to a grandma on a beach cruiser. I also talked to a couple on the MAX from Victoria B.C. that were fascinated by the bike hangers on the trains. I had a nice talk with them about riding in the city until I got to my stop. I wish more people were like them, and accepted bikes as a great way to get around a city.
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