And when the rain strikes my face I don’t wince or squint. In a region where half one’s life takes place in rain, it’s crucial to pretend it’s the air’s normal condition.
from Molting, a short story by David James Duncan
Standing by for a long while on a rainy day it’s hard to hop back on the bike and bust out a RUSH. It’s as if the air has been seeping out of my tires…literally, figuratively, mentally, physically, spiritually, philosophically, psychologically, anthropologically, professionally, romantically, existentially, cinematically, fatalistically, metaphysically, phenomenologically, athletically, artistically and analogically seeping from the inner tubes of both tires.
One day I’m getting run all over town without even a 7 minute break to wrap my hands around a cup of coffee. The next day I’m melting into a chair in the lobby of Two Union, drooling on my shirt for nearly 2 hours. How about a happy medium, some middle ground, a little moderation.
Too much is never enough, it’s always too much.
--Daniel E. Murray
Now that nighttime in Seattle seems to go from 3:00pm to 9:00am it’s important to consider visibility. If you think your little blinky light is going to save you, think again. Think about the average driver after dark, toss in some precipitation outside, condensation inside, reflections off the windshield as well as an iPod, cell phone, latte, spouse, kid, dog, holiday stress, marital problems, work issues and you, yeah you on the bike, you don’t even exist. On a bright summer afternoon you're invisible to cars, and now, especially this time of year, you’re not even there. If you ride assuming that your little light means anything to a driver, you’re riding towards trouble. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of neon clothing or multiple high-powered lighting systems. I am a big fan of not assuming anything about a car or driver, except the fact that they can't see you. Accept the fact that they can't see you.
Meet me at Starbucks
I’m at Starbucks where are you?
I’m at Starbucks in City Center
So am I
Well I don’t see you…
(there are three in the same building)I’m at the Starbucks on 4th Avenue.
So am I
Well I don’t see you…
(there are 9 on 4th Avenue)Cell phone’s out, checking voice mail, text messages, phone calls, call waiting. Looking around nervously. The plan was to meet at Starbucks. She’s there, and he’s there. But they’re not in the same place. The problem is there are 47 Starbucks downtown. I’ll meet you there.
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