So this weekend I get out for a bit of a trail ride at Wakefield for like the first time in at least a month. The weather is awesome, I’m havin’ a blast – I only regret I didn’t bring the dog – I thought there would be too many people out. Not the case at all, I’ve only seen 3 people.
30 minutes in – snap goes the rear derailleur hanger. For you non-bike geeks out there, this is the equivalent of dropping the transmission of your car in the middle of the road.
So, being that I have not brought any tools with me I sling my ride over my shoulder and begin what will be at least a half hour hike-a-bike home. I know what you’re saying, left your tools at home? I live right by the trails right? What could go wrong? I learned my lesson here. Hey kids, ALWAYS BRING YOUR TOOLS.
Anyway, on the way home I must have passed at least 15 people. All walks of life. 2 young guys riding mountain bikes. A dad and his kids, other folks. They pass me.
The guy CARRYING his bike. Would it not appear something is wrong? NO ONE asks if I need help, or offers tools. NO ONE.
After the first person passed me up, I laughed it off, and decided to make an experiment of it – I’d see just how long before someone asks. It’s not that it matters much, I was in a good mood and the walk home was minimal, I just wanted to shut up my cynical side. It didn’t work.
One guy finally asked if I was ok, but that wasn’t until I was about a stone’s throw from my house. And I had blisters on the tops of my toes from my soggy riding shoes. Not his fault – at least he asked.
Our society is going in a bad direction, people. This ‘look out for yourself and screw everyone else’ crap is only going to get us so far, and I’m not just saying that because my toes hurt.