Sunday Morning RIDE - LAWLESSNESS AND ANARCHY ON CRAIGSLIST!!!

Harry just got me the latest words about the weekly Sunday Morning (fixed or not) RIDE! It sounds like the spat with the craigslist flagger has continued, though I must admit I do enjoy reading this weekly serial of what's happened in the interim:

THE BREAKDOWN OF ORDER IN OUR SOCIETY

OK, first some business. A very alert CL reader noted a couple of weeks ago that our ride announcement, while posted in the “Bikes for Sale” classification, was not, in fact, advertising a bike for sale. This fact was apparently causing him some angst, and he felt compelled to point out that “it doesn’t look to me like you’re selling a bike.”

Good to know that the self-appointed CL cops are on the job, and this guy must be very busy indeed. Consider the number of non-conforming posts that appear every day on CL. You have the people who are selling bike parts. Clearly not a bike for sale. There are the people who are looking to buy a bike. Mis-classified. There are those pests who post about their stolen bikes. Find another classification, you guys. But the most blatant offender I’ve seen was the elementary school teacher who posted last fall to ask for donations of helmets for kids in her class who couldn’t afford to buy them. Where does she get off? You see, the problem is that people just have no regard for the rules anymore. It starts with incorrectly classified posts on CL, then it progresses to smoking pot and stealing cars, and who knows where it goes from there?

In all seriousness, I post the ride announcement on CL because I think that’s where it’s likely to be seen by the people I’m trying to reach. I can’t imagine that it inconveniences anyone. To those whose sense of propriety is offended, I would offer some advice from the Chronicle’s instructions for reading their personal ads: “If the ads disturb you, don’t read them.”

Although I was expecting a light turnout for last week’s ride due to the immediately-previous Moonlight Cruze, I was proven wrong. We had a good group, including Moonlight Cruzers Bob, Daniel and Joe. Daniel was fresh off of his 6 AM polo practice session, wacked on caffeine and ready to ride. Bob showed up on his Cervelo, which was totally pimped out in honor of the MC. We’re talkin’ about multi-colored, flashing LEDs with wireless remote control. Suh-weeeeeet. In observance of the dedication of these cyclo-maniacs, we did a loop to the north that avoided the Category HC climbs. I wanted Daniel to have something left for Sunday afternoon polo.

This week we’ll roll, as ever, from Posse East at 8:20 on Sunday morning. Route has yet to be determined. Bring some ideas.

Those of you who have ridden with us before know how we roll. For those who haven’t, please read the blah-blah below. It’s important. Really.

• Some of us are down with the fixed gear deal, but mostly we’re just about riding. Bring whatcha got and ride with us.

• Every cyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and well-being. We assume that everyone is familiar with basic rules of cycling safety and has enough hours in the saddle to feel comfortable with his or her ride. Use of helmets is optional (but highly recommended). Use of headphones, earbuds, Blue Tooth headsets or any other form of electronic distraction is discouraged. (It’s a SOCIAL ride, dammit!) All traffic laws and rules of right-of-way will be observed. Here’s the deal:

SAFETY FIRST!!!!!

If someone gets killed, it ruins the ride for everybody.

• This ride is 25-30 miles long through mostly urban and suburban areas. There will be ample opportunities to refill liquids and obtain calories.

• It’s not quite as hot out there these days. One water bottle should do.

• There is no SAG support on this ride. Bring a spare tube and something that will inflate it.

• The purpose of this ride is for everyone to have a good time and (we hope) to become better cyclists. We ride at a social pace, and all skill levels are welcome. This is a 25-30 mile ride over flat to moderately-rolling terrain. If this is consistent with your riding experience, or is perhaps slightly more challenging than what you’re accustomed to, you should have no problem going the distance.

C’mon out and ride with us.

And by the way, for the CL Keepers of Order, I’ve got a cross bike for sale. Anyone who’s interested can respond to this ad. There. Ya happy now?

Thanks Harry, this is always a good read. Now maybe one of these days I'll actually drag myself out early enough to make the RIDE!