Cyclocross Clinic aka. Bailing on your Bike 101

I know this is uber-short notice, but tomorow there's going to be a free Cyclocross clinic near Mellow Johnny's:

Cyclocross Clinic
Thursday, October 2 * 5:30-7:30 pm
Presented by the Violet Crown Sports Association. Learn cyclocross
technique from the experts! We will practice dismounts, barriers and
runups. This is a great chance to hone your bike-handling skills and get
an introduction to this treasured offspring of road cycling. Bring a
cyclocross bike, mountain bike or sturdy road bike that can be ridden on
grass.

Meet at Mellow Johnny's for a quick meet and greet before rolling out at
5:30 for the program. We'll return to the shop at 7:30. For more info
call Eileen or Stack 512-473-0222.

Questions? Email eileen@mellowjohnnys.com

Now on the surface this looks like merely a sports training event, but think about it; Cyclocross = riding a road bike really fast on dirt or rough surfaces, getting over barriers, climbing stairs with a bike, and mounting and dismounting your bike at a running pace. When else do these skills come in handy? BAILING!

We've had some rather... "high profile" rides as of late. While you and I think these have been wonderful occasions, Mr. John Q. Law might not take so kindly to the recent activities of a certain band of peace-loving cyclists. When people have asked me what happens when the cops come, I explain that there are two ways to go about it...

First of all, SOLIDARITY. If the cop comes peacefully, we all hang together so we don't hang separately. If someone is getting talked to or ticketed, we all need to stay put and show our support for our fellow cyclist. Oftentimes the police officer will see their error in judgment and let the cyclist go with a warning. Sometimes they give tickets or even arrest, but we still need to support each other and show them that we won't be pushed around by their kind. Don't be a punk and run from responsibility. You're part of what's happening, so be part of it.

Now, there's the second way. One I don't like as much, and which contradicts what I just said: RUNNING! Sometimes the cops come in force, and by force I'm talking about those short forearm-length wooden clubs they carry, and not just for show. I've been on the receiving end and if you have you know what a wallop they pack. When they come angry there's typically no reasoning with them. They're locked into a "COP SMASH, COP ARREST" mentality and that's when it's time to B-A-I-L. I've described it as the school of fish scenario: You don't have to be the fastest, you just can't be the slowest. A cop can only attack what he can grab, and if you're out of reach then what's a cop to do but go for a weaker victim? Now do you see where the cyclocross skills can come into play besides the race track?

So am I advocating running from the cops? No, I'm advocating running from an aggressive, violent attacker bent on harming your physical well-being. What colors or baubles this offender wears is irrelevant to what they are:

NOTHING BUT A COMMON THUG.

Don't be their next victim. Learn how to ride cyclocross-style and escape to ride another day.