Monday, March 24, 2008

Signs of Spring


I like these trees; Bryce Canyon- 07
Spring is here; the last vestiges of winter are fading. There are only small piles of snow in the most shaded areas. The lower elevation mountain bike trails are all open, and I am already finding golf balls in the road along the tenth fairway at Valley View. Great spring skiing still abounds in the high country. It’s the time of year where one can enjoy packed powder in the morning, and a bike ride or a round of golf in the afternoon.
The bathroom-remodeling project is finally done. We are finally once again a modern household with fully functional facilities. Along with the joy of being done, comes the joy of having time to ride my bike, and look at the next project on the list.
Any guesses where this sign is in Layton?
I'm thinking it should have read: Read all signs and instructions!
I have enjoyed a few rides in the last week, riding 50-60 miles, and I noticed several signs that riding season is ramping up. First, the construction cones have blossomed and once again for the 4th year in a row, Gentile St. is torn up with signs and detours.
Notice they don't use the year, it's an annual experience now.
Our latest mayor campaigned that once roads were completed, there wouldn’t be months of added digging and detours. Nuff said, he shouldn’t promise such a pipe dream. It’s more of a
pipe-laying nightmare!
A lovely sight this morning. Come on fellas!
Secondly is the sign that I am seeing cyclists all over the valley. Are you seeing the cyclists in your area? Last week, I was riding up hills around Church Street near Highway 193; waiting to turn left. As I rode out into the intersection to turn left, an oncoming car came westbound and appropriately turned left behind me. I recognized the driver as a gentleman I work with; I waved, and continued north. No big deal, everyone did what they were supposed to. The funny thing is later that week when I saw my friend; he mentioned if that was me he saw riding near his house. I told him; yes, and that I had waved at him. He told me that he had just barely noticed the bicycle out of the corner of his eye. Wow. “Just out of the corner of his eye.” I saw him, recognized him, noticed his golfing hat etc. So, for all my cycling friends out there, never assume the other driver sees you as completely as you see them!
Is this a public service announcement or something else?
And as a rider awarness experiment, test your focus. Click on the following link, and see how well you do at seeing the whole picture. Enjoy! I expect to hear your results in the comment window.
http://www.dothetest.co.uk/
And lastly, I have provided some photographs of some interesting signs I have seen in the local area. Apologies that I didn’t have time last month in Somer’s Point, NJ to photograph the sign that warned: Caution: Tortoise Crossing!
See you on the road, and keep an eye this spring!

Jim

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dang, I want packed powder.

How hard would it be to move Adelaide to Utah, d'ya think?

Anonymous said...

Jim: You have my profound envy, as an owner of (or captive to) the one bike that I covet - a Barcroft Virginia GT. I ride a Rans V2 Formula but covet a Barcroft. I really would appreciate knowing where did you find the under-frame bag? What kind is it? Thanks, ghubbard@rockrivewr.net (Gary Hubbard)

Anonymous said...

Jim: You have my profound envy, as an owner of (or captive to) the one bike that I covet - a Barcroft Virginia GT. I ride a Rans V2 Formula but covet a Barcroft. I really would appreciate knowing where did you find the under-frame bag? What kind is it? Thanks, ghubbard@rockriver.net (Gary Hubbard)

Anonymous said...

Ok, i failed the test. Not only did i miss the bear i counted 14 passes..... oh well, I'll just look harder for the cyclists on my drive.