I was riding my bike on the W&OD Railroad Trail the other day and out of nowhere, a bird flew into my wheel. Because I am a bad person (and I was doing endurance training at twenty miles per hour), I didn’t stop.
Shortly thereafter, I came upon a boy (probably about ten years old) kicking a rock around in the middle of the trail. He hopped over to the left as I rapidly approached, allowing me sufficient space to pass him, but then at the last second he stepped directly back into my path. Apparently he didn’t see me because he was preoccupied with his stone. I slammed on my brakes, but only managed to slow enough to skid into him. Because I am a very bad person (and he was a rubbery, obnoxious child), I not only didn’t stop but yelled, “Damnit, kid!”
And because I am me, I feel worse about the bird.
I, for one, am dissapointed that you didn’t simply run over the child, allowing him to get caught in the spokes. Then again, changing spokes isn’t much fun either. Next time, I suggest riding your steamroller.
Hope to see you two this week(end)!