The Low Road

Random bitching:

American cyclist’s nightmare: Approach to Edinburgh via Queensferry Road. Brutal traffic and buses that claim the shoulder; traffic circles rather than stoplights. And, oh yeah — the traffic is all going around it the wrong direction.

Most bruising hill: The ride to Penmar Park in Maryland.

Worst moment on two wheels: The day before my wedding, I rode to get my wedding outfit. About five blocks from my house my suit bag got caught in the spokes — bike stopped, I didn’t. Not the fall that bothers me per se: What really gets me was the three or four drivers who slowed down but didn’t ask if I was OK. Turned out I broke my arm at the elbow. Wedding went on as scheduled — just couldn’t move my arm.

Worst place to ride in greater New Haven: Dixwell Avenue near the Hamden Plaza. Clearly built with the four-wheel crowd in mind — can’t even walk across the street without risking your neck.