And then this happened...

There is some sort of construction going on on Angell St. way down by Wayland Square. What is normally a two lane street is reduced to one lane. This stretch is on the return leg of my quick, easy ride to Riverside and back.

Yesterday, I approached the traffic that builds up in the construction zone and looked for a way through. Cars and trucks were stopped for a red light light at Wayland St. I was weaving around, making my way through and since I'm a jerk, uh, I mean, aggressive cyclist, I worked my way to the front of the line. The light was still red, so I went in to my track stand routine and held it for 30 seconds or so. Then the light changed and I rode off.

What happened next, though, was interesting. As I rode up the next block, the car that had been first in line pulled alongside me and matched my speed. "This can't be good," I thought. The car's passenger side window was down and the driver was looking across at me. I figured I was about to get a piece of his mind for cutting the line/blocking his sight-lines while he waited at the light/being on the road/what do you think you're doing/something. In my experience, drivers never have anything good to say when they pull along side me. Like the guy who told me he couldn't see me on the Henderson Bridge because the sun was in his eyes. I told him to slow down to a safe speed, but he didn't seem to get it. Or the guy on Smith St. who told me I should be riding closer to the curb (you know, where all the parked cars are). Anyway, yesterday the guy leans over and says "Hey, that was a nice track stand!" and then sped off. I was so surprised that I could only muster a little wave and a "Hey, thanks, man!" but I'm sure he didn't hear it.

So two cool things about it. First, a positive interaction with a motorist to contrast with all the nasty, negative stuff that has been in the press and bicycle blogosphere (I hate that word, makes me think of Globogym). Second, another human acknowledged a skill that I've worked hard to develop. Most people either don't realize how tricky it is to balance a bike that's not moving or don't care. A bike that isn't a fixed gear, no less! So good on ya, buddy! Thanks for noticing. And not, you know, running me over or something.