Trail Peeves

There are three consistent pet peeves I have with the bicyclists I see while out running in Rock Creek Park. In order of frequency of appearance (and in descending order of annoyance):

1. Cyclists who don't wear a helmet.

2. Cyclists who "sneak up on you" (i.e., they don't ring a bell or yell out or otherwise indicate that they are coming up behind you).

3. Cyclists who don't know how to shift gears and therefore who are peddling way too hard and way to slow on easy hills.

4. Cyclists who need to lubricate their chain.

As to #1, yes, Lance does it, but you know, Lance is on a closed course on nicely paved roads. You're not. Act accordingly.

As to #2, it's just plain rude. Especially when you appear suddenly and very close to another runner or cyclist.

As to #3, it's more pity/embarassment for them than anything else. I mean, you've invested this much money in the thing, read a little and learn how to use it properly.

As to #4, well, I guess City Bikes is getting a lot of business out of people like that. :-/

Anyway, had to get those off my chest this morning. Otherwise it was a very nice run this morning, and I'm glad I did it since I skipped the planned run yesterday.

Commuting

Got out of the building this morning with bananas and cookies in hand (did you know that three of Safeway's Oreo™ knock-offs are 190 calories? eeck! Thankfully we have containers that small...). Bus was two stops away, so I waited and caught it down to Irving. Got to Irving and an H4 was turning onto the street, so I hopped on to go the one block past the construction work...

...only to get stuck in the worst construction-related traffic slowdown I've ever been in on Irving street. I could've walked the block twice by the time I got off, and even then it was only because I begged the driver to let me off early since I could walk faster than we were moving. Oy.

Still got into work on time, albeit barely. Not stopping for coffee helps with that now - I don't have to walk through the Plaza shops to get decent coffee (as opposed to the indecent stuff they sell here in the building - burnt, burnt, burnt!) and can come directly over from the closer exit. Whee.

Sweet and Spicy Lentil Chili

Dinner this evening.  Served with a spinach salad and some rosemary bread.  Made in the slow cooker, it simmered all day and was ready when we got home.

( Sweet and Spicy Lentil Chili )

Cool Cucumber Soup with Cilantro and Lime

This will be part of dinner tomorrow evening.  It was a tad saltier than I was expecting, I think perhaps a 1/2 teaspoon might have been better, but this is what the recipe called for.  Needed a food processor and overflowed the one I have! 

( Cool Cucumber Soup with Cilantro and Lime )