Joe,
Hope this message finds you and your Mom doing well.
These people are totally out of control. No respect for other traffic, let
alone, pedestrians! Now don't get me wrong, (some) of the riders do respect the
law, private property, pedestrians, and the fact that they are outweighed by
3000+ pounds when they decide to challenge a vehicle (and I do mean challenge).
Just what is it that makes these riders feel that they are above the law and the
whole community has to stop and bow to them?
I was coming home tonight, and at the intersection of Bateman and Rt.13, there
were 6 police cars (all State, I think), lights flashing, men in road, --no
bikers--but traffic was unbelievable! Why are they there, and who is protecting
the rest of us? They need to be out writing tickets in the morning to all the
lawless riders heading down S. Division St.--or are they not ALLOWED to write a
ticket to a bicycle rider? (sorry getting carried away)
My point: What does this event bring to Salisbury/Wicomico County?
I'm sure I am not the only resident who feels put out for all these
knuckleheads.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
There was a college student who was hit crossing the street by Bateman and S. Division last night. Maybe you should know the facts before you assume the police are sitting around doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteYour right those riders have been nuisance for years ! They're not wanted !
ReplyDeleteWOW!
ReplyDeleteLet me get this straight.
You're complaining about the few extra minutes of travel time it takes for you to get from Wal-Mart to your trailer park?
If I were you, I'd stay at my trailer and wait for all the lights to turn green, before I left my house.
That way you can be assured that your miserable life will continue on without delay.
Its one day, come on now. Its not that bad.
ReplyDeleteHow about this why don't I block you in the driveway of your Moms house where you live in the basement and make you late to get to your McDonald s career !
ReplyDelete10:20 your attitude is typical of these obnoxious wannabe Lance Armstrong never wills. Time to break out the pellet gun here comes one !
ReplyDeleteI was just driving by, didn't know any details. Read the text, that was not my issue.
ReplyDeletePS I'll bet my trailer is bigger than yours!
My point: What does this event bring to Salisbury/Wicomico County?
ReplyDeleteHow about decent people with a legal hobby! I'll take those faces in the area over the thugs and robbers!
It really needs to be moved out of the city besides who wants to look at over the hill weekend warriors in tight pants ugh "camel toe"
ReplyDeleteI have said this since i moved near the route-they ride 4 and 5 abreast out in the middle of the road. I am all for them coming and the money they bring into town but the basic rules of the road for bicycles go right out the window! Sure it is only 1 day but they have no respect for the safety of themselves or anyone else.
ReplyDeleteMt. Hermon Road yesterday was a nightmare. Coming from Powellville to Salisbury was really very dangerous because the riders DO NOT ride on the side of the road where they should, they are riding where cars travel and WON'T get over - you have to go around them. I agree it's only one day but aren't they supposed to abide by some rules along the way?
ReplyDelete10:30
ReplyDeleteYou shoot me with a pellet gun and you'll look real funny walking around with that thing wrapped around your neck.
One of the riders screamed at me for passing him on the road. He said he had just as much right on the road as I did and should follow the rules. Is that true?
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you what this event does for the area... 8400 riders (not to mention the many non riding family members that come along with) fill our area hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other places of business for an entire weekend and they spend their money RIGHT HERE!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great stimulus on our local economy.
As a local resident I can sympathize with the fact that during the morning when they are heading out, and then in the afternooon when they are coming back it can get a little crazy on some of the roads...but if you take a little extra time and caution you will be just fine.
To those who are quick to whine, moan, and complain about the inconvenience... think about THIS the next time to you cruise up to Dover to sit in the stands at a Nascar race and wonder what the folks in Dover (who are not race fans) think about all of the traffic and and stress you cause those people.
It is a shame in this country when people don't have a little patience and compassion for others.
Don't vent your frustrations to a restaurant owner, hotel owner, or pretty much any local business because they will most likely put you in your place as well.
Grow up.
One day folks come on...
ReplyDeleteThese riders bring hundreds of thousands of dollars with them filling hotels and restaurants before and after. They dont drink all night and rev motors. It could be far worse.
I had forgotten about Seagull Century and made the mistake of taking 'the back way' from Pocomoke to Salisbury yesterday morning. By the time I realized that the Seagull Century was going on, it was too late to turn around and head the other way because I would have had to try to fight to get through all the bikes that I had already passed. I had my headlights on, I had to go about 15 mph most of the way and with half my car on the road and other half on the dirt shoulder because the bikers were not on just their side of the road, they were stretched across both sides of the road.
ReplyDeleteIt's great the business that it brings to the area for the weekend, but it seems very dangerous to me how many of them were riding 4,5 and 6 abreast and taking up the entire road instead of just 1 side.
12:02
ReplyDeleteThey have a right to be on the road but they are suppose to stay to the side since they are the slower moving traffic. They are NOT suppose to ride 2, 3 or 4 wide in the road that is illegal. Slower traffic is to remain to the right allowing others to go around them. Just like if someone is going down rt 50 doing 35 mph that also is illegal since they are doing 20mph under the speed limit. I think if you are going 15 mph under the speed limit they can get you for impeding traffic.
11:53 your not man enough to wrap anything around my throat...LOL. In your tight pants ahaha
ReplyDeleteHey what color sissy pants are you wearing I'll have special pellet for you !
ReplyDelete@10:30 AM:
ReplyDeleteAre you some sort of psychopath?
11:53= oooh we're all soooo afraid of the gay dude in the too tight pants, I'm shaking as we speak! Better think before you talk trash boy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good event that helps the local economy. Maybe next year the route could be clearly marked and notifications and reminders made to motorists well in advance so that people could take an alternate route. I would be willing to do that. It would be safer and less frustrating for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIts not only this weekend, they do the same thing when they are "training". 2,3 even 4 wide during 5 o'clock traffic. If they want tolerance from us regular people, they should be expected to ride responsibly.
ReplyDeleteSee y'all on the round-a-bout in Fruitland!!!
Bottom line is they are the rudiest bunch of individuals there is because they believe they have the right to take over and not obey State law. They think they are an asset to the economy and that justifies being arrogant and rude is their right. Quess what that is the same mentality as the Gangs that are over running the Eastern Shore. They are a bunch of thugs in disquise. The only right they possibly have is to act responsibly and show respect. Do they not realize children are watching them and their actions. Children ride bikes and get seriously injured because of stupidity but they think what they do is justifiable because they see these irrespopnsible riders in the Seagull Century do it. This shows these adults have no remorse on their less than childish behavior while riding in this event.
ReplyDeleteThey are rude and law-breakers. They do not care about vehicle traffic. We should have an open season on them. Get out the guns!
ReplyDeleteNOT!!!NOT!!! get a grip it's a good event!
I rode in the seagull for the first time. I always whined about them too. Once u ride in this u see things diffently. We are riding at between 20-30 mph u come up on someone goin 10mph u cant just slow down really fast u may have 20 bikes behind u. It would be bad if 20+ bikes crashed into each other. the edge of the rode has dirt,rocks and glass cant really ride there.They dont have any choice but to ride like they do. I think u can deal with one day of driving slow for what it does for the economy here.
ReplyDeleteMaybe when the event is advertised next year, they can remind the cyclists about obeying the rules of the road. They're good people, and they bring a lot of money into the local economy. Simple communication can aleve future problems.
ReplyDeleteone word!
ReplyDeleteTACKS!
It does bring money to the town but the organizers should try to organize it a little better in the morning i was on my way to work and the traffic was backed up past Super giant both lanes and blocked all the intersections i wanted a coffee at Duncan Donuts but forget about getting across from north bound lane to there they would not let you across. They had no cops out then.
ReplyDeleteTHis event does bring money to Salisbury. One day will not hurt us to have some roads closed. How ever these people think they own the road and are rude and will not move over for ANYONE. It should be a rule no more then two across and should be on the side of the road not in the middle.
ReplyDeleteWhy should I have to go 10 miles an hour because some jerk on a bike wants to ride in the road. Pull over and let the cars pass. Safer for you and us.
You bunch of Eastern Hill Billy's are okay drinking and driving with no teeth, but can't stand people who actually try to live a healthy life. What a bunch o losers.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, someone out there wasn't able to drive the backway from pocomoke to salisbury and speed and drive crazy the whole way (i'm from pocomoke i know what its for). Another person could not get their coffee and doughnut in the morning. I guess those 8000 welcomed tourists and their tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars they spend here can never be welcomed again. Come on people, it seriously is one day its not the end of the world...
ReplyDeleteI live in Baltimore city now, they just closed half the city on Saturday for a marathon... and no one around here is up in arms about it.
Rob S
To the older gentleman in the white "Frontiertown" Jeep that pulled up next to me and several other bikers (unprovoked), rolled down your window, and started yelling profanities ...............great advertising for your organization!!!!! Get ready for a nice letter to your employer and letter to the editor. What a freakin' numpty!!!! To all you other folks complaining about bikers in Salisbury for 1 day ..........wow - what a miserable existence you live!!!! The lack of intelligence spewing from you all is so depressing.
ReplyDeleteThousands of dollars pumped into our economy and thousands of people with a new appreciation for the sights of our lovely region. That's what it brings. Stop complaining, one day of inconvenience is nothing. Some of these people travel hundreds of miles just to be here, now THAT'S an inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteI was a first time bicyclist at this event Saturday. I came down Friday night and left Sunday morning. I had a great time! I rode over 100 miles for the first time in my life at age 46. I'm getting healthy, staying fit, etc... I left about 300 dollars into the Salisbury economy. 150 x 8000=1,200,000. That's a pretty good reason to want 8000 people in town... I tried to be courteous and stay out of the way of other autos as did the vast majority of the 8000 or so cyclists, but there are always a few bad apples in every bushel. Personally I don't like to get in the way of autos while on my bicycle (hint, hint). We all drove cars to Salisbury…
ReplyDeleteOn a sad note, I saw a bad accident on a larger highway, I think it was Snow Hill Rd, where a female cyclist was laying chest down, bleeding badly at her head area, but conscious, as paramedics were treating her. It looked bad. I could hear her suffering. A car was pulled over up ahead, and the driver looked somewhat distraught. Another woman who appeared to be the injured cyclist’s friend was clearly distraught and being consoled by a man. The whole scene provoked a horrible set of emotions for me, and probably the same for several hundred other people who saw it. I don't know what actually happened, but I was concerned about the woman's outcome which is how I found this blog. No matter what the cause was, I think it is important for all parties to remember to share the road, no matter if it's a car, bicycle, farm tractor, semi truck, jogger, etc... One thought I get while writing this is that perhaps the same people who aren't courteous car drivers are also not courteous bicyclists, and perhaps if we all started acting more courteous to others while using roads we would all be a little happier, and safer. I drive a car about 40,000 a year, and it is not the bicyclists that are frustrating, and not so much the professional truck drivers either, it’s mostly just rude people.
We make it a point to be away for the weekend when these clowns come to town
ReplyDeletethe rules of the road for bikers is the same as for cars. rare to see a biker stopped for an infraction.
ReplyDeleteComments like these prove just how self centered the ppl of the eastern shore are. Aside from work, I have absolutely no idea where anyone is going, there isnt sh!t around here to do.
ReplyDeleteRob S.,
ReplyDeleteYou really shouldn't make assumptions about people. Maybe when you lived in Pocomoke you drove the back way so you could "speed and drive crazy the whole way" but that is not why I do it. I do it because it is a faster route (when driving the speed limit) due to where I live, and where I was going.
In my opinion if they closed the roads where the Seagull Century route is (like you said they did in Baltimore) it would be safer for everyone involved, then the bikers could spread out and take up the entire road, and motorists could be given detours.
I believe most of us are saying that the money the cyclists put into the economy is wonderful, just that some of the cyclists should follow the rules of the road for the safety of everyone involved.
Actually, the rules for operating a bicycle on a public roadway are a little different than those for an automobile. Bicycles must ride "As far to the right as is PRACTICABLE." This does NOT mean as far to the right as POSSIBLE. A few things that a rider has to consider are road hazards, debris, slower moving cyclists, or negotiating turns.
ReplyDeleteYes. Cyclists have as much right to the road as someone in a car. This is true, but it's no excuse for the behavior of a few kamikaze riders out there.
Courtesy on both sides, cyclists and drivers, should be the rule. I, for one, grew up in a time where you could ride your bike to elementary school. Do you think you would let your kid do that around here knowing that there so many aggressive drivers on our roads? ...or is it the kid's fault for being there in the first place when he gets hit?
Cant Stand the bikers, had one cut in front of me and without slamming on brakes I would have run them over. At the same time the biker was cutting around me she yells to an official directing traffic "Get these cars out of here"
ReplyDeleteThe roads are made for CARS, bikers do not pay road taxes!! like drivers do with fuel!
Also in a biking in Pocomoke, all the back roads were spray painted with direction arrows and words. This was over a year ago and they are still there!!! Why do they get to spray paint roads?
Also bikers just out riding in a pack of a few on the back roads when the corn crops are up, god forbid you try and pass them on a turn!
The biker situation is getting out of hand on public roads made for CARS!!!
Why not close one lane of Route 50 and dedicate to the riders? Some of the back roads they have them go on have no shoulder room for them to ride. What about the inexperienced driver on our rural roads. There has got to be a better solution. I am all for them coming here but taking up the whole road on our back country roads is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Salisbury and remember thinking every year "who are all these people and what in the world are they doing? Can't you spandex clad fools see I am in a TRUCK and am in a hurry to get to the SHORE STOP??"
ReplyDeleteNow I am 32, live in DC, and ride a bike to work every day because I have not had a car in 8 years. I rode in the Seaguall Century for the first time in my life this year and felt proud of the beautiful place I grew up, and especially of all the smiling children who stood by the side of the road to give us high fives and lemonade. As far as setting examples go, I'd like to think that we set a good one, considering how many people are overweight with blood sugar and cardiovascular problems today. But maybe it's a better example to get fat, speed, lean on your horn and cuss a lot. What do I know?
I stayed with my parents so it's not like we were out at restaurants and hotels, but we did stop by Rite Aid, Giant, Cheers and Dunkin Donuts and my boyfriend commented several times on how friendly and welcoming everyone was. I had such a nice time that I plan on doing this ride every year if I can, and encouraging my brother and other friends to join us. I suggest the naysayers learn to live with it or get out of town for the weekend, because this ride is very popular and is only going to get bigger.
I must say, 99% of the motorists I saw were polite and gave us a very wide berth, which I appreciated because I know they must have been impatient to get wherever they were going. I thought it was a nice change of pace from the death race that is a commute in DC.
Typically on these big rides, when a car is approaching cyclists are supposed to yell "CAR UP" or "CAR BACK" so that everyone knows to move over. They are usually pretty good about it, though it may be good to remember that a cyclist's perception of a safe opportunity to move over may be different than yours. Try cycling in a crowd and you'll see what I mean. You'll be glad to know that when I saw cyclists refusing to move over or into single file when they clearly had an opportunity to, I yelled, "PEOPLE LIVE HERE, YOU KNOW!" I do see both sides- to some extent.
To be fair, it was very windy and while a few might have been behaving without regard to motorists, there's a good chance that they didn't hear the verbal signals. Regardless of whether or not a cyclist is living up to a motorist's expectation of "good behavior," it is ultimately a motorist's responsiblity to operate his vehicle safely around pedestrians and cyclists, even (and perhaps especially) when they seem to be acting like idiots. If you can't control your anger, you have no right to be driving a car, period.
I too saw that injured woman on Snow Hill Road. I left a clean, spare t-shirt with the cyclists who were responding to her injuries
when they asked if anyone had a cloth or towels. I called my father to let him know that if he heard reports of a badly injured woman, it was not me. I was shaken by her condition, because as someone who cycles daily, I've had more close calls than I care to think about, and cannot imagine my parents' horror at the thought of me in a crumpled, bloody heap on the road. It's something I have to think about all the time, but never visualized so clearly until Saturday.
I am telling you this because I'm absolutely disgusted by the violent comments on this board about shooting cyclists with pellet guns and the like. As proud as I was of my community on Saturday, I am now absolutely repulsed. I'm sure you call yourself Christians and "good hard working Americans" too. Ha.
Anonymous, most cyclists do drive cars and pay for fuel. How do you think I got from DC to Salisbury? We also pay all manner of taxes. DOH!
ReplyDeleteI am a local,rode my first century at 61. The organization is impressive,from registration through implementation.The route is almost ideal for the least impact on mortorist,with 8400 riders there are bound to be a few backup tangles. The entire route was well supervised with police, assist vehicles from the college and various bike groups. The century rest stops were exceptionally well run, those friendly workers and volunteers did such great hard work.
ReplyDeleteI saw riders constantly thanking police for supervising the busier intersections.There were riders using too much of the road at times, but the shoulders on Mt Hermon road were littered with sharp objects that I tried to avoid, got a flat anyway, after that I could see why many were avoiding the shoulders. I also understand why drivers felt some impatience.
The thousands of guest that I saw at the college events over the weekend were all well behaved and friendly. These are the kind of tourist that are great for our area and as in any large event nothing is perfect, but it was as close as your going to get in my opinion from my life experience.
7:48 your comments show how arrogant the cyclists are you infiltrate a town treat the citizens rudely get in their way slow down traffic create a dangerous environment insult them and leave. No wonder people complain .
ReplyDeleteNot only are the bikers rude and arrogant, they like to sprawl out on people's lawns uninvited, which makes them trespassers. They also leave their trash behind. I live along the route and witnessed several dropping their trash along the way without stopping to pick it up.
ReplyDeletePellet guns work for all unwanted rodents
ReplyDeleteYes there was lots of trash on the side of the road- Natural Light beer cans which I'm pretty sure were thrown from the windows of local motorists over the past few months. Stay classy!
ReplyDeleteI second the comments about how helpful the volunteers and police were. They really help make the ride great.
ReplyDeleteWow. I never knew there were so many folks in this area named "Anonymous". I looked it up in the phone book, but there were no "Anonymouses" listed. Is Anonymous a new word for, "I don't have the balls to sign my name"?
ReplyDelete...and to 3:51, I just checked the phone book and there's no JB Bennett either. I guess you joined the no balls clubs little man.
ReplyDeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteThere was no disrespect intended, I just like to play devil's advocate because some people on here do complain about the dumbest things and it can be frustrating (yet funny sometimes) to read. Much love to a fellow p-city'er.
Rob S
I live near beautiful, historic Berlin and the only trash I see along my road is the trash that I saw these ignorant bikers toss in my yard. But they are probably from the city, and from the looks of the cities I've been to, it's no wonder they come here and litter on our beautiful Delmarva.
ReplyDeleteThey're just typical city dwellers and aren't used to people who like to be treated with respect they just don't know any better but I think the pellet gun will teach them what their parents didn't ! Oh and tough guy J.B. Bennett put an address or meeting place and I will be glad to oblige !
ReplyDeleteThe event is the same weekend in October every year...for several years. And it is well publicised on huge billboards even. (Unless you cant read everyone knows about it) Most TRUE locals know about it as well because it is an annual tradition and prepare to accomodate all the visitors to our community.
ReplyDeleteIts one day a year, quit your bitchin...
Beautiful Delmarva???? ROTFLMAO. Ride/Drive down any backroad on Delmarva(where only locals travel) and you'll see more trash on the side of the road than many cities. Littering is a time honored tradition on the shore. Look at some of the houses around here, broken down cars, overgrown grass, horribly unkept/untrimmed yards and you talk about beautiful Delmarva??? Its this ignorance around here that drives me nuts. How blind can one individual be? I pick up cans, water bottles and beer bottles in my yard and I live on a local traveled backroad.
ReplyDeleteIf "citygoer" doesn't like this area, then why don't they just simply leave? Why are you living here if it's so terrible? I go to the city several times a year for business and can't wait to leave. Yes, there are unappealing parts of the shore, as there is anywhere you go. But around here, I can take my kids into town without having them see hookers on every street corner, run-down apartment buildings, homeless people approaching vehicles begging for money to support their drug habits! Yes, although the shore isn't perfect, this is God's Country and if you don't like, then simply leave. Your kind isn't wanted around here.
ReplyDeleteTo prove what a danger these people create on our roadways, I remember back in the late 1990's, a gentleman that lived near Pocomoke was killed in a car accident when his car ran off the road and struck a tree, as he was trying to avoid the bikers, who were taking up all the road. This happened just off of Whitesburg Rd.
ReplyDeleteum... about the JB Bennett thing. You see what kind of people we have in Salisbury? They want to shoot other people with pellet guns and fight someone who hasn't done them any harm. And they don't think things through, either. Maybe you didn't look in the correct phone book, and maybe our phone is listed under my husband's name and not mine. And maybe you might want to take a hard look at yourself, to try to find out why you want to shoot people and fight people for either riding bikes or making observations. Do you want to be shot at, fought, met somewhere and beaten down, just because you expressed your opinion? Aren't you even a little bit grateful that you have the ability to express your opinion in a public forum, without fear that the government or militia will track you down and persecute you for your thoughts? Yet, you would like to beat on SOMEONE ELSE for expressing themselves. If you truly are pure of heart, you will take time to think about your honest, inner nature. If you are truly violent and darkhearted, I fully expect you will make further threats of violence in response to this. If you honestly feel that people should be shot or beaten for their opinions, perhaps you should find a country better suited to your skill set. I don't know if they accept Americans in Iraq or Afghanistan, but you could check. If the thought of being that kind of person turns you off, though, then maybe you could just stay here and express your opinions in a more American way - thoughtfully, in an educated manner and without the threat of violence against other human beings. This isn't a jihad, dude. You're so filled with hate that some bicyclists are in town for one day. Maybe they were inconvenient. But at least they weren't carrying pellet guns, my friend. They weren't trying to hurt anyone. It wasn't the Hell's Angels. YOU and your pellet gun are a lot scarier, because you're here for 365 days a year, and on top of it all, you seem to be a mean-hearted person. Which is something we sure don't need in this town.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:04. First of all you dont know why I'm here and thats none of your business. While Im here, Im not going to stand around and listen to the local ignorance spread even more.
ReplyDeleteThe absolute funniest part of your post is that all the things you talked about not happening here, DOES HAPPEN HERE. Drugs galore, hookers on business 13 and ppl begging for money in parking lots(posted on this very site a few weeks ago). WAKE UP!! There is absolutely nothing wrong with liking the area, but to the point of ignorance does nothing but spread more of it.
I rode the Seagull last Saturday as well. It was my first century ride and it went well. I was concerned about how far into the road many of the riders went, but I also felt that the organizers could have done better to control the situation on the busy streets. The police presence at key intersections was very helpful, but there needed to be more thought put into managing the situation on busy roads, including the stretch where the rider was hit.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else notice that there were not enough porta potties for 8,000 registered cyclists? I think the ratio was about 1,000 to 1. The food was fine, but the water bottle filling capabilities were inadequate, particularly at the rest stop on Assateague Island.
I thought that the local drivers were pretty patient for what they encountered, which is great - they get really impatient in Northern VA where I live and it is scary how fast/close they pass. I also noticed that some of the fast/close passing was being done by cars with bike racks, so there is plenty for all of us to learn about safety practices.
Thanks to the hospitality of the people in Salisbury - it was great.
Randy Smith
Ashburn, VA
to 8:16 a.
ReplyDeleteSo, I guess what you are trying to say is that the driver of the vehicle was driving too fast for conditions... was unable to slow down properly to 1)avoid striking slower moving traffic, or 2)safely maneuver around said cyclists.
I just hope the Amish move to the 'bury soon with the horses and buggies so we really have a reason to be frustrated.
Atleast the horses the Amish use to pull their buggies stay on the right side of the road and have enough sense to not to take up the entire road. I'd rather deal with the Amish buggies anyday! LOL
ReplyDeleteO.K.! Enough already about pellet guns and all the negativity about cyclists! This event brings MILLIONS, not thousands, to this area and has been going on probably longer than most of the detractors status as "Delmarvans."
ReplyDeleteSmartest things I've heard: The organizers should do all that they can to forewarn the local inhabitants where the route of the ride shall be and when. They should also make a better effort to educate all the riders as to courteous use of the highways, (ie. slower traffic, stay to the right, let other riders know when and what side your passing on, and stay on the right side of the road, etc.)
However, it is clear in reading these blogs why riding scares me. I am FROM SUSSEX COUNTY. I've lived here most of my life and have ridden in the Sea Gull at least 5 times, now. It is awesome! Well organized, well staged, and the rest stops and finale are great! Yet, my point is that too many drivers of autos have this mentality that they are driving something much bigger, so those bikes BETTER get out of MY WAY!
I happened to be just behind the young lady that was hit. Yes, she was on the left side of the right lane, probably riding parallel with other riders. She was near the center line, yet on the RIGHT side of it. The car that hit her was FLYING up the left lane and when encountering oncoming traffic ahead, they started to attempt to move into the biker's lane. When the driver hit their brakes, the car was traveling at such a rate of speed that it started to "fish tale." This is when I believe there was contact with the rider who did a face plant very hard into the road.
I was some 20 yards back, but by the time I ran up to her, she was unconscious or in shock, and bleeding pretty badly. To their credit, their was a nurse who was riding who assisted and the EMT's were there in less than 5 minutes.
THE scary thing was that the driver of the auto, who I'm sure was horrified, was passing these 100's of bikes like they were another car speeding down the road.
People, IT IS ONE DAY OUT OF THE YEAR! PLEASE show some consideration and PATIENCE! Riders, remember, it is our responsibility to be lawful & considerate as well.
For the most part, the vast majority of riders in the five years I've been doing it have been just that. Yes, there are buttheads who cut you off, are rude, etc. But they are vastly outnumbered by courteous riders.
I can only hope yea who wish to don the pellet gun is just "pushing buttons" and blowing smoke. I'd venture a guess that you weren't raised around here.
If you were, you'd know better than to bring a pellet gun to scare a true Eastern Sho' man...
Ride on!
I am the woman who was hit by a car on Snow Hill described in one of these posts. I suffered severe head trauma and was in the hospital for 3 days. I continue to suffer from the head trauma. I would appreciate if anyone who saw this incident would please contact me or my husband Keith at kdlittle@gmail.com or 703-598-0980.
ReplyDeleteThank you
I was also in a accident during the seagull and received a head injury. The car involved in my accident was parked on the street not on the side of the road while helping with a previous accident. My take on this ride is there are too many cyclists of questionable cycling ability involved in this event. To include those riding too slow in the middle of the road and those riding too fast for the current conditions. I happened to be caught between these two types of poor riders. It cost me 3 days in the hospital and a month off from work. I recommend a more staggered starting time and shorter courses available based on rider ability as is customary with other rides we have participated in.
ReplyDeleteHoly crap - I was just considering doing this ride this year coming in from Chicago...but no way now man. Thanks for letting me know that your city is in no way prepared to host such an event. Insane...
ReplyDeleteI rode the Seagull again last Saturday for the 10th (12th?) time over the last 15 years. I have to agree with both camps.
ReplyDeleteThere were some cars flying down the roads with no lights on, oblivious too, or pissed off by, the cyclists who chose to spend a beautiful fall day on the roads of Wicomico County.
And, there were some cyclists riding too many abreast to fit in their lane of traffic at times. Passing in the wrong lane around a blind corner just isn't smart. All of the wrecks I saw were caused by cyclists trying to act "pro" - weaving in and out of pacelines like they were in the final stage of the Tour de France.
Except for the few morons, in and out of vehicles, it was a great day. Kids on tandems with Mom or Dad, ride friends that meet up for one day a year, incredible volunteers at all the stops, cops with a sense of humor, people out attempting to do their first 100 mile ride, or seeing if they still have it in their legs to do their 22nd...
The ride organizers tried to diffuse the traffic on the roads by offering three ride options. I'm sure it is inconvenient for those caught behind long lines of cyclists, or at an intersection, but the event isn't really a secret. Plan accordingly. Here's a hint - it'll probably by Saturday October 8th in 2011.
One final note to some of my fellow posters: Hey Chicago, it's a great ride with less attitude than the cops on Rush Street. And all the folks riding on the roads pay taxes of all sorts, including state and federal fuel taxes. 99.9% of the riders drove to Salisbury. The notion that "bikes don't belong, because they don't pay taxes" doesn't hunt.
See you next year....
Bikes are supposed to follow the same rules as cars. But hey motorists, that means that zooming by a string of bikers is the same as passing a string of cars - and passing more than 1 at a time is reckless driving. You could get a year in jail.
ReplyDeleteI did the ride with my ten year old son. He did the whole 100 mile ride on his own. It was fun.
Event Lessons Learned:
ReplyDeleteYour area sponored this event.
You allowed 8,000 cyclist to desend on your lovey area for one day. We spent 2.5 million dollars.
If you don't want one day of cyclist, and yes we take up the entire lane, tell your city council and business owners, not to mention the employees of those establishments who we tipped nicely, to find a different location for the cycling event.
This is a great cycling event!
Experience first hand your great area. We come from states away.
I challange each of you to come out and ride in your own town.
This was my first Seagull,
ReplyDeleteThis was a magnificent ride with the greatest of scenery. I salute the residences who were inconvenienced by us. Thank you. There were children waving at us as we went by their houses. 99% of the cars made every effort to be safe. Most cyclist screamed 'car up' and 'car back'. We really tried to get cars around us.
We spent money in Salisbury and it was worth it! I didn't feel we were doing Salisbury a favor, rather the opposite. I hope more local residences that day join the ride next year. It's tough and humbling. Try to shoot a pellet gun into that head wind. You'll probably put your eye out.
Thank you, your houses and land is something to be very proud of.
The Seagull Century and the entry fee it costs the participants goes towards cancer research as well as I think the Maryland wetlands and some Salisbury community functions.
ReplyDeleteLike most non-cyclists people who do not ride often think cyclists are mere road hogs that should be shot on site. Do you know that non-cyclists that, only ride in cars, will give more sympathy to a convicted killer then they will show towards a cyclist who is spending money that goes to charities that the non-cyclist might benefit from.