On 7/6/2019 7:22 PM, Joy Beeson wrote:

From a review of _Cyclecraft_ by Robert Hooks:

Nearly all of this is common sense, but reading it gives you an
unnerving sense of just what an uncommon quality that is. Every day,
it seems, I see hoards of cyclists heaving their way off from traffic
lights, wobbling and shuddering with effort because the bike is in too
high a gear. They block traffic and put themselves in jeopardy by
being unstable, and deprive themselves of the option of sprinting away
from danger. Did nobody explain to them that you always change into a
lower gear before you stop?

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I suspect that Mr. Hooks meant "hordes", but the idea of hoarding
cyclists has a certain appeal.

But regarding his point: I know a few fairly avid cyclists who have
somehow never mastered the skill of getting off to a quick and graceful
start. They repeatedly dab one foot at the ground, trying to push off as
if they were on a kick scooter, instead of pedaling down on the raised
crank at the same time they rise into the saddle.

I've learned it's best to keep well clear of them as they attempt to get
moving.

--
- Frank Krygowski