swfong

Sorry. Yep, I have to immediately apologize for my personal philosophy. Sorry. I make no bones about liking chaos, anarchy, and subversion. Sorry, again. I wish we still had social and economic classes. Maybe if I was part of the landed gentry or a Brahmin, I would be much more at ease with my intellect, sensitivity, and aesthete. Even if my entrance to the highest castes was not guaranteed, then I might strive to join them or to tear them down. Instead, I am a part of a society which encourages equality by diminishing achievement with flashy and petty distractions. So I've learned how to yell over the crass and uncaring, to surprise the punks with a few tricks of my own. And don't get me started with the classic battle of "I Fought The Law". I realize that on my miserable drive to work in the rain during rush hour while I like two-wheeled transport: it is the closest thing I have to freedom. On a moto, I barely subject to traffic laws and on a bicycle, I am not ...

I was going to call this post Night Riding, but I realize that there is no park that I know of that allows you to even enter at night. You can't be surprised. In our litigious, overprotective-mommy, society, having fun that hurts no one (except possibly the participant) is verboten. I actually like riding in the dark. No hikers, no horseback riders, and when do see another rider, there is an instant bond. "That guy must be as crazy as me!" Recently I went to Water Dog Park in Belmont. One of my favorite after work spots, only about 10 miles of trails but most of it singletrack. I drive up around 5pm and I take my time getting ready. About 20 minutes later, just as I am about to ride away, a Belmont police cruiser rolls up. I know what's going to happen next, but I decide to play along. "Yes, officer, I am leaving. Yes, officer, I know riding at night is illegal. No, officer, I won't do it again. Yes, officer, my bicycle is worth $5000. Yes, officer...