On The Mark

We’re not supposed to be judgmental. Well, that’s what some folks say, generally after someone pointed out something less-than-optimal with their conduct. It’s hard not to, as nature programmed us to innately evaluate our surroundings for danger. You don’t get to outlive Og if you let him lead you into the saber-toothed tiger den, so if your observations of Og tell you he’s a risky biscuit, then you’d best steer clear of his company. In modern times, if words like “accomplice, abettor, co-defendant, or co-conspirator” come up, chances are your judgment in companions is suspect.

Some people consider me judgmental, although they also leave off the “judg” part and refer to me simply as “mental.” There are times when I make personal observations about the conduct of others, slave as I am to the saber-tooth-avoiding relative of my past. Because of my passion for two wheels, frequently my observations are of the riding characteristics of my companions, some of whom might be operating in close proximity to me. If we are on a group ride and you are wondering whether I am judging you, the answer is, “Why yes, yes I am.”

Don’t take it personally, because you’re not being singled out and because I can also guarantee that on some level, you’re doing the same thing to me. If I start riding like a complete ass, riding poorly and/or unpredictably, you should quickly leave my company in favor of someone with better skill and leadership potential. You can be assured that I will have no qualms with doing the same and there’s no sense in being overly-sensitive to it.

I get judged pretty severely: because of my work as a pro moto in bicycle races, I am frequently hired to carry other officials, some of whom are experienced motorcyclists. If you are used to piloting yourself, it takes quite a bit of confidence to turn your fate over to someone else. On my part, I am acutely aware that my passengers are experienced and skilled and I know that if I am graceless or “throw it down the road,” I’ll likely never get hired again. I get hired to give “VIP rides,” sometimes the very first motorcycle ride they have ever taken, and they’re usually sponsors or their children, so heaven help me if I make a mess of it.

During the Pro World Championships in Richmond in 2015, I got to carry the Chief Official for USA Cycling, a Ducati pilot himself. Inwardly, I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs knowing that I was carrying “the Boss” in the big show and he was a rider. I also got to carry a local guy who was a fellow Pridmore school person and I knew that every shift was being evaluated against those standards. The measure of success is getting to do it again. Being used to the scrutiny keeps me sharp, but every day is an audition.

It is inevitable that we want to make sure those who are operating high-powered machinery in close proximity to us are using the right amount of skill and care. A month ago at a dual-sport ride, some fellows in our group were being less than attentive and one hit me from behind, knocking me to the ground. This was after I gently cautioned the guy who hit me about riding too close and/or in my blind spot. I was not disappointed when later, that fellow and a couple companions decided to go off on their own. I later found out they tailgated another guy and he made them go around him, lest he suffer the same fate.

So, it’s not personal, it’s just business to use a “Godfather” line. We’re constantly evaluating each other as a defense mechanism to insure our survival out there on the mean streets. Typically, people won’t say anything about our perceived faults, but if they’re serious enough, we may find ourselves having difficulty finding companions with whom to ride. It’s a shame that we’re not more open to observation and discussion - as if every ride was a learning experience - because unless someone shares with us, how will we know? Unfortunately, because we’re so protective of our riding egos, those commentaries tend to be as welcome to the recipients as discussions of political affiliations. But if you are wondering whether I’m silently judging you as we ride, yes, yes I am.