Guns 'n' Roadies

[Alien8]

From this week's RBR - it's dangerous out there.

Guns 'n' Roadies

We received an intriguing e-mail from longtime RBR reader Jack E. of Nashville, Tennessee. It raises an issue that could become significant, considering the times we ride in.

We'll let Jack explain:

"A recent discussion among some of our local cycling club dealt with carrying weapons, including guns for personal protection.

"Although I am a gun owner and I believe in the right to bear arms, I also believe there is no reason to have one on your person or bicycle while riding, especially in a group.

"However, certain members made the point that if the general public realized that some bicyclists may be carrying a weapon, they may give us a lot more respect on the road. They also made the point that being armed may prevent a serious attack from a pack of dogs or even a rabid animal.

"Please give me your thoughts on this, or even consider it for a group discussion."

Our thoughts? Insanity, with a capital I. Middle fingers are perilous enough. Trigger fingers have no place in cycling. If you're packing, quit pedaling and go find a different sport. Maybe biathlon.

 

[magnatom]

Oh aye, guns are the answer.

Anyway, think of the weight issues......it could start a new market in carbon fiber guns a bullets....

 

[downfader]

Just hope to hell they leave the safety on when they hit those potholes at speed.

 

[2Loose]

Bump, bang, **HISS**

 

[Brains]

I think cycling with a Magnum can be dangerous.
I've done it in the summer quite often.
The problem is of course you can only cycle one handed
and if you fall off the results could be disastrous!
The lolly stick could could go down your throat for start

 

[gaz]

I think cycling with a Magnum can be dangerous.
I've done it in the summer quite often.
The problem is of course you can only cycle one handed
and if you fall off the results could be disastrous!
The lolly stick could could go down your throat for start

 

[on the road]

Beware of the posse......yeeha

 

[dudi]

Hey, if there's guns involved it could wind up that cycling makes it into the hippety hop scene and becomes all cool and that - then we can kick it with the homies on our steeds, keeping it real.

Chisel my Shnitzel.

 

[Jezston]

 

[gaz]

Shame he didn't bling his chain.

 

[magnatom]

Shame he didn't bling his chain.

Mmm, it's a wee tad slack....

 

[atbman]

This subject crops up regularly on bikeforums.net

Remember, be careful out there

 

[gaz]

Mmm, it's a wee tad slack....

The poor mans single speed. i've seen a few like this in london, remove all de-railers and cables and a few links out the chain. Then put it on what ever cog you want. to hard for you? get off and move it up.

 

[Alien8]

An update from over the pond.

RBR readers set records last week in response to our piece titled "Guns 'n' Roadies" and our poll question, "Are you OK with roadies carrying guns on rides?"

With more than 2,550 votes cast, 18% answered "yes, absolutely" and another 18% said "it depends." The remaining 64% voted "no, never."

In addition, more than 450 comments were posted on our Cycling Commentary web page. In this case, the split was about 50/50 among those supporting cyclists carrying firearms and those aghast at the idea.

Perhaps the most frightening or fulfilling upshot of all this (depending on your point of view) is learning how many roadies are packing.

Extrapolating from the poll, 22,700 people receiving this newsletter either ride with a firearm or support doing so. Because RBR readers represent only a sliver of America's 47 million bike riders, there might be hundreds of thousands of people riding with guns.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

imagine the chaffing!!!