Today as I meandered my way through the Dallas Arts District on my way to the office, I happened upon slight idealogical scuffle. On one side, the meager Occupy faithful, decrying the evils of corporate greed and big oil. On the other, a menagerie of geriatric adults, dressed to the T in tuxedoes and boas, flourishing humorously large cigars and champagne flutes while chanting “It’s a class war and we’re winning” and “Fracking for your own good, get a job or two!” with obvious amusement. Their signs, bearing such phrases as “Global warming=better tans” and “Clean air is a quaint idea” blew about in the breeze as the scruffy crowd opposite chanted “We don’t need the bourgeois” through well-used magaphones. The bike-mounted police milled about unconcerned. One complimented me on my ride as he peddled past, heading for a vacant park bench. I soon followed his lead, leaving the chanting in the distance, slightly disconcerted by what was either a tasteless jest or an ineffective attempt at satire. It just seemed like everyone was having a bit too much fun.
I live in an inner suburb of one of the worst cities in America for walking or riding a bike. I work downtown and have to get there somehow. So, I try and take the scenic route.
Obstinate Commuter
Taking the Long Way Home
"Who knew that our suburb to the North would be leading the pack in regards to bicycling advocacy, and infrastructure? In a relatively short period of time, Richardson has become one of the best places [in Dallas] for an active cyclist to live."
Yesterday I forewent the bike in favor of two feet, which I haven’t done in a long time. It was bitterly cold and desolate, as most people in my neighborhood were probably in cocoa-warmed bundles reading US Weekly or watching Cheers reruns. A lady stepped out of her house with exclamations of “looks like it might snow!” and asked me if I knew where Kroger was.
Point. “Half a mile that way, turn left at Centennial.”
She trudged on. I saw a couple pushing a stroller, the man walking 5 paces behind the woman with headphones on. I wonder what he was listening to.
