Central Virginia's cool wet spring has finally begun to warm so I'm biking to work again. I really love riding to work. I get to enjoy the birds singing, the glowing sunrise and that sweet dewy sent of early morning while I pedal through town. That is UNTIL I end up smack behind the garbage truck.
It happens EVERY day. I leave my house pretty early, I'm out the door before seven in order to avoid traffic, but those dutiful garbage trucks are already out and about. And it's not just one, today I came across Three!! And they stink! There's nothing like gasping up a hill and getting a deep breath of putrid rot.
Now I really admire and respect those who do such a thankless dirty job, but I think death by garbage truck would be the worst way to go. Those trucks do so much stopping and starting, we often end up playing a rather dangerous game of leap frog. Since they're so huge I'm pretty sure that if they did hit me, they wouldn't even notice just like what happened in NY, Portland and Oakland.
And I have a feeling that if I got killed by a garbage truck I wouldn't be able to enjoy my last few minutes of life because it would smell so bad. If I got hit by a bus (my #2 nemesis-they are driven much more recklessly and also do the leap frog thing) I could maybe have the cool Frida Kahlo thing going on, and if I got hit by a car I might actually have a chance of surviving, but to my knowledge getting hit by a trash truck has no silver lining.
4 comments:
Hi Katy -
When Dave and I first moved into our house here in England, we were awoken that Friday morning by sounds of breaking glass. We both jumped out of bed and started looking for damage, then it dawned on me to look outside. There was a recyling truck going down the street picking up glass bottles, etc., at a cheery 6AM! But at least you wouldn't get caught behind them.
Hi Katy -
I admire you riding your bike to work! This summer I hope to find a safe path to work and possibly get another bike. Now I know to look out for garbage trucks and buses. Bikers unite!
Aunt Barbara
Yuck, I feel for you. There must be another way - the garbage trucks are out every day? Good post.
I have had that experience and the stench can be overwhelming. I ride for pleasure, so if I see a garbage truck, I change my route.
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