not a real post but a bit of a side note, i saw eternal sunshine of the spotless mind last night and it made me think, naturally. i am glad for memories, but of course the film is also the sort that has a happy ending. i would like a happy ending.

tonight i watched quicksilver, the bike messenger movie starring kevin bacon. it was surprisingly good, though the insane gypsy-driving-detroit-iron vs. kevins-fixie chase scene left a bit lacking.

riding home afterwards made me think of this quote, sangamon taylor from neal stephenson’s zodiac:

I had to ride slow because I was taking my guerilla route, the one I follow when I assume that everyone in a car is out to get me. My nighttime attitude is, anyone can run you down and get away with it. Why give some drunk the chance to plaster me against a car? That’s why I don’t even own a bike light, or one of those godawful reflective suits. Because if you’ve put yourself in a position where someone has to see you in order for you to be safe — to see you, and to give a fuck — you’ve already blown it.

that pretty much summarizes why i don’t ride with lights either, move quickly and alertly and assume they don’t see you, or that if they do they’re going to come right at you. also, if you haven’t read zodiac, you should. it’s short and basically the best novel about crazy eco-warriors you’ll ever find.