Jumped (attempted, anyway)

For the first time in my cycling career, some kids tried to jump me on my commute home.

I've mentioned that I commute exclusively by bicycle or train (and only train when the weather is severely crummy). Well a few nights ago I was coming back along a familiar route through the city and up ahead of me on the 14th St. Bridge, two kids start making their way toward my side of the road.

I was lucky that I saw them early enough. I was able to get out of the saddle and sprint in time to blast past them, at which point they sprinted at me. I looked back as I shot past and only missed being grabbed by 6-8 inches.

It scared me more than I thought it would. I've felt very safe since I moved out here a few years ago, and never had an incident. I didn't call the cops--maybe I should have, but I think the kids were long gone by the time I thought about it. Maybe I still should.

The next night I took the exact same route home with my eyes open and senses piqued. I was scared, but I wasn't going to let anybody know it. Nothing.

Lesson learned? It's fine to commute at night, but know a few ways home, keep your cell phone and some cash in your jersey pocket, not on your bike (which will probably get stolen), and be ready to sprint.

Oh yeah, and don't fight them. Nothing you have is worth your life. I learned that in central Africa.