As I was riding into work this morning, I wanted to do something to keep my mind off of the climb. So as I started up the 219, I figured I'd host a competition. I have in the past counted cans on the side of the road to see how much money was just there to be had in terms of recycling. I have also counted cars that passed me to see how busy the road is at various days of the week and times of day. Nothing too scientific but it does help to pass the time. So, there it was, a competition of sorts that only I knew about. I'd count cans and cars and see who would win.
Cans started off strong at the bottom of the hill, getting out to a 3-0 lead. That did not last long as the cars started coming in waves. It was 3-3 in no time. When the cars went up 4-3, they never looked back. The cans tried but never really mounted a serious comeback to make it a game at all. Before I knew it, I was at the top of the high and rolling down the other side - competition over - Cars taking it 36-12.
There was a funny thing I noticed - almost all of the cans, 11 of the 12 were beer cans. Plus I remember seeing an empty bottle of Mad Dog 20/20. So either the can collectors don't like picking up beer cans or those driving and drinking beer are more worried about being caught than earning $0.05 for each can. I guess a DUI is a deterrent after all.
It is interesting the other things that are on the side of the road - clothing, papers, cigarette butts, food items, mechanical things, etc. I almost added to the pile but refrained. My rear derailleur cable broke on the way down the 219. I thought for a moment, "what would someone think if they saw a broken bike cable on the side of the road?" Who knows, it might just be enough to push the cables over the cars. Go Cables!
