Here’s My Point: …

Ron Fitzwater is an idiot! Who is Ron Fitzwater? He is a writer for the Boone, NC newspaper, The Ashe Mountain Times, that’s who. On October 25, 2007 Ron wrote the following article titled, Here’s My Point: Bikes Turn Parkway Into Parking Lot.

Besides the fact that he can’t seem to spell correctly, a bad thing for a newspaper reporter, he has superior command of stating the obvious and then twisting those observations to suit his agenda! I will not get into a point by point rebuttal of what Mr Fitzwater says. Suffice it to say, if you are a cyclist, take an aspirin to thin your blood just a little before reading his article so you don’t pop a blood vessel.

Here is one of the inane observations he has made:

I am sorry that there are not more scenic roads with bike paths or trails that go cross country, but the lack of available paths should not mean that the public’s safety should be put at risk. It is beyond my ability to comprehend how any enjoyment can be gleaned from creeping your way up a hill with a line of angry motorists behind you cursing you with every breath …

Here is another pearl of wisdom:

So here is an idea; why not trade in your bikes and get some hiking gear. There are many fantastic hiking trails in the area and the best part about it is there is not one exhaust belching, fast moving car with bad brakes on any one of them. …

He mentions the Lee Ann Berry tragedy as well as spouting off some statistics about cycling related deaths involving motor vehicles. Forgetting to mention that in most cases the accident occurs due to excessive speed, distractions (trying to multitask while driving your car), or just the same distasteful attitude that Mr Fitzwater displays as the writer of this rubbish. Well read the entire article for yourself and tell me what you think.