With that in mind, it certainly was a privilege to be out riding bicycles this most recent Thursday evening as all the Anemoi teamed up to privilege everyone who joined with a mightily powerful tailwind which propelled the small, but cheerful peloton speedily across the Aurora (rhymes with “a horror”) Bridge at a pace plenty quick enough to prevent even the most impatient of drivers from honking and swerving in pearl-clutching dismay.
A privilege, indeed.
It was almost as if the sky itself was eager for a dry bike gang gathering, as the rain tapered off as meet-up time approached and the wind rose to pretty much denude even the stubbornest trees of their bright fall foliage. For the first time in weeks, the rain pants stayed in their bag and even the jacket was able to be tucked away after climbing and alcohol did their warm-up act.
It turned out to be an actual ride, despite some of the usual loud voices and route hijackers not being in attendance, with a jaunt through the woods, some sweet BMX-style pump-track riding, and a fire, of sorts, albeit one lit by propane and confined to a metal box, but hey, that counts in my book, especially when beer is drunk around it and conversation and stories ensue.
When people say “check your privilege,” it seems to me that it can be understood in at least two ways. First, as in “check it out:” be aware of the ways in which race, gender, and so on give you a leg up. Second, as in “coat check:” check your privilege at the door and don’t use it.
With the wind at your back, that latter may not be possible, so be grateful, at least, and kind.