Anyway, other than the painfully slow route through downtown, it has worked out pretty well and I have about a 4 mile ride home from the station. I have found an annoyance that affects nearly every single LRT ride home, though.
I take the time to position myself optimally for train boarding so I'm positioned in the right direction when I get off the train. I also like to stand where I can see the end of one rail car and the front of the next car (the bike loading spots), so I can get on the (hopefully) unoccupied spot. While allowed, having 2 bikes + riders in the bike loading area is an invasion of my copious personal space, which is why I try to avoid it where possible.
So, being the rule-follower that I am, I make sure that I'm placed over the little symbol at the station. I have staked my claim, shall we say.
Invariably, someone shows up 30 seconds before the train pulls in, and, ignoring my disapproving stares, stands directly across the platform from me, thus throwing a wrench in my perfectly laid plans. What's even worse is when I scan the length of the platform and see zero other bikes + owners waiting, thus causing me to wonder WHY this dimwit can't find another locale to board. Don't they know of the unspoken rules I have created?
One of these days, I will accept that I can't control other people's actions. Given that I have yet to learn that lesson at this advanced age, it's not looking good for me to become a go-with-the-flow, mellow senior citizen. Until then, I will continue to attempt to get my point across through body language and piercing gazes. If that doesn't work, I shall run you over with my adult tricycle.
