Following distance--a quick refresher course.

So I'm feeling good. Sunshine. Free-flowing traffic. Overtook another cyclist--heck, he had
derailleurs, I only have a hubgear, and he had a big headstart.

Bus turns a corner, to join the street I'm on. I'm sharing the lane, and no other traffic following
the bus, so I zip into the intersection and hope to follow the bus closely until I can find a chance
to overtake it.

I'm brought to a screeching halt by a parked White Van, to whose presence I was utterly oblivious,
since it was hidden behind the turning bus. Another White Van, taking advantage of my sudden
squeeze, honks and blows by me.

Lesson: following distance: it's not just for motorists! I would have been pretty badly
wrecked--with a critially injured ego--had I wiped-out on a parked car. Wasn't even doored!

(I overtook Honking, Angry White Van a few seconds later, though, so I'm still feeling good.)

Right. Back to essaying.

-Luigi