(updated below)

i talk a lot about class.  it has different meanings.  you often only know the meaning by the context.  we could say that some people have class and some people don't.  and you would understand that this was different in context from saying that some people are obsessed by the trappings of class or engage in class warfare.  today's topic is cyclists as second class citizens. 

but first, a brief digression.  after witnessing what was probably the stupidest commute, the very most idiotic mass migraiton of people ever into dc today, i don't see how anyone can think the alternative transport isn't a great idea.  i got several emails from people crowing about how easy their ride in was.  and good for them, they earned it.  but for most people, bike commuting appears to be somewhere between sort of zany and downright lunatic behaviour.  in giving some thought to why this happens, and also in pondering a few recent bike thefts, i have come to a conclusion which is that few organizations or employers make commuting easy by offering the basic amenities which are required.

to this end, and to highlight the problem, i offer a contest.  i want to search out the least appealing accomodation for biking to work which exists in washington dc.  i want _photos_ that make it entirely clear to what extent cyclists are second class citizens in the commuting food chain.  you may be creative, but your stuff should be first hand and real.

this will be an anonymous contest, no specific contributor name, location addresses or company names will be used.  our goal is not to call people out but to illustrate the dire state of affairs that exists.  to get this party started right, i offer two photos submitted by a friend.  i cannot describe the exact location without giving it away but i can tell you that these photos were taken after the site was cleaned up.  so you can imagine what it was like beforehand. 

those who are not employed, under-employed or work from the home are still eligible to submit.  they are encouraged to do so.  all one must do is highlight a particularly unwelcome amenity or environment towards cycling.  we won't be too critical about it being in downtown dc.  it is my guess that the winning entry will speak for itself and should be rewarded no matter the situation.  so let's roll with it and see what happens.

the more capitalist-minded among you will no doubt be primarily focused on the prize.  the answer is i am not entirely sure what it is.  our valued comrade aric line won a prime at last week's greenbelt "a" race and it's a capitol hill bikes gift card.  he lives in leesburg, didn't think he could use it, so being the generous guy he is, he stuffed it into my jersey pocked and said give it away.  i don't know the denomination.  in fact, i don't even really know that it's a gift card, but that's what it looks like so that's how i'm describing it. 

i'll take photos off list through email, as i don't believe we allow file uploads in the comments.  if you don't know how to get ahold of me, post a brief blurb in comments and i'll drop you a line directly.  i will take links to stuff you find on the web but i'd understandably prefer that you actually visit the site yourself.  - - - posted by scott

entries posted below as they are received

entry number 2: June 27th, morning.  i like the flagging tape here.  it reminds me of the mabra cross courses.  i also like the fact that if you rack on the front, your bike sticks way out onto the side walk and if you rack int he back, your going directly into a bush.  sweet.