One guy, two wheeled, geared down Prius eater

(Clears throat - steps up to the mike)

Listen, I just like to ride my bike OK?  I don't ride it because it's green, low cost, rebellious or politically correct.   I ride for pleasure,  adventure and the visceral / endorphin rush that accompanies every ride.  I ride it for it's damn near mechanical perfection.  

I've been sensing a little tension amongst the two Prius folk I encounter.  One of them is an individual who I see while commuting.  We meet at the same traffic light crossing Victory Highway from time to time - and it has gotten a little silly. Often when I approach the light I'll tend towards the left side of the lane for two reasons: To make it clear to oncoming traffic that I'm in the intersection, and to let the motorists behind me who want to turn right pass.  On a few mornings - the little blue Prius with the bearded man will approach quietly from behind as the motor doesn't run while slowing and stop pretty close behind.  Umm dude.  I know your there.  I got this mirror thingy.   Sometimes - we'll be approaching the light simultaneously and he'll make an attempt to get ahead to claim the alpha position.  Of course - that means when he gets to the intersection his car is pretty much in the other lane.  Umm dude.  Just get in line, I promise - you won't lose any time.  When we meet along the road - he tends to drive past without slowing a little closer than the regulars..  Umm dude???  In the end - there's really no harm done.

But I think something else might be going on.

The other Prius guy I know - works with me.  For awhile he had been driving a sensible beige colored Toyota Corolla that probably had another 5 years left in her. Not too long ago when gas prices started getting close to half what the rest of the world pays, he came in with a shiny new Prius.  It was on *that* day - that he approached and stated "well, ya got me beat"  - "no way I can compete with a bike".  I just chuckled - because he is right, and because he just showed his cards.  It's not fair to lump buying groups together - but I'm thinking Prius folk are trying to win something and they know "bikes have them beat"

Really dude...  I wasn't competing.

Beating the Prius at its own game is another of those circumstantial benefits you get from biking.  Nowhere near as worthy as the mental and physical health benefits - but damn tasty in it's own way. 

Burp.

Sure hope I don't get flattened by one.  Karma's funny like that.  Or would it be "Carma"?