Rider irritated by encounter on Busse Woods bike path

I just had to express my disappointment in the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove.

While having a peaceful bike ride through Busse Woods on Saturday, I rounded the corner near the Elks and was beckoned by a friendly-looking man waving me to stop at a table set up under a pop-up tent.

I was tempted to pull over because the banner read "Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove". I had been invited by a neighbor to ride with this group in the past and had considered it. Having many chores to do and guests coming over, I decided not to stop but smiled when the man offered me a free bike helmet. I thought to myself, that's nice. What a great way to encourage folks to stop.

I politely responded, "No, thank you."

He said, "Are you sure?" moving the helmet closer to my view.

In such a short space of time and still moving, I again replied, "No thanks." (I already own bike helmets.)

As I pulled past the tent into the parking lot I heard a 'Friend' from behind the table call out to me ... "BABY!"

I was appalled, to say the least. Not that I was called a baby. Believe me I have been called much worse.

But, in this explosive culture of divisiveness when someone does not agree with your views, to claim to be a "Friend" was beyond the pale. I was fuming the whole way home.

I love Elk Grove Village. I have lived here more than half my life. I have many great neighbors, some who wear helmets, and some who don't.

To this 'Friend' I say what my grandmother always told me. "With friends like that, who needs enemies?"

Kathy Christian

Elk Grove Village