Friday, August 7, 2009

“This Town is Nuts”

That was the first thing I said to Chris after returning home from a bike ride last night. I had taken off on my bike for a bit, and decided it was a good idea to venture West.

Perhaps not all of you are familiar with Provo--let me teach you. As a general rule, any address that has both a South and a West coordinate is not the greatest neighborhood. (Although there are some exceptions. Don’t get mad, down by the lake people, I’m talking East side of the freeway, mostly.)

And last night was such a prime example of this I could hardly believe it. Where we live is a few blocks East and a few blocks North. But as soon as I was just a couple streets West of University Avenue, I started noticing scary peeps hanging out on their porches, run-down houses, and the sidewalk nearly ejected me from my bike because it was so bad in some places.

My ultimate West side experience came on Center Street and about 300 West. As I crossed the street, a car that was definitely exceeding the cautious 15 MPH speed limit turned left and almost hit me. I often wonder if I will scream in situations like that, and last night I found out that yes, I do indeed scream quite loudly.

When I arrived safely to the other side of the street, there was assembled a group of about 5 rough looking men, who, I might add, had watched this near-catastrophe happen with no hint of concern for my well-being. The shortest one, sporting a week old beard and dirty jeans approached me, and said, “Excuse me, could you do a public service?” I should have just kept riding, but I honestly thought he was going to sass me and tell me not to scream, or that I should wear a helmet, so I was preparing to sass him back and tell him . . . something. Instead I said, “Um, sure.” Then he pulled this out—“We just need you to drive us home.” I was taken back by this and answered, “Dude, I’m on a bike . . .” But that didn’t faze him. He said, “Oh, no, we’ve got a work van, we’ll just throw it in the back.” At this point I tried not to laugh and said, “Sorry sir,” as I rode away on my bike. I will admit, I was curious as to why 5 guys hanging around outside the Hookah Connection couldn’t just drive themselves home, but I didn’t really need to stick around much longer.

And, just as weird as it was to venture a few blocks West and see the landscape around me change, I felt better as soon as I reached University Avenue. There were BYU couples taking walks, other girls on bike rides, and best of all, no one asked me for a ride home. I even ran into the missionaries waiting for the same stop light as I was. So I chatted with the elders for a minute about what it’s like to open a mission call to Provo, then continued home.

Riding through my familiar neighborhood of students and older people definitely felt good. I like it so much, and I’m really going to miss it when we move in a couple of weeks. However, that neighborhood is promising to be pretty amazing too—we’re moving to a community of condos filled mostly with retired people. I think I’m going to buy a Jazzy.

9 comments:

Andrea said...

Provo is nuts, and don't guys know that even if they have the best of intentions...you don't ask a girl who is all by herself for a ride home. I stopped on the way home from work a few weeks ago to get gas and this guy asked if he could get a ride to Redwood Road. I told him I wasn't going that way then got in my car and headed striaght to it because it was the way I needed to go, but what was he expecting...me to open up my door and ask him if he needs to grab a shovel first. Seriously.

Shelly said...

Ever heard of Sin Night?

Kiley said...

My address is South and West and East of the freeway. Geez I am nuts. But that's Orem, so am I good?

The word verification is phigers. Weird.

Lckevan said...

HAH! I loved reading that. I used to live on stubbs ave. It was scary. I know exactly what you are talking about when you cross university avenue. I always felt so much safer!

Ana Steinagel said...

ya, it's hard to fit in when you didn't grow up west side of the tracks. ;)Glad you were safe.

krebscout said...

Hey we live south and east too. We should be friends.

Tay said...

Yes, I must agree.

Haha Ann - grab a shovel first! Totally, what was he thinking?

You have my vote for the Jazzy. Do it. and then ride around the complex in it.

Becca said...

WHOA! I'm amazing you survived! sheesh, what an adventure.

one time I took pictures in downtown Provo...and had a similar group of shady looking men ask me weird questions. Including if I was wanting to take pictures of men with beards. in case you are wondering, I was not wanting to take pictures of men with beards, and felt much safer when I got back in my car and could lock the doors.

Casidy said...

erin, every time I read something from you, or hear form you I am reminded of your excellence! Thanks for making me laugh, some Provo adventures you had. Provo is a great, great place...