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Cycling in rural areas
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Enigma



Joined: 20 Mar 2008

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:33 pm    Post subject: Cycling in rural areas Reply with quote

I've been in Korea for 3 years and I'm currently living in a small city on the coast in Gangwondo. In that time I've seen a lot of idiot drivers all over the country. Although Korea certainly doesn't have a monopoly on bad drivers, there seems to be a higher percentage who treat pedestrians and cyclists as major inconveniences. I can't count how many times I've seen little old grandmothers hauling a** to get across a crosswalk because drivers refuse to stop.
Anyways, I'm considering buying a mountain bike to get out into the country on the weekends. However I'm wondering how cyclists are treated by drivers once you get into the countryside. I don't want to buy a bike, only to have idiots constantly forcing me off the road.
So for any of you that have cycled regularly in the rural areas, how do you find it?

Thanks
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Weigookin74



Joined: 26 Oct 2009

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been treated ok. But I always stick to the side and don't take risks. I never assume drivers will stop if I go to an intersection. Many heavier trafficked roads should have a small paved shoulder. Ones without that should have lighter traffic. If flying down hill, use brakes frequently. Especially if going around corners. Assume cars will fly up; so use caution and common sense.
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Weigookin74



Joined: 26 Oct 2009

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh yeah, unrelated to this, bring a lot of water and money to buy more at corner stores. Can't have too much on a hot day. 12 to 4 are prob the hours to avoid being out too long now. Too hot. Don't want heat stroke.
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yeti08



Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Location: Anyang - Pyeongchon

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just yesterday I was passed in the countryside because I was waiting for a good place to pass a cyclist. The car furiously honked and when I did not speed up and/or overtake the cyclist. He sped past me laying on his horn. The beauty of it I caught up to him in under 5 minutes at a traffic light and the cyclist whizzed past us both.
The majority of people find cyclists an inconvenience. This happened in America to me, but I am afraid to ride on roads here.
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runthegauntlet



Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.

PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 2:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Riding in the countryside is the best part of cycling in Korea, in my opinion.

I ride along the southern coastline sometimes and the scenery is stunning. Not a lot of traffic, fantastic roads, exciting terrain, and great views. I love it.

Never had any problems with motorists. I stick close to the white line and keep an eye out.
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digitalmk



Joined: 04 Sep 2010
Location: Uijeongbu

PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 9:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just bought a bike a few weeks back and have been making weekly trips into the countryside. It's been wonderful each time I've gone. Luckily, near my place there are a lot of bike paths alongside the roads, but even the busier roads have a small shoulder I ride in between towns. I haven't felt in any real danger (no more than anywhere else riding), but I play it safe. Like people say, use brakes going down hill, slow up in corners, don't assume the small country path coming on on the right won't suddenly disgorge a large truck - not that that's happened to me...
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winterfall



Joined: 21 May 2009

PostPosted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Be very careful. Rural roads often have lots debris and potholes. Be extra careful on the tight corners with the big mirrors for drivers to see on the other side. Most of them don't slow down like they're supposed to and speed through, turning wide.

Other than that, its a joy. I love riding through ripe rice fields or garlic plots.
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carleverson



Joined: 04 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Drive very defensively and always leave room for error (on your part or the driver's). Stick to the edge of the road, wear bright colors, and use reflectors. You'll be fine.
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runthegauntlet



Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.

PostPosted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 9:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

carleverson wrote:
Drive very defensively and always leave room for error (on your part or the driver's). Stick to the edge of the road, wear bright colors, and use reflectors. You'll be fine.


Drive defensively?

And reflectors? What good will that do unless you're riding around at night, in which case you don't need reflectors as much as you need some good lights?
.
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carleverson



Joined: 04 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

runthegauntlet wrote:
carleverson wrote:
Drive very defensively and always leave room for error (on your part or the driver's). Stick to the edge of the road, wear bright colors, and use reflectors. You'll be fine.


Drive defensively?

And reflectors? What good will that do unless you're riding around at night, in which case you don't need reflectors as much as you need some good lights?
.


You need BOTH. There. Now shut up.
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runthegauntlet



Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.

PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

carleverson wrote:
runthegauntlet wrote:
carleverson wrote:
Drive very defensively and always leave room for error (on your part or the driver's). Stick to the edge of the road, wear bright colors, and use reflectors. You'll be fine.


Drive defensively?

And reflectors? What good will that do unless you're riding around at night, in which case you don't need reflectors as much as you need some good lights?
.


You need BOTH. There. Now shut up.


Nah, you really don't.

And I'm still a bit confused as to why you would need reflectors during the day. I ask because neither I nor any serious rider I know has reflectors on our bikes.

Can you elaborate or are you going to satisfy yourself with your trite retort above?
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SNOTOSEOUL



Joined: 12 Apr 2010

PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:34 am    Post subject: Re: Cycling in rural areas Reply with quote

Enigma wrote:


In that time I've seen a lot of idiot drivers all over the country.
I don't want to buy a bike, only to have idiots constantly forcing me off the road.



Thanks


I have rode a lot of roads and i find it is great, drivers give you all the space you need and give courtesy honks when passing.

BUT

perception is everything. I think you will perceive the roads to be full of idiot drivers.
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carleverson



Joined: 04 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 4:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

runthegauntlet wrote:
carleverson wrote:
runthegauntlet wrote:
carleverson wrote:
Drive very defensively and always leave room for error (on your part or the driver's). Stick to the edge of the road, wear bright colors, and use reflectors. You'll be fine.


Drive defensively?

And reflectors? What good will that do unless you're riding around at night, in which case you don't need reflectors as much as you need some good lights?
.


You need BOTH. There. Now shut up.


Nah, you really don't.

And I'm still a bit confused as to why you would need reflectors during the day. I ask because neither I nor any serious rider I know has reflectors on our bikes.

Can you elaborate or are you going to satisfy yourself with your trite retort above?


You answered your own question you moron. Did I say you wear reflectors during the day???? You wear reflectors AT NIGHT Rolling Eyes and I know plenty of riders (mostly commuters) who wear reflective clothing, bands, etc.. at night.
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runthegauntlet



Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Location: the southlands.

PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 5:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

carleverson wrote:


You answered your own question you moron. Did I say you wear reflectors during the day???? You wear reflectors AT NIGHT Rolling Eyes and I know plenty of riders (mostly commuters) who wear reflective clothing, bands, etc.. at night.


So now you're going to qualify your asinine 'advice' about reflectors with "at night".

Because when looking for information about weekend riding in rural areas, most people are going to do it at night.

Oh, but wait....

Laughing

No one was talking about riding at night, bud.

It was a good attempt and all, but you seem to have come up a bit short.

Do try again, though.

Ah, and because you seem to be just a tad bit clueless, you don't wear reflectors. They go on the actual bike itself. Of course, you're the one talking about 'driving' a bike as well, so I guess there's not much hope of you knowing what you're talking about.
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carleverson



Joined: 04 Dec 2009

PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 5:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

runthegauntlet wrote:
carleverson wrote:


You answered your own question you moron. Did I say you wear reflectors during the day???? You wear reflectors AT NIGHT Rolling Eyes and I know plenty of riders (mostly commuters) who wear reflective clothing, bands, etc.. at night.


So now you're going to qualify your asinine 'advice' about reflectors with "at night".

Because when looking for information about weekend riding in rural areas, most people are going to do it at night.

Oh, but wait....

Laughing

No one was talking about riding at night, bud.

It was a good attempt and all, but you seem to have come up a bit short.

Do try again, though.

Ah, and because you seem to be just a tad bit clueless, you don't wear reflectors. They go on the actual bike itself. Of course, you're the one talking about 'driving' a bike as well, so I guess there's not much hope of you knowing what you're talking about.


OK, you win Bike God.
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