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Oh, Thank Heaven?

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An open letter to the people who make one East Dallas convenience store inconvenient.

Dear White Rock Lake-area cyclists,

Let me start off by applauding your efforts to stay fit. Furthermore, allow me to doff my metaphorical cap at your brave decision to pursue your fitness regimen outdoors. It is Texas, after all. Anyone who willingly ventures away from air-conditioned comfort, especially to exercise, is nothing short of a hero. “Attaboys” (or “attagirls”) all around.

That said, a request. Please stop using the 7-Eleven at the corner of Garland Road and Winsted Drive as your personal locker room. Every weekend, that particular 7-Eleven becomes lousy with dozens of sweaty bike-riding enthusiasts, most clad in spandex that could, at best, be described as “unflattering.” You strut around out front like you just won the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. (In fact, many of you are wearing yellow jerseys, from the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Collection.) Inside, your sudoriferous peloton pulls out damp dollars from God knows where to pay for Gatorades and energy bars and what have you.

But that’s not my only gripe. Yes, I’ve noticed the eye-daggers being flung my way while trying to negotiate a parking lot made increasingly unpredictable by you and your fellow cyclists’ casual approach to navigation. The look is equal parts flared-nostril contempt for my choice of conveyance and puffed-chest turf marking born out of your suspicion that I might inadvertently use my car as a weapon. (Which, yes, I know happens; see David Feherty’s story on page 108.) I just want to pick up my cigarettes, maybe a cup of coffee, and leave. My usual shopping list brings me enough shame. I don’t need you adding to it.

Listen, I’m one of the good guys. If I see you pedaling away in my lane, I always grant you a wide berth. I love Breaking Away. I might even buy a bike at some point. I just want my 7-Eleven back. You can have the one on Tavaros Avenue. I don’t go there much.

Best,

Zac Crain

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