American Reacts to Cycling in Catalonia
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- Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
- Some observations about the biggest differences in riding a bike in the US vs. the Catalonian region of Spain.
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When you have settled in Girona, and want to explore more alternative biking, remember you have the rest of Europe really close by and accessible by train (with bikes)… France, the Netherlands and in summer Scandinavia
Here in Sweden there is a lot of bikepacking and our ’allemansrätten' entails us to camp pretty much anywhere we want as long as we keep a distance to people’s houses and gardens
I think you would like it here in the summer (our winters suck though)
yes ! +1 to this. Many European countries nearby and probably some have more developed bikepacking scenes depending on various factors (population/small-town density maybe being on big factor)
i was coming to write the same thing. Europe and the UK on your doorstep.
This lack of alt-cycling culture is even more pronounced here in Central Europe. It is reflected in the local bike shop sortiment, their marketing and online content. It's all competition focused, training-efficiency obsessed lycra-clad amateur dudes (as you’d expect), gravity bros or very elitist hipster roadies in minimalist dresses (who only recently came to discover the grav thing). Czechs are maybe an exception in that they historically like to adopt US subcultures and maintain it passionately (e.g. country music, camping... and now gravel). There are custom made steel bike brands there (SingleBe..), and even some grass roots non-corprate gravel events. Greetings from Slovakia.
And there are quiet a lot of alternative cycling brands around Europe, we're just more used to e-commerce I guess. Bikepacking bags Tarka in Lithuania, Pelago bikes in Finland - those are just a few names from the top of my memory. I don't know if it's any good, but my acquaintances in cycling business go to Eurobike to showcase their work and look at others.
yep. our winter simply puts a full stop to road cycling and adventure :(
As a spaniard I have watched this video from the other shore. So there's paper at US restrooms? 😂 About the cars being careful,here if you don't leave 1,5m between car and cyclist you get withdrawn 6 points out of your 12 points driving license . Getting your license back is no joke and not cheap
Yes, but still there are many jerks that don't respect cyclists, that's why living in Catalonia I try not to do road cycling, because almost always you get a serious scaring from a driving asshole. Better do gravel MTB etc.
😂 glad to see that there is a price to pay jfor illegal manpovourd
yes, paper is in every toilet there, even in remote places such as National Forests. In many occasions, the rolls were many!
Here in South Carolina USA the bathrooms are well hidden by bushes.
all over the whole planet....!
Just embrace the fitness aspect of it for a while. It opens up options. You are allowed to do both you know: party pace on niche steel bikes with bespoke components and a high tempo early morning coffee ride with the roadies on their carbon frames. Riding far and fast is fun too.
All over Europe country gravel roads go through farms, I never got shot😊. Also: no Clif bars unfortunately but some variety of energy bars at your local Decathlon. Public restrooms are tree shaped😂
Seconded i.e. gravel or dirt roads thru farms, a common occurrence everywhere in Europe.
Energy bar ?
Who needs energy bars when you can buy tinned/canned fish in olive oil (sprats, anchovies, maquerel or herring filets ...etc.) everywhere in Europe ?
Alimento de mierda vs Super-food, No brainer.
+ you can lube your chain with the oil 😉.
TotallY right...! @@cyclistefroisse9267 And if you come to Valencia region, only with our "esmorçaret" ( a really big "bocadillo" (gigantic sandwich) wiyh some olives, salad, and a "cremaet cofee"....you will'nt need nothing to eat till midnight...!
Your comments are spot on. Spain definitely has the most courteous drivers in the world for bicyclists. Also, we have found Spain to cost about 1/2 of what a similar meal out or accommodations would cost here in the US. Glad things seem to be going well for you in Spain.
As a Brit, I avoid public toilets everywhere and use them only as a last resort. I always look for coffee shops, eateries, or supermarkets to ensure a reasonable chance of cleanliness. It's really interesting to see your views of European culture, so I'm particularly enjoying these early videos. Take care, and have a wonderful Christmas as only European countries do.
As proud American white trash, I will avere that a bike ride is not a satisfying experience without a hearty bare-assed shit in the great outdoors. Leaves will do in a pinch; just be able to identify poison ivy.
Me da gusto escucharles hablar español, he estado siguiendo el canal desde hace años. Saludos desde México!
Hi, I am very happy to have you here in Europe! ❤
You can definitely check Nordestcycles in Spain, Victoirecycles in France, 8bar-bikes in Germany, Brother cycles in the UK, Drag bicycles in Bulgaria 😊
Happy exploring and Happy new year 🎉
Love hearing about the culture differences between Catalonia and the states. Fascinating stuff!!!
Living in Spain gives you access to the rest of Europe. There is a vast alt bike culture in some European countries (Despite the negative hype, that still includes the UK) and ordering stuff across the continent is easy. I often buy bits from Germany and the Netherlands and they arrive in a couple of days and most websites allow you to order in English. I'm hoping to tour parts of Spain in the late spring 2024 and am looking forward to it (Drivers in the UK are a bit like in the USA - unfortunately!).
seems to me that now the king and queen of the alt scene have shown up on their doorstep, the alt-hesitant will scarcely be able to withstand the peer pressure😋
I went riding around Lake Como in Italy, Madona de Gisallo, Muro Di Sormano , these are serious routes and every corner had a bike rental shop with the Latest and the greatest, i am talking about DI2 equipped bikes, $10k climbing bikes, Bianchi, Pinarello, Cannondale, etc. Some tourist were good riders and competent but the ones flying were the locals on silly cheap bikes, narrow tires, small cassette, their flawless technique and fluidity was something i will never forget. That is what you get in a place where cycling is religion.
Spent 3 weeks bikepacking in northern Spain last year. Food, accommodation and driver attitude observations really resonated.
I believe not many bikepackers in Girona, there's more trendy/instragram riders, and pro/racing etc. Gravel turned quickly into a competitive culture, sadly. If you guys wanna check Montserrat/Manresa/Anoia area let me know, I'll take you guys around anytime, no rush and no KOM's, cheers!
after living in Europe for nearly a decade I think in terms of food and drink, Europeans mentality is more like you don't need to carry so much. I remember one of my friends would only bring a water bottle for really long rides.
Yes - in much of say Italy, 10km gets you to another good bakery at least. In the US, you could literally die of thirst on a hot day in many places going between towns.
As a person who loves their Pinion gearbox bike, I would LOVE to be able to test ride one of those Nua Ti bikes. I know internal gearing goes against the Ethos of Party Pace, but man, I love the service schedule of changing the oil once a year, if that, and nothing else. Belt drive just works and lasts crazy long. And once you get used to the shifting of internal gearing, it's just second nature. I've switched to only belt/internal gearing, but I do sometimes miss the lightness of a regular geared bike.
Man, so jellous! I'm planning my way to Spain, Catalonia is sounding like a nice place to be. Love your videos!
same than they talk is in all Spain... ;)
I am sure you know "viajar and roll" - He (sergio Luna) seems to be connected with bikepacking community in Spain and also knows shops that cater to this type of adventure cycling. He runs workshops throughput the country.
Hey , Tu Espagnol esta mejorando mucho. Muy bien! Felicitaciones. Saludos desde Montreal.
Bikepackid is a bag maker and bikepacker from Spain! They've also made several youtube vids. I got myself his camera bag (stem bag style) and it's really great.
Quercus is a bag brand out of Valencia. There used to be a few social rides in Barcelona that were true social rides (not fast). It seems that most people focus on competition and riding as a challenge/fitness, not as a way to relax. If it's not mainstream XC or Road, parts are hard to find at stores. That goes for bikepacking to gravel to non-XC MTBing. Unless I compete, I don't consider riding my bike a sport, maybe a hobby or activity. It is always considered a "deporte" in Spanish, a cultural difference for sure.
The Party Pace movement needs to happen in Catalonia! Perhaps Party Pace stickers with both English and equivalent local translation can kick-start the movement
Paso Party / Paso Fiesta / 🎉 😂
@@altabajacalifornia7133 I would definitely like a Paso Fiesta sticker, that sounds great 😀
I concur with all of this! Recently we toured BCN through Catalunya and southern France. Drivers are very considerate, even the large lorry drivers. The farm path route is a thing in France as well. And people don’t really camp there! Their version of “Camping” is usually small cabins clustered at a resort with a pool. “Wild camping”as they call it, is rare, and often something generally a bit covert out of sight when cycle touring.
It’s so much nicer to be a bike as a part of traffic, as opposed to being “in” traffic in the states.
These update vids are great!
What most US people don't quite get is how densely populated Europe is in general. For example the most isolated point in France is in the middle of a national park about 5km from the closest house. Wilderness isn't really a thing when you have people living there for a few millenias.
All of this sounds just like riding in Italy! The breakfast, bathrooms, chill drivers are the same as what you are describing. Another thing we noticed was chill dogs, compared to the crazy dogs that chase us daily while riding in Texas. We rode from Rome to London and were not chased or bitten once!
I would love to see those bike brands! "Folding cargo bike" Who doesn't need that in their life? Trouble is always getting them across the Atlantic. Living your adventure vicariously is what makes this all work.
I back that statement! I need a folding cargo bike!!
Bike Friday in Oregon makes one.
Ok Russ answered the question further down. It is Braucycles
The bike Friday cargo bike doesn’t fold
Thank you!@@JoakimGarde
Russ, it sounds like you need to start a chill bike group in that area who wants to do relaxed rides and enjoy the relaxed bike culture.
I think most people Russ talks about have a different understanding of chill/ party pace. When going out with my friends in France we would consider a 25 km/h a very social vibey pace. Stop for some beer or wine half way, eat something. Spend the day on the bike and cycle 100-160 km. Thats our party pace
I'd be in!
I've been thinking about moving to Spain for a long time now, so these videos are interesting to me. Although I'd probably want to live more west than where you are...but good tips and thoughts for sure.
Great to hear about your experience of the cars. I was afraid about that after hearing about Imogen Cotter's crash in Girona. Maybe you can start the alt-bar scene! I bet people would love to come and go on a week of local cycles with you and Laura.
Quercus outdoor equipment is a super nice independent bag maker. And there are more for sure. There are at least 3 or 4 custom bike makers that I'm sure you'll find soon enough.
All right then, keep your secrets
Sounds like you are tapping into a potential growth sector of the cycling world. As hard as it may be now, i see great future potential . Maybe you are the first party pace group ride in town 😉
...and you nailed it as far as the local scene goes: they expect you to carry on a normal conversation while laying down 400 watts.
😂😂
Good one !!
I said it before and i will say it again, the differences are evident and obvious but that is the beauty of moving into a place like that, one must be very sure why you made the move in the first place/? to explore and report? millions have done it already, to experience and adapt? to learn and become a bigger person? if you limit your stay there to running out of ideas for videos you are doing it for the wrong reason. You have a solid platform and experience, you are good at what you do , find a way to show them that and then you arrived.
Just look at Alina Jager @clippedinandfree. She is making the most of it, i support anyone taking on such challenge
I haven't seen your videos for 3 months, and I return to see this massive change!
I envy you, :)
Can’t wait to see you build a full roadie bike 😍 we know it’s coming!
Some of the Spanish bag makers include Cordel (Madrid), Duo Bags (Barcelona), Bikepackid (Zaragoza, not sure),Quercusoutdoors(Valencia)
Congrats and hope too see more content about Spain and Europe
As for the bikepacking, there is lots of that in northern Europe. In most Scandinavian countries it is legal to wild camp, but it is not in the rest of Europe, so that might be the reason.
Very cool that you moved to Spain! There's so much excellet cycling in the region...the region being Western Europe. I think one thing you might find that's a big difference is that it's so easy to travel within Europe that you can have all kinds of different cylcing adventures.
I really enjoyed biking up the coast of Portugal north from Lisbon. It's incredibly beautiful to bike up the ocean there. And Sintra is very cool I thought.
Hey Russ, have a look at Quercus, Bikepackid, Cordel, Akin, Geosmina. All Spanish bikepacking bag makers. Also you probably want to check out the guys of Ciclofactoria, a bit far from Girona but big influence on the all cycling/touring scene. Check their podcast too Construyendo Untraciclismo.
Sounds like a business opportunity for you Russ. You could be the "ambassador of riding your bike for fun". Maybe even go so far as to open your own shop and bring over the great alt cycling brands we have here.. serve coffee and spin vinyl too.. I bet it would be a hit.
Talking about bike parts, indeed new "alt" parts are a bit harder to get, but I think old vintage mtb/road stuff is super available and cheap. If you scroll through french or dutch second hand websites you can find real treasures, and i think they in most cases they can be shipped to ship to spain.
Great vid. Again. When we rode across France I found the drivers patient and when they passed they did slow slowly and used turn signals. As a US guy it was shocking. I loved it.
The energy bar comment made me laugh out loud. Absolutely valid observation to compare to America, but America doesn't come off all that well in the comparison if you take a step back.
Why would anyone eat the weird food-as-medicine emergency paste when, if you're away from a pleasant cafe you could bring some bread and meats or cheese, olives, that are inexpensive and ubiquitous. Is it really party pace if you don't have a nice picnic, maybe with a little wine?
Thanks for making my world larger 😊
As a european, I enjoyed the possibilities offered in the States. There are tons of reasons to prefer north america for riding, from broad sholders to entire states with no traffic at all. Quite frankly, Europe is indeed cool, but for cultural heritage mostly. Naturewise, the USA west territories are outstanding. Nothing can match that.
I was there last month and saw u cycling away and was disappointed I didn’t have the chance to say hello to a fellow American. I’ve been there twice already and going back in March. I hear ya and agree… but when I Girona, follow their way… I love it there and the people. Permanently moving out there soon.
Bikepackid makes cool handmade bikepacking bags in Spain
It'd be cool to see a video on folding cargo bike! It looks super practical
Not sure about spain, but in europe there are many bag manufacturers. Even some custom ones from Poland and Ukraine accessible through Etsy.
Catalonia looks beautiful, and I'd love to visit. But, for me, home is home. I've visited a number of places around the world that I love to visit. Even Dorothy, after all of her wondrous adventures clicked the heels of her ruby slippers and said, "There's no place like home." I admire your adventurous spirit in relocating and wish you bona sort!
Hi!! In summer you will see a lot more RV from Nederland in Girona, and atl bike live there is more in BCN, Valencia and Madrid. Brand from Spain in aware are el burro biking for rack hand made, nukak for bags made of recycled tube but not much more that I’m aware of, there is a bunch of French and Germans builders where there is more scene and is super easy to import. Also when you have a retailer like decathlon is hard to compete for small creators. I live in Madrid but have a house near la escala / bascara I would love to meet you guys, in February I will be there and then again in Holy Week
Thanks for the tips!
I think that Spain is more sport and competition oriented than France. Cross the border and you will find many gravel and bikepacking oriented workshop. For example Caminade (close to Perpignan)
Appreciated your comments about general fitness levels. I knew about the high fitness levels around the pro scene in Girona, but it would good to learn that it extends to the general populace. Training to join a social ride? Wow.
As an American living in France, this all resonates as true. The biggest part I love about Europe is the higher level of skill/ more chill motorists. I think it has to do with how much more difficult a license is to get here. Also fewer big vehicles.
Same situation with hiking or other outdoor activties over multiple days. Hike between huts/cabins with food vs remote spot to remote spot set up tent and cook. There is no tent camping on popular routes in Europe and other locations around the world, just the huts system. What we call trails and back roads in the States is the way people get around for centuries-thousands of years with small places to restock, eat, relax in the Old World vs wilderness here in North America. Expect that of drivers with bikes over in Europe to be more respectful. Many small towns ban cars as no room for them so it walk or bike or public transit. It must be nice live in that situation with outdoors and town for the people.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
For parts and buying bikepacking specific bags and accessories, I always rely on online stores (mostly from Germany). I live in Tallinn, Estonia, and there is just one dedicated alternative cycling store here. You have to see the European economic market as a whole, smaller in size than the U.S. Since Spain is roughly the size of Texas, it's not a fair comparison with the whole US market. Plus, buying goods and shipping within the European Union is pretty easy and safe... of course, it's a different experience than going to a local bike shop.
How is the culture of using bikes as transport vs. recreation over there? Stuff like bike commuting or using bikes to get around for other day to day stuff?
In Italy, France, Spain, Uk, people jumped on the competitive aspect of the cycling wagon in the xix (19th) century.
The rest was everyday cycling in very urbanized environments. So, Alternative Cycling is not a thing because there isn't something to be alternative to.
Most of that rings true where I am in SW France. It is pretty darn good after New Zealand. Now I am tempted to cross the Spanish frontier.
Sounds like there’s great opportunity in covering the European bike scene even if bike packing takes a back seat for awhile.
Bathroom accessibility is nice in the US compared to what I've seen in Europe. I do mostly ride bike paths and sidewalks as roads are getting too dangerous with distracted drivers.
I'll be interested to see how you adapt to the cycling scene in Spain. Maybe videos on supple 28c tires and weight saving components? What an adventure you're on. Can't wait for upcoming content.
💫 I would love to see cycling rides in Andorra. Take a look, maybe that works for you guys !!! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
hello Russ, welcome to this part of the world
i was trying to publish a comment with the contact of Alex, who is making bikepacking bags in the area of Valencia, but i think the comment was deleted, his brand is Quercus Outdoor Equipment, i hope this info is useful
cheers
sergio
Perhaps add some fruit to your breakfasts? Pastries and fruit (glucose and fructose) is perfect "ride fuel". If you're really missing fats and protein first thing order Oreja de Cerdo
As for energy bars ,I make my own its cheaper and you know what's in them. I live in France .
Your Spanish is awesome!
Hi there from England !!!. Not a bike related item but would love to know the difference between Spain and USA on a local level in relation to Christmas. Here's wishing you both a Merry Xmas and Happy New year!! Stay Safe xx
Well, if u miss Montana, Finland, Sweden & Norway are good substitutes.
Great Scandinavian self deprecating sense of humor 😁
They don’t have the Åland archipelago, the Stockholm archipelago and the Lofoten Islands in Montana 😉.
@@cyclistefroisse9267 Oh yes Åland Islands & Lofoten ❤️
Try Suba bikes or Finna bikes.
The former has great gravel option and the latter has adventure bike.
What kind of gloves do you use while riding? That mesh looks comfortable.
Private property works differently around the world. Places closer to Germany have an even broader view of public through access to private land. That crossing land in a sensible way doesn't cause damage and is fine
I think the gravel road going through private farms is everywhere in Europe. Actually in my experience Spain is more restrictive then other western Europe countries.
Good to know :D The endless private olive orchards got tiring the time I toured there.
I don't think so. France and Italy are quite more restrictive, under my experience of more than 25 years pedaling all Europe...
What handlebars do you have on the Sammy now?
The larger European capitols have fun alt bike cultures, Zurich has some interesting alt frame builders and shops; favorite alt cycling shoes used to be Belgium shoe company CYCLEUR de LUXE. before they became all fashiony. Cool alt cycling helmets from Yakkay in Denmark. Your in Europe, all this is just a train ride or cheapo Ryan Air flight away.
I spent 6 weeks cycling in Spain last summer - You missed one of the most important issues, in Spain restaurants close in the afternoon and don’t open until 8pm. Unless you are in a tourist area don’t plan on eating dinner before 8pm , almost all restaurants won’t open until 8.
😄 Absolutely. The siesta is holy and its ok because of the heat in summer when its so hot that you do not want to eat until it cools down. But you can find a supermercado during the daytime to get a beverage and Snacks. The funnyest thing for me was that in the late evening also kids came out of their homes like mouses to be outside.
I would love to see more Alt cycling in the EU.
That was some great information . I would love to do a biking vacation in Spain . Do offer decent bikes to rent ?
Yes!
Sí...!
Obviously the Universe has placed you in Catalonia to spread the joy of Party Pace Culture.🙂 Best of luck and carry on!
The restroom situation is standard for all of Europe
You make it sound pretty good. Future videos may need to differ from past videos. Maybe some bike maintenance and / or repair videos could be created. Sure Park Tools makes these videos, but the owner would have a different perspective.
Hey! you should have a look to this brands. Quercus outdoors (bikepacking gear), velouria cycles (ti mtb’s and gravel bikes), sombra cycles, jeronimo cycles & arregui velazquez (custom frames) you will be surprised…Ah! And bikepacking kid. All of them Spanish brands 👌🏼
Paso Fiesta, it's all out there to find, Europe 😀
This is so important. Russ that video is very nice and loveable because many people do not focus on the most important things like restrooms and these little differences. Somebody with a shotgun 😆, yes its sad how far the americans have let it gone... so far. Does it hurt somebody if someone passes a way on foot or with his bike?!. Yeah its time for a revolution in the US and we have to pay attention to keep our citizens rights here in Europe because we see here some tendencies that farmers try to stop people from using farm roads and green belts, at least here in Germany and that some communitys obviously make their forrest ways not passable by using very sharp, large and edged stones to keep cyclists and normal strollers out.
this is very true, even though I think in Germany it's still very good, I've had the experience where you could tell some farmers wanted to make it seem like you should not go there, very annoying.
@@BruceChastain It varies from area to area thats for sure but especially where I live its very annoying. They put up own and invalid signs, because everybody is allowed to use farm roads and ways in the forrests. Naturschutzgebiete Nature reserve naturally not but these signs are clear defined and everybody knows them. But there are so many normal forrests where are strange signs to be found they are painted with Wildruhezone. Nicht betreten!
The hunters try to keep em all out... And some time ago we also had a community in Bayern /bavaria that had its 5 minutes of Fame beeing shown in the television for preparing the forrestroads in a speciall way. The peoole living there went out to demonstrate and called out for help from the TV because they were no longer able to go out with their dogs or bikes in the nearby forrest, unpassable unless you use a suv or some of those giant harvesters and stuff. Everything full off jagged and lose stones. The middleadged landowners mentality comes back and it has to be stopped.
I love it! Bringing alt cycling to the European masses!!
I think for the most part worldwide Japan and USA have the alt cycling vibe nailed down I honestly can’t think of any other country and I believe it boils down to culture.
Euro velo routes?
Ooo.... what is the name of the company making folders?
Braucycles
I've found that in the US, the more rural you get the more people strongly object to any "intrusion" into private property. What Russ is saying is probably true for Montana (or where I used to live in western Colorado) but less true in western Massachusetts (where I live now) or suburban areas. This is probably because people who live in truly rural areas of the US are doing so precisely BECAUSE they want to live on their own in privacy. In my experience, there's a strong etiquette of entering private property or approaching someone's home in a truly rural area of the US or Canada. If you demonstrate respect and have a genuine reason to be there, I've found people in the rural US are very welcoming and helpful. By the same token, if you don't demonstrate respect and care on private property in a rural area here in the US I've found people will interpret your actions as extreme rudeness and react accordningly. Here in western Mass? Eh, people are much more chill.
As a Brit, living in the states, I really miss Europe. There are some really good independent brands from Germany and the UK, I'm sure someone like Mason (I may be biased as I own two of their bikes) would send you something out. The bikepacking scene is definitely different, but camping knowing you can get to a big supermarket every morning to top up water, food and use the facilities definitely makes it more accessible IMO.
I’m curious to know what part of the states you’re in, some states vary greatly. Last year I rode my bike across the US from San Francisco to Maine, and passed through 15 states in total. I don’t think I came across more than two bike shops in the entire states of Nevada & South Dakota but even in sparser states like Nebraska you have cool shops like Ponderosa Cycles, which are top notch in alt bike goods (IMO).
It’s interesting how things are different in Europe. Here in tct you may not see a single soul for few hundred kilometers, and there while bikepacking you can stay in a hotel and have a shower each night! Also as you said, maybe people take cycling more serious form of sports/fitness than just party pacing!! ✌🏾
Pedaleo en Sandalias should be the next sticker
Your Spanish has gotten good fast!
Germany is über bike friendly with miles & miles of bike paths.
That’s not that long ago, compared to the US, as it happens spanish farmers no longer cut hay with scythes, builders no longer juggle with 20kg stones in order to build stone houses, road workers hardly ever dig holes using spades.
As a consequence our diet has evolved..
5000 Kcal breakfast are no longer needed by a huge majority of people in western countries ( that includes the US).
That said, I doubt very much spanish construction workers, roofers, road workers, forestry workers exposed to cold temperatures, rain, snow, even, sustain themselves, in the morning, with a coffee and a croissant ?
Whatever they’re having for breakfast, you’ll have to ask them 😉.
Coffee+croissants is not *a* spanish breakfast, some Spaniards breakfast, possibly, more like a tourist breakfast, IMHO.
Out of curiosity, why did you decide to move there?
I mean. Look at the cycling. It’s fn amazing.
Sounds like you have a niche of introducing and promoting alt cycling to that area. Make it a thing. I'm sure there are others who will participate, not everyone is a pro.
The bathroom issue.... I found in France you often had to pay to use a restroom ... As an older person bathroom availability is important. Little easier for men. I did love the more courteous drivers, after experiencing many events ( several per year) of someone trying to run me off the road, things thrown at me, being yelled at, people sticking there arms out to hit me...( Yes, all these, and I'm not an inconsiderate rider. Basically obey traffic laws). Enjoy that environment despite lack of toilets!
Just look for a cornfield to poop in.