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    The Chicago Pass.

    I set out to the BCR Saturday, a day late to avoid the rain and for my punishment, rode down in the poring rain. I took a two laner, US421 to Lafayette, then US231 to Spenser.
    Riding a 2 laner is mostly preferable to taking an interstate, but they have one main issue, Pilgrim Caravans. A pilgrim is a driver not in a hurry, driving below my pace. My pace on a 2 lane highway is 65 mph, 55 is the posted limit. A caravan forms when another pilgrim tailgates the first and then another and more, until there's 4 or 5 pilgrims bumper to bumper, too close together to allow me to pass them each one by one.
    After hours of rain I was getting cranky. I came up to a caravan and passed the last two cars and forced my way in. The road looked clear so I pulled out to get the lead two cars. Lo and behold a grey car, in a grey landscape appeared in front of me. There was a dip in the road ahead, and this car came forth from the dip. I'm not the panic type so I applied a little brake slowed down and forced my way back into the caravan where I came. The person behind me was just mean enough to close the gap when I pulled out, but not fast enough.
    After a minute I felt that post adrenaline heaviness, and the realization came that for a moment there I was looking into the eyes of the man with whom was to collide.
    We were coming into a small town, slowed down and came to a stop light. As we sat there I had a flash back to my life in Chicago during the 1980s & 90s. I pulled up to the front of the line on the right, and when the light changed to green I pulled out and left this pilgrim caravan behind.
    That's what I call a Chicago Pass. However when I lived in Chicago I used to call it a Stop Light Pass. Chicago Pass sounds more cool and that's where I learned it.
    I used a Chicago Pass three more times on my way south, and once on my way north. But really I don't like to do it, it gets folks riled up. On my way north I dumped a red neck in his black pickup, he tried to catch up to me on the highway, but he cooled off.
    Anyway I'm sure I did not invent that trick, but it was my bad to use it.
    Bill
    P.S. That is how we collect fe' the old way.
    1982 GS1100G- road bike
    1990 GSX750F-(1127cc '92 GSXR engine)
    1987 Honda CBR600F Hurricane

    #2
    I've learned a couple of new terms today -- "Chicago Pass" and "Pilgrims". I agree that 231 is usually full of pilgrims, and the nanny state of Indiana has removed almost all the passing zones over the last several years.

    It's often far safer to exploit the power and maneuverability of a motorcycle to create space around yourself.

    You do want to make sure there are no pilgrims hiding in the dips ahead, though...

    Good to meet you this weekend, and glad you made it home safe!
    1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
    2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
    2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
    Eat more venison.

    Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

    Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

    SUPPORT THIS SITE! DONATE TODAY!

    Co-host of "The Riding Obsession" sport-touring motorcycling podcast at tro.bike!

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