Y’all… I can be such a doofus! If you know me, you know I’m fueled by humor. Or I’m easily amused… whatever. Anyway, twice in the past I’ve posted photos of things I found hilarious or people who make me laugh.

Not long ago, I was riding my bike along an access road lined with industrial-type businesses–auto body shop, pipe yard, that sort of thing. There in front of me was a clever billboard. I’d driven by it on the highway several times, always wishing I could stop the car and take a photo for my next “make me laugh” post. But now I was on the access road. This was my chance, right?

Seeing nothing along this section except some scrubby bushes and a chain-link fence, I rode off the shoulder onto the gravel and stopped. “I won’t be in anyone’s way here,” I said. Too lazy to go lean my bike against the fence, I just stood over it and pulled out my phone. As I jockeyed around with the zoom, steadying the bike with one hand while trying to snap a photo with the other, an air horn honked directly behind me, as gently as an air horn can honk–which, I assure you, is not especially gentle.

Startled out of my wits, I bobbled the phone but miraculously did NOT drop it, then turned. There stood a whole 18-wheeler rig, right-hand turn signal flashing, with the driver giving me an apologetic grin and a shrug.

Seriously? HERE?

Flashing my own apologetic grin, I duck-walked the bike forward a few yards, barking my ankle bone only once. The truck pulled toward the fence. Where does he think he’s going? The driver hopped out, went to the fence, and opened this giant chain-link gate that I hadn’t noticed until just now.

Oh.

“I can’t pass up a funny billboard,” I explained, pointing to my would-be photography subject. He laughed, climbed back into the cab, and waved as he drove through the gate.

Self-inflicted traffic jam cleared, I took my photo and resumed my ride home.

I would show you the billboard, but I’m saving it for my next “Make Me Laugh” post.

Thanks for reading. And until next time, watch out for stealth 18-wheelers!

Tailwinds,

Jan