Chris L

The second one of each I've encountered this year, at least this time they both happened in the one incident (whether I should be glad about that is highly debatable). This one happened at about 5pm at the start of this evening's ride, just as I was accelerating away from a red light at the intersection of Sunshine Boulevard and Markeri Street (i.e. only a few hundred metres from where I live). I knew something just wasn't right as I took off, something wasn't happening as it should, one of the cars behind me wasn't accelerating as it should have been.

Instinct took over, fortunately there's a small slip lane outside the bike lane in this section (so much for bike lanes being any use), I moved across quickly, to see the car in question zooming across the spot where I would have been, and some yobbo on the passenger side leaning out the window swinging what looked like a very poorly formed fist (he missed by more than the car did). It later occurred to me that the reason they hadn't accelerated the way the rest of the traffic did was that they were literally taking the time to line me up and have a really good shot. They missed anyway, stupid ****s.

From what I could see of their attire, it appears as though they were on the way home from an afternoon spent getting very drunk and watching cars go around in circles very, very fast. Ironically, they were quite possibly stuck in gridlock every afternoon last week because of those same cars (something for which I feel absolutely no sympathy whatsoever). The interesting thing was the total lack of trepidation I felt both during and after the incident. About the only thing I felt from within was a mild irritation that I hadn't brought a pen and paper with me to write down a few details. Maybe I just wasn't that surprised.

Interestingly, it was actually the prelude to one of the most spectacular rides I've had this year. The next 92km showcased mist rolling off the ocean at Kirra (twice), an incredible sunset that lit up the entire sky over Bilambil, the glow-worms that greeted me in the John Hogan rainforest, the two thunderstorms creating a light show on The Pilgrims' Road that puts just about every fireworks display in the history of the universe to shame, and the stunning rainforest at night on Urliup Road (if you haven't ridden this at night, why are you still alive?), and the moonlight inspired silhouette of the surrounding hills that was almost a constant companion.

I can't say I'm terribly religious, but it's fairly obvious whose side the Gods were on in this one.

CommuterKat

Pictures, Chris, We need more of your spectacular pictures!!!

Kat

P.S. Glad you were ok!

JavaMan

Woah! Glad you're OK. You have mentioned the abusive drivers there several times since I have been on the Forum. What's their problem? I used to consider some of your views to be extreme, but not any more. Now I'll pray for your safety!

I saw a very thin, rectangular IC recorder for about $10 on the web. It records 20 seconds of voice, enough to catch the date, time, location, and description of a car and driver. That might be better and faster than writing it all down.
Tom

Bop Bop

Chris,

Glad you are ok. As many have said repeatedly on this Forum, you must always know your surroundings, keep your eyes, ears and mind working constantly, they are the best weapons we have.

Chris L

On reflection, some of the views I've written here probably have been extreme. While the fact is that not every driver behaves the way these jerks did (and indeed, these jerks may not have done so had they not been drunk), I guess the real morons like that stand out. I've actually had a pretty good run recently, only gratuitous honks to be concerned about (and they don't bother me at all). I suppose something like this was due to happen, but that doesn't somehow make it right.

Writing it all down wouldn't have been a problem, had I remembered to bring a pen/pencil and note pad. I'm sure I could have retained the number in my memory for long enough to stop and write it down. The location wouldn't have changed, nor would the time. Trouble is, I just forgot to bring them.

Still a memorable ride, for other reasons though.

CommuterKat

So, did you get any more of your famous pics while you were out there?

Chris L

Not last weekend. Saturday sucked (bushfire smoke), and I didn't bring the camera on Sunday night. Might have to wait for this weekend.

CommuterKat