Southern California - Angeles Crest -

Had a great ride today up Angeles Crest from La Canada to Mt. Disappointment.

I noticed that the Crotch rocket riders were much more aggressive today. As usual, most of them were very nice - but a couple did honk (?) at me and give me the finger.

While we descended, there were a couple of riders crossing the double-yellow line on blind corners. (??)

Three ambulances (as well as many fire trucks, Sheriff's trucks, etc.) were heading up as I descended too.

Is there something in the water? Are motorcycle dealers giving free bikes to 16 year-olds? It was really weird up there today.

Sadly, that has been my NORMAL experience on that road. CHP and Caltrans are getting tired of scraping them off the mountain. They will pass over a double line in a blind turn even WITH oncoming traffic. Those adrenaline junkies need to take it elsewhere. I don't need to have my life ended because someone thought it was cool to be stupid. I go there to enjoy the terrain, geology, and views, not idiocy.

Sunday seems to be the worst day for the rice rockets. It seems like when one goes down 2 jump up in his place. How was Mt Dissapointment? I hear it's steep and there are bears up there:lol:

Sunday seems to be the worst day for the rice rockets. It seems like when one goes down 2 jump up in his place. How was Mt Dissapointment? I hear it's steep and there are bears up there:lol:

hmmm... I think I usually do that ride on Saturday, so that may account for some of the difference.

Disappointment is a great climb - I think it's steeper and tougher than the climb to the observatory. It pitches up significantly for the last 1/4 mile or so. The only downside is that it's a narrow and poorly paved road - going faster than 20 on the descent is a bad idea.

Most of the motorcycle riders on AC are pretty nice, and if I get honked at, it is usually a friendly "just letting you know I'm passing" honk, often with a peace sign as they go by. But as usual, there are always a few bad apples. One of them honked before blowing by us at an alarming speed, and then we saw him sitting on the bench outside of Newcomb's slurring and ranting about everything from cyclists in his way to his wife being lazy... obviously drunk. Great, drunk and on windy roads being an a-hole.

Sadly, that has been my NORMAL experience on that road... I go there to enjoy the terrain, geology, and views, not idiocy.

I agree, especially on weekends. While in a car up there recently, some guy flipped us off for using a turn-out to let him pass; guy probably screams obscenities at the squirrels and birds too for interfering with what he seemed to think was his private race track.

I thought the Harley guys were better, but we recently had a group of them ride the wrong way through our campground (Lake) in the middle of the night, revving their engines, just to be obnoxious/provocative. Now I usually only stay in the more remote campgrounds or back-pack and try to hit the road on a weekday.

Bears and coyotes are minimal concerns compared to psychopathic drivers :notamused:

Is there something in the water? Are motorcycle dealers giving free bikes to 16 year-olds? It was really weird up there today.

A good chunk of them are young military kids. What's a GI to do when he comes back to sleepy old America with six months of unspent hazardous duty pay and an acclimation to adrenaline?
There are sportbikes available that will approach 200mph that cost around $15K.

Back in the Vietnam era, Kawasaki sold a lot of MachIII's--a 3-cylinder, 2-stroke engine that would easily walk away from all of the muscle-cars of the early 70's. They were called "Nickel Rockets".

I agree, especially on weekends. While in a car up there recently, some guy flipped us off for using a turn-out to let him pass; guy probably screams obscenities at the squirrels and birds too for interfering with what he seemed to think was his private race track.



That describes the "squids" that flipped me off. They didn't even have to cross the yellow line to pass me on their motorcycles, and still got all pissed. wtf?

It always reminds me of an altercation I saw at the top of GMR. Some guy in a mercedes had apparently flipped off a harley rider on the way up, then stopped at the top to take in the view. The harley rider pulled up a few minutes later and kicked his ass.

Wow, is the attitude different from GMR? I've never had a problem with a crotchrocket. Usually a friendly nod but never a finger. Maybe they like my orange jersey?:D

The only one that gave me problems was a 70 yo looking ranger playing Ricky Racer in an S-10 pickup hugging the opposite shoulder nearly taking me out head on as I was descending.:eek:

Wow, is the attitude different from GMR? I've never had a problem with a crotchrocket. Usually a friendly nod but never a finger. Maybe they like my orange jersey?:D

The only one that gave me problems was a 70 yo looking ranger playing Ricky Racer in an S-10 pickup hugging the opposite shoulder nearly taking me out head on as I was descending.:eek:

Chances are good you're riding closer to the right side of the road than these folks getting the finger. :p

Expressing your opinion that you have a right to the entire road frequently elicits the opinions of others.

The speeds are higher than GMR. GMR's got more "twisty's", so it keeps the speed down on motorcyclists. I've never had any issues there either. (other than that mercededs driver buzzing me - but the Harley rider took care of that.)


Chances are good you're riding closer to the right side of the road than these folks getting the finger. :p

Expressing your opinion that you have a right to the entire road frequently elicits the opinions of others.

Experience has taught me that riding very close to the white line results in more close calls. Taking the lane makes sure they see you. While climbing, I'll take the lane, then move over once they've seen me.

Watch out about calling it an "opinion." That's like saying it's my "opinion" that rain is wet, cement is hard, and the sun is hot.

I can't imagine why the squids are riding so aggressively and flipping you off. They must be fat, lazy, stupid, and unsexy maniacs. :thumb:

^ Now THAT would be an opinion.

The right to the road is in the DMV code.

Fortunately for us, the DMV code daren't decree we employ courtesy or common sense. :D
I hope it won't be too long before his experience teaches him that riding in the middle of the road will cause motorcyclists (and even a few cars) to flip him off and 'ride aggressively.'

Fortunately for us, the DMV code daren't decree we employ courtesy or common sense. :D
I hope it won't be too long before his experience teaches him that riding in the middle of the road will cause motorcyclists (and even a few cars) to flip him off and 'ride aggressively.'
Not that I'm advocating riding in the middle of the road all the time (nor is rooftest), but there are times where it is in fact the best choice to take the lane. I don't hug the white line going around blind righthand curves because the driver/rider can't see you in time. Instead, I ride near the middle of the lane and then move back over when I hear them approaching. I have yet to get the finger doing this. First, it gives them more time to see me. Second, they see me moving over to get out of their way and appreciate that. I suppose there will always be the chance idiot who doesn't know and doesn't care, but they are a danger no matter what you're doing.

Also, I agree with Rooftest that I get more close calls riding the white line than if I go say a few feet out. I think it's because people try to squeeze in without crossing the center line if they can. If they realize they have to cross the line, they seem to just go for the whole other side and pass me with 8+ feet to spare. Granted, this is applicable to cars and not motorcycles. Either way, I don't make a deal out of it as long as they don't hit me.

As funny as it may sound, I started getting more respect from cars and motorcycles the moment I started acting more like them: Waiting my turn at stop signs, taking my place in the cue at red lights, signalling before a turn, taking the lane when it's too narrow to be passed, etc. Now I mostly get friendly beeps, waves, or peace signs.

edit: btw common sense is doing whatever is the OVERALL safest action. Courtesy is trying our best to stay out of the way of motorists, AND motorists waiting patiently for 5 or 10 seconds if they encounter us at a point which makes it impossible for us to stay out of their way. It goes two ways, or it doesn't work.

+1 to urbanknight's technique of being a further out in the lane on two lane roads, but moving over to the right when safe to do so. The other thing is that when there's an oncoming car in the other lane, being further out limits the temptation for the driver behind you to "thread the needle" between you and the oncoming car. Motorists have told me they've been frustrated in these situations because at first it looks like there's enough room to pass, then they have to change their mind at the last minute and slow down and wait - or worse, they end squeezing real close between you and the oncoming car. (That was for other cyclists, not me.) Being further out in the lane but then moving over after the oncoming car passes makes it more clear to the driver behind when is a good time to pass, and I haven't had any negative reactions from motorists for that.

I hope it won't be too long before his experience teaches him that riding in the middle of the road will cause motorcyclists (and even a few cars) to flip him off and 'ride aggressively.'

I'll take somebody getting upset at me and giving me the finger over someone not seeing me and running me over any day.

At any rate, I don't let it bother me. I learned a long time ago that I don't have time to get upset at everyone who buzzed me or gave me the finger.

On ACH, I've only gotten problems from motorcyclists (never from cars) while I've been descending. Riding on the white line momentarily is much less safe at 35+ mph than it is at climbing speeds.

The "riding aggressively" - passing on the wrong side of the road in blind corners - has nothing to do with me. It probably does explain why I counted 3 ambulances heading up in about 45 min. though...

I'll take somebody getting upset at me and giving me the finger over someone not seeing me and running me over any day.

Good point. The finger means they at least saw you.

Still, cyclists have been killed by drivers that said later "I saw them." I've had gasholes pass within inches of me, when confronted, they said "I saw you." Yet, still they passed unsafely. Seeing and actually doing something about it are two different things.

True, but if they're gonna drive like that, it just plain doesn't matter what you do or don't do. And the fact of the matter, probably around 99% of drivers don't do that when they see you. It's the 1 gashole (I like that term) we focus on, when in reality it's all about playing the odds and stacking them in our favor as best as we can.

Ah, okay, I think I got it now:

We're right for riding in the middle of the road when we're climbing up mountains @ 8-12 mph.
They're all wrong for consuming gasoline and climbing much faster than that.
They're all wrong for hitting us or passing unsafely when we ride in the middle of the road @ 8-12mph.
Occasionally we get to be martyrs who ride in the middle of the road @ 8-12 mph because counterintuitively, it's the safest way to ride.


Seems reasonable.

Ah, okay, I think I got it now:

We're right for riding in the middle of the road when we're climbing up mountains @ 8-12 mph.
They're all wrong for consuming gasoline and climbing much faster than that.
They're all wrong for hitting us or passing unsafely when we ride in the middle of the road @ 8-12mph.
Occasionally we get to be martyrs who ride in the middle of the road @ 8-12 mph because counterintuitively, it's the safest way to ride.

Seems reasonable.

WTF? Shouldn't you be on a "we hate cyclists" forum somewhere instead of bikeforums.net ? Are you going to start suggesting riding on the sidewalk?

Not at all! I was agreeing with you. I fully support your right to inconvenience other road users as much as possible, to whine about their resulting reactions on the internet, and to someday become a martyr in the name of right-to-the-road awareness.
BTW, when did they install a sidewalk on Angeles Crest? It wasn't there the last time I was on it.

I've been up AC,BT,LT,GMR, a zillion (ok maybe half a zillion) times and have never had any situation with any motorized vehicle.

^ Another one of those smart@$$es who think it's cute to ride near the shoulder. Thanks to irresponsibly considerate cyclists like this, we're all going to have to get mountain bikes in the near future if we wish to continue riding.

:eek: :lol::roflmao2: Had to turn the page.

I've been up AC,BT,LT,GMR, a zillion (ok maybe half a zillion) times and have never had any situation with any motorized vehicle.

Just make sure that the WC at the ACH and ACF station has TP if you BM.
(sorry, all these acronyms got me excited)


When I went up last weekend I just stayed out of the way on the uphill, never any problems there. On the way down I took the lane and if a car came up behind me I wait for the MANY large shoulders or turnabouts and move to the side to let them pass. The many motorcyclists where only bothersome in noise but whatever, they have every right to be there that I do.

Ah, okay, I think I got it now:

We're right for riding in the middle of the road if needed for visibilty or other safety issues.
We should stay as far to the right as possible in all other situations.
They're all wrong for hitting us or passing unsafely period.
Occasionally we get to be martyrs because some people value shaving 5 seconds off their drive over other people's lives.


Seems reasonable.
Fixed it for ya.

I don't hug the white line going around blind righthand curves because the driver/rider can't see you in time. Instead, I ride near the middle of the lane and then move back over when I hear them approaching.


A blind turn is a blind turn. If I hug the white line and something sneaks up on me, I'm to the right and out of the way. If a vehicle sneaks up on you, you're directly in his path.

Blind turn is called a blind turn for a reason, you can't see through the mountainside!:eek:

And don't say you can hear them ALL coming cause you can't. Why just the other day Justme, Grrly and I were on GMR. A motorcycle snuck up on me and JustMe. I said to JustMe, "you know, if Urbanknight was here right now, he never would have heard that motorcycle coming". The thing cruised by smooth as a Rolls Royce. Neither one of us heard the thing coming!:D

At any rate, I don't let it bother me. I learned a long time ago that I don't have time to get upset at everyone who buzzed me or gave me the finger.



I'm not the smartest guy in the world but your OP has 3 lines of "I rode my bike" and 13 lines of "stupid crotchrockets" material. Maybe I'm missing something!:p

A blind turn is a blind turn. If I hug the white line and something sneaks up on me, I'm to the right and out of the way. If a vehicle sneaks up on you, you're directly in his path.

Blind turn is called a blind turn for a reason, you can't see through the mountainside!:eek:

And don't say you can hear them ALL coming cause you can't. Why just the other day Justme, Grrly and I were on GMR. A motorcycle snuck up on me and JustMe. I said to JustMe, "you know, if Urbanknight was here right now, he never would have heard that motorcycle coming". The thing cruised by smooth as a Rolls Royce. Neither one of us heard the thing coming!:D
True, but the further out you are, the sooner the vehicle can see you (simple geometry). I understand that this seems like you're sticking your neck out because you're farther, but it gives the vehicle more space to react and slow down. A vehicle takes up most of that lane, and more often than not is on the inside of the turn and near the white line. It doesn't matter of the right headlight or the left headlight strikes you, it still hit you.

But I must admit, it is a case-by-case basis. I assess every curve as I go around it and try to figure out what is the safest place to ride. If there is a shoulder of any sort on a blind curve, I ride in it because most cars won't creep over that far. If I can't decide, I hug the white line. Finally, I'm sure I'm not right all the time, and yes even motorcycles have snuck up on me before.

Honestly, I don't know who is right and who is wrong, or if it's something completely different. But I will continue to do what I do because I haven't had a problem yet. I haven't heard anyone screech their brakes to avoid me, the only close shaves I've gotten were on straight roads where the driver could have seen me 1/4 mile in advance.

True, but the further out you are, the sooner the vehicle can see you (simple geometry)


I've never had a problem either and I realize everyone's opinion is different. Geometry or not, a blind turn is a blind turn. When you come into view, you come into view. Now if you are riding side by side with another rider, then yes, you will come into view sooner than the other guy. But alone, you come into view when you come into view!


That's my view:D

Your view made my head spin, so now I don't have a view. :D

But yeah, I can see that you get what I'm saying, but you still choose to have a different opinion. In my opinion, the fact that you took a serious consideration to my opposing view gives your view more validity. You have weighed and considered both sides, and now your opinion is even more informed.

DON'T ARGUE WITH THE MAYOR!:mad:...wait a minute, where did that come from?:D

You're a politician? That changes all my views about you :D

edit: Actually, I have a fear that it was a movie reference or something and that it went right over my head.

You're a politician? That changes all my views about you :D

edit: Actually, I have a fear that it was a movie reference or something and that it went right over my head.

Nope, just a joke since Grrlyrida started calling me "The Mayor" after our first ride up GMR. I know lots of people on the trail but when we hit GMR, she was shocked that riders up there knew me too. That and while riding, I wave to women and children and sometimes stop to kiss the babies!:D

And I thought those ladies on the back of the Harleys commin the other way were waiven at me. Shucks, . . . here I was all flattered and everything, and they were all waiven at you.:mad::roflmao2:

I had the closest call of my riding life 3 weeks ago on Live Oak, a narrow, steep climb coming out of Santiago Canyon. A big horse trailer towed by a Dodge 'dually came about 2 inches from me. Totally freaked me out. The guy w. trailer sped up to pass me when he saw another truck coming down other side. I was slightly off the shoulder but inside the white line. He passed me OK with his truck but as soon as he pulled slightly over to avoid the oncoming truck the trailer swung over towards me.

I don't think it was intentional. I think the driver saw a head-on coming and had to speed up and take more of the road - the grade was about 15% at that point, no way he could stop. I don't think he could see me anyways with the road snaking around given the length of his trailer (25 ft? - a big one anyways)

Sometimes it's all luck we get out of these encounters in one piece.

I think there are times when people pulling trailers, usually some form of recreational trailer like a boat trailer or travel trailer, just don't seem to realize that the additional 15 or more feet trailing behind them doesn't just follow in the track of their rear wheels.

I think there are times when people pulling trailers, usually some form of recreational trailer like a boat trailer or travel trailer, just don't seem to realize that the additional 15 or more feet trailing behind them doesn't just follow in the track of their rear wheels.
Yep. Uhaul trailers scare me because the renter usually doesn't understand how they move, they forget the fenders are often wider than their car, and sometimes they forget it's on there at all. You haven't seen anything until you've seen one of those small rental trailers bouncing side to side behind a car on the freeway at 80 mph with that big sticker on the fender that says (reversed for the mirror) "Max speed 55"

I've never had a problem ...
That's my view:D

Why do you hate our right to the road? Isn't there a forum somewhere else for bicycle-h8ers like you? :(

Why do you hate our right to the road? Isn't there a forum somewhere else for bicycle-h8ers like you? :(
I was actually trying to find an anti cyclist website to post in response, but this popped up first and I thought it was actually a good link.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/defuse-anti-cyclist-road-rage.php

I still haven't found an anti-cyclist website (I even tried typing in things like ihatecyclists.com and stuff) but I found this video which I had almost forgotten about. Even as a cyclist, I appreciate the humor in this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDBCLJM3a1w

I've been an avid motorcyclist (calamari = chopped & fried squid :ride: ) for almost half as many years as I've been an avid cyclist. The complaints some motorcyclists make about bicyclists in forums much like this one are just as laughable as the complaints some bicyclists make about motorcyclists.
IMO, the heroes aren't the ones who lash out (by riding in the middle of the road or by flipping off/riding aggressively), but who exercise a little courtesy. Some do (like Beanz & apparently n8tron) and some don't.

It used to bother me that those who don't, are sowing hostility which spills over onto everyone else. But then I noticed how those who are surprised by a little courtesy (because they've endured the hostility of mid-roaders and aggressive squids) respond by being doubly-courteous.
When you ride in the middle of the road, chances are good you're not going to be able to respond and move to the right quickly enough at the approach of a motorcycle. (Indeed I suspect some in our midst might be well aware of this, but are out to prove a point, ahem.)
But it doesn't bother me anymore because their combativeness only makes me look better by comparison. When I'm pedaling, squids sometimes wave and give me thumbs-up. When I'm squidding, the pedalers sometimes smile and sometimes wave. It's not because I'm making a huge effort or riding on the sidewalk, but just because a little courtesy is refreshing in a rude world.
I've heard pointless, petty bitc#ing from both sides of the fence, and I have just as hard a time defending the actions of the aggressive squid types as I have defending those of us who insist it's safer to dawdle in the middle of a narrow, winding road.
Being on two wheels on a sillystring road is fun. We have a lot more in common with those squids than is immediately apparent.

A hostile person lives in a hostile world.
A loving person lives in a loving world.
Everyone you meet is your mirror. -- Ken Keyes, Coos Bay, OR

Why are motorcyclist called squids? First I thought you were talking about someone in the Navy.

IMO, the heroes aren't the ones who lash out (by riding in the middle of the road or by flipping off/riding aggressively), but who exercise a little courtesy.
While I respect your opinion, this particular comment makes it obvious that you have repeatedley ignored my explanation of when it is best to ride further out into the lane. If you think I am lashing out when I choose to take the lane for rational reasons, you need to go read my posts again. As the more vulnerable vehicle, I do not lash out. That would be stupid and suicidal. Flipping the bird is lashing out. Riding in the middle of the road depends on its intent.

Are you going to tell me that you and every other motorcycle rider leaves at least 3' from the white line (we're talking helmet, not the tires, given the leaning) when rounding a blind right-hander? If yes, you're living in a dream. If no, then the motorcycle is going to hit the cyclist no matter what. I choose to ride out in the lane a little more in only those types of situations because I feel that it increases my chances of being seen in time. The typical human reaction time is around .2 seconds, and anything I can do to make sure the person sees me with at least that much time is a good idea in my book.

You should respect my opinion and that my actions are out of respect for myself and for all the others on the road, and that I do them in the best interest of all of our safety as well. You don't have to agree with it, but calling it something it isn't is ignorant. None of the motorcycle riders I have seen at Newcomb's after they had previously passed me said I was lashing out at them. On the contrary, they usually make friendly comments like "Wow, you're doing this on a REAL bike" or "I wouldn't make it 1 mile up this road on that". I frequently get a peace sign from them as they pass, and most of them recognize that we're all out there to have fun and that none of us want to get hurt. I only lash out on forums from the safety of my living room :D

Oh, and I'm also curious as to why they are called squids.

Oh, and I'm also curious as to why they are called squids.

I was wondering that too. I was hoping it would be explained, but it wasn't . . .

What's the connection?

Rick / OCRR

What is a Squid?
Someone who assumes more risk when riding than the person calling the name thinks is reasonable.—saddlebag at aol.com
squid (skwid) n. 1. a motorcyclist who exaggerates his riding ability by attempting dangerous tricks. 2. a motorcyclist who wears grossly inadequate safety gear, typically shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops. [Naval term for young sailor; typically one on leave with money to spend on a motorcycle. Believed to be an acronym for Stupid, Quick, and Inevitably Dead. Or Super QUick, Inadequately Dressed. Which is why I don't mkut much faith in acronyms as sources of words.]

Yes, “squid” is a pejorative term, whether in its original usage for referring to members of the Navy by other members of the armed forces, or in its current usage of referring to those riders of sportbikes of limited talent and overarching recklessness. Should you be concerned that he’ll bust you in the chops? No. He’s wearing sandals, shorts, a T-shirt and baseball cap on backwards: if he tries to punch you, grab the hem of his shirt and pull it over his head. While he’s blinded, stomp on his unprotected feet with your own engineer boot-clad real-motorcyclist feet. Now that he’s hopping around on one foot with his shirt over his head, knock him over, pants him, take his bike for a spin and dump it in a ditch. You’re saving him the trouble of running it into the ditch himself, and a lot of road-rash besides, and you get a ride on a nice bike out of it for your trouble!
Take the Squid Self Assessment Test. Or take The Official, Sanctioned DoD Squid Purity Test

Squid (motorcycle)
Squid is an irresponsible motorcyclist; it is generally associated with a new or reckless motorcyclist seen riding erratically and/or beyond his or her capabilities, often without appropriate riding gear.

The origin of the word is varyingly attributed as:# A contraction of squirreley and kid, or an acronym for "Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant and Dangerous" or "Stupidly Quick, Underdressed and Imminently Dead"# Observing a squid underwater, it seems that the creature is unable to change direction while swimming without first coming to a near complete stop. Once the squid does stop and change directions, it can very quickly accelerate back to its regular swimming speed. Beginning motorcyclists (especially sports bike riders) commonly have trouble turning the motorcycle with any substantial amount of speed (causing them to slow down to unnecessarily slow speed to take a turn), while at the same time have a tendency to ride very fast on the straight sections of the road.# Newly-inducted sailors based in San Diego in the '60s would frequently buy an inexpensive 2-stroke moto for transportation while on shore, whether they'd ever ridden before or not. So, you had large numbers of unprotected, inexperienced "marine life", squirting through traffic in a hurry and leaving a trail of black "ink" (smoke) behind them.

Often young, this motorcyclist is identified by their reckless abandon (speeding, wheelies, stoppies etc.) and by their inappropriate attire (Shorts, backwards ball cap, flip flops, Wife Beater T-shirt, etc). Such a rider eschews all or most of the protective gear worn by many riders (helmet, gloves, leather jacket, riding pants, and boots) and the social and legal norms of riding behaviour, and as such is looked upon with derision by experienced motorcyclists, who also refer to them as "organ donors", "Zip-Splats", "Skin Crayons", and "soon-to-be-ex-motorcyclists".

The young Navy sailors who buy sportbikes probably helped spawn the epithet, but most motorcyclists seem to agree it's the conjugation of Squirrely & Kid. (Edit: Nuts, someone beat me to it while I was taking a call. (Stupid customers.))

Thanks for formally stating your [surface] respect of my opinion, but it really wasn't necessary. I read & understood your explanation for 'taking a lane' and I simply disagree; it's just as irresponsible for us to take up the whole lane as it is for them to double the advisory speed limit on Angeles Crest's hairpins. (BTW: the yellow signs [advisory speed limit] signs are not binding, and it's therefore just as legal (however foolish) for motorcycles to remain at 55mph the entire length of Angeles Crest Hwy as it is for us to take up the entire lane and compel them to nail their brakes or cross the double-yellows to get around our slow @$$es.
And thank you for moving over in time, but judging from the OP's attitude toward squids and their resulting reaction to him, 'taking a lane' can easily be construed as a form (however legal) of lashing out. (As you said, dependent upon intent.)

A brief google search got this, which was found on a motorcycle forum quoting a wikipedia reference that has apparently removed (so that means it could be incorrect)


They could also be called "squids" because of ambulance drivers' slang for motorcyclists. In a bad accident without leathers or other good protection, it's possible for the torso to become detached from the legs. At that point, the intestines can drag along behind the torso - thus giving a grisly "tentacled body" appearance

And thank you for moving over in time, but judging from the OP's attitude toward squids and their resulting reaction to him, 'taking a lane' can easily be construed as a form (however legal) of lashing out. (As you said, dependent upon intent.)
Fair enough. I'm sure actions can easily be misunderstood. All I can say to that is that almost every time I move over when I hear a motorcyclist approaching (either because I'm on a blind corner or because I was riding two abreast), I have received a friendly wave or peace sign. To me, that means the majority of motorcycle riders understand and appreciate my actions. There are always exceptions, but those are the @$$holes and despite them sticking in our memory more, they are the minority.

Now, you and Beanz have me doubting myself, so I'm going to ask you since you have motorcycle experience. Regarding the blind corner issue, do you feel that if you were on a motorcycle going around a blind right-hander near the edge of traction (not saying you do, but try to put yourself in the shoes of the guy that does), and you're hitting the apex of the corner with little room to spare. If a cyclist came into view, do you think you would have a better chance of missing him with less time to react but less adjustment needed to navigate around him (i.e. he's on the white line) or if you had more time but needed more adjustment to navigate around him (i.e. he's in the middle of the lane)? Or is it a wash?

If the first is better or it is a tie, then I'd rather just stick to the white line and pray, as per your and Beanz's suggestion. If you have a reasonable explanation of why, you may have just convinced someone to change his ways. Afterall, I'd rather be wrong and change to safer habits than sit here and think I'm right when I'm not.