Commuting - Worst Commute EVER

I've been enjoying my commutes so far this winter. That ended on Friday night.

I live in a very diverse neighborhood, with everything from stately victorian houses and mansions to housing projects within a 3 block radius. This means, essentially, that I travel through what many consider to be 'the hood' on a daily basis.

Friday I worked a double shift of 14 hours and began my ride home as usual. We have been getting some foul weather around here lately with our first signifcant snowfalls, and I have been very pleased with my first season on studded tires. I got two friendly honks early on during my ride home starting at 10pm.

Around 10:40 I was approximately 4 blocks from home, approaching a convenience store that caters in large part to the housing projects a few blocks north of where I live. As I got nearer, I saw that there was a large crowd of people hanging out on the sidewalk in front of the store. Getting nearer still, about five of the group of 12+ begin walking non-chalantly across the street generally towards a pizza shop on the other side. Aside from the large crowd, this is a regular sight, and I continue per usual. Two of the five slow down and stop in the middle of the street as if to let me pass in front of them rather than behind. I am left with the most sensible choice to continue on my path and go between this group.

I make eye contact with one of the people in the middle of the street, to my left, as I pass between the group. Just at this moment, one of the others to my right turns around and throws a haymaker into my ski-type goggles on the right side of my face.

This was no minor blow, and I go down right away, bike sliding away from me. I immediately get to my feet and begin to put distance between me and the group, which now separates me and the bike, as I say twice "I don't want any trouble!"

They begin to swarm me and soon I am receiving multiple blows to the face at the same spot on my goggles/cheekbone, as well as to the back of the head. I stumble and slide in the slush on the street trying to make sense of what is going on. They aren't just trying to steal my bike, they are beating me to a pulp as their audience hoots and hollers in entertainment. I scramble and notice that blood has began to splash up on the inside of my goggles.

I manage to stay on my feet and get to the sidewalk where I glance back and see the group coming towards me still, and one of the on-lookers already mounting my bike and trying to pedal down the street. I decide my bike [~$2000] is beyond a lost cause at this point and begin to run as fast as possible down the side street.

Four blocks later I am inside my front door, face covered in blood, with a large gash under my eye. This is not the way I wanted to finish an extra long day at work!!

What a bunch of ******** hopefully the cops will catch somebody and you can get your ride back.

Get that gash looked at and i'm glad you made it out of there.

Sorry :(

I effing hate that crap. No respect for their fellow man. You did everything right except for one thing you did out of order. This is what you should have done first...

begin to put distance between me and the group

I have a conceal carry permit and one of the things I was taught in my training was how to avoid having to ever pull my gun. Avoidance. If I go to a drug store and there's three unsavory types standing around outside I simply go to another drug store or come back. I don't believe in vigilantism I don't believe everyone should own a gun but have you given thought to getting your CCW permit?

That really sucks. Glad you got away from them though.

And I have to agree with Nigal. Maybe this is something that you learn by growing up female, but as soon as I read the part about several people casually walking into the street as you approached, it set off alarms in my head. I'd probably have turned around right then, even if I did feel sort of paranoid doing it. I've always avoided walking or riding between people if I possibly could, especially if they'd be within arm's reach of me.

Wow, that's horrible. :( I hope they're caught and sent to prison for a long time. Glad it wasn't worse than it was.

Cheesus that really sucks. That kind of stuff doesn't happen where I live I'm happy to say. Here's hoping you can get some kind of justice.

My gosh, that's horrific! Such violence out of nowhere...I don't even know you but am so glad you're alive. :( How awful. I hope just will be served. My God, that's terrible. Considering it's so close to where you live, maybe it'll be easy to have police find these people. There were so many participating, though...

That sucks man. I have so many things I would have tried, but you did the right thing. Me and one or two of the group would probably be in a morgue if I had my way.

Columbus, OH , Wow No Place is Safe.
Heal Fast..

I'm sure you called the police. Please keep us updated if they catch this human garbage.

They know where they hang out. Might get dicey with you having to identify them

Oh man, that is horrible. I hope you reported that to the cops right away.

Adam

Those stupid pieces of s***.

Thanks for the well wishes you guys. I really am not bad off at all considering what could have happened had I got stuck on the ground.

Re: avoidance - This advice is spot on and there is no doubt in the future I will not hesitate to look paranoid and pull a u-turn when I notice such large a group loitering like this. Fact is however that I have had small groups walk out in front of me like this at this very spot before. It's something 'hood cultural' about walking out into a street with no regard for any approaching traffic. The size of the loitering group should have been what set off the alarms. After working 14 hours doing fast-paced physical labor, I was exhausted and all I was thinking about was keeping the bike upright in the snow and that I was almost home.

Re: CCW - I do have a license to carry, and actually I am an NRA certified instructor to give the licensure courses in Ohio. I was not carrying at this time because my workplace is a no-carry zone, and I don't drive a car where I could store a gun during work hours. Legally I am obliged to do whatever possible to flee before drawing/firing. I did manage to flee, so I wouldn't have had the right to shoot, but honestly, had I drawn/fired at the moment I looked back and saw them begining to chase my escape - I really doubt charges would have been filed against me. The big caveat though was that this group of 5 had a large supporting audience, and there is no doubt in my mind that at least a couple of them had guns themselves. I would have likely wound up shot myself. Not to mention the fact that I had on lobster claw gloves and would have had to unvelcro my jacket cuff before degloving/drawing the gun. Not enough time. After I began sprinting down the side street, they didn't pursue me very far. I am glad just to have gotten out of there.

I am trying to avoid too much of the coulda/woulda/shoulda mental game. I was SO close to turning down a different side street a block before the incident, but decided not to because the road conditions on that street didn't seem any better than the other street I usually turn onto - which is a straight shot to my house. There are so many things that I could have done differently, but I simply didn't know what was in store for me, and since I have never had problems like this in the neighborhood - even walking alone to this convenience store at night - I simply went about my usual route and routine.

After I got home I did call for medical assistance, and the police also responded and took a report. They seemed serious about making a real effort to try to apprehend those involved and find the bike. However, since I had no details about the identities of those involved and would never be able to recognize them - not to mention the time they had to flee the scene - there is not such a great chance justice will be served. I can only hope the bike will show up at one of the used bike stores or co-op.

Time to start rebuilding my old bike...

I'm sure you called the police. Please keep us updated if they catch this human garbage.

They know where they hang out. Might get dicey with you having to identify them



Yeah I agree, you definitely want to report these morons to the police as soon as possible. Again, you (and the cops) know where to find them.

It tough. Distance is the correct answer. Too bad it isnt that easy. For instance, next time you go to a pistol range with adjustable targets have someone pull the target in from 7 yards while you unholster and fire three rounds(good luck-its tough). 21 feet is nothing to someone on foot, particularly when they have committed themselves to harming you. They know what is coming, you dont. Mid-day, decent neighborhoods, people within a few feet of me presents no real threat. After dark, all that changes. Since you cant carry on your ride, grab some fox labs pepper spray. That crap is the best. It will melt faces off. Be warned, it will cover you as well, but thats the cost of doing business. You can get some decon wipes that will help with that. Additionally, mount a light on your helmet. 120 lumens in your eyes from 5 feet makes aiming your blows a bit difficult. It is not perfect, but as part of a system, it will help you stay on your bike, and them to stay the hell back.

Better luck next time.

Glad to hear things aren't as bad as it sounded reading this. I hope you heal quickly and justice is served. I would do my best to avoid that area for some time and keep an eye out for the bike.

Take care...

**** that sucks. Glad you are ok though - could have been much worse as you said. Not much you could have really done, although I'm sure now that you won't go anywhere near large groups of people like that. Hopefully the police can do something.

That is absolutely horrible. It is extremely saddening that some people's lives are so pathetic that the only entertainment they can get is from harming others. I'll never understand why some people enjoy doing that. I'm a firm believer that what goes around comes around eventually. For every action there is a consequence at some point, and they will have to deal with that consequence later in their life, whenever and whatever it may be.

In the mean time I support the idea of getting pepper spray. Keep it in easy access range and if you see anything suspicious have your hand ready to grab it. I've never had to use it on a person but it's saved me from dogs many, many times. Only problem is that in your situation, had you sprayed your attackers, the rest of the group may have tried to attack, potentially with weapons. Whenever there's more than 3-4 people all you can do is try your hardest to get away.

I don't even know what to say. This sickens me.

However, since I had no details about the identities of those involved and would never be able to recognize them - not to mention the time they had to flee the scene - there is not such a great chance justice will be served.

All those onlookers, but no witnesses? I'm sure the police can do a better job than that!

All those onlookers, but no witnesses? I'm sure the police can do a better job than that!

In the hood you don't "squeal" or talk to the police. I'd be shocked if this crime was ever solved.

Wow, that sucks big time. Scum of the earth! I hope you're not too badly hurt physically and psychologically.

Is your bike covered under any insurance? Homeowner's maybe?

jesus christ man! sorry to hear this! Glad to hear you are doing okay.... If you don't mind me asking, where did this happen in Columbus? High - Broad - Cassady - Johnstown are the main parts of my commute and I'm just wondering if I need to find a different route for a while.

Wow. Glad you're ok. This story sickens me.

I'm also in Columbus, and would like to know where this happened.

ETA: If you don't want to post the location, you could send me a PM if you like. If you don't, I understand.

jesus christ man! sorry to hear this! Glad to hear you are doing okay.... If you don't mind me asking, where did this happen in Columbus? High - Broad - Cassady - Johnstown are the main parts of my commute and I'm just wondering if I need to find a different route for a while.

To the OP: Sorry this happened. Hope you are doing OK. I'd be interested to know where this happened as well. Think I have an idea. If you don't want to post it here, can you send me a PM? I help manage the Facebook page for one of the local Columbus cycling groups and like to pass the info on to other cyclists.

I hate seeing that kinda crap. I'm from Coumbus, too. Fear of this is exactly why I don't ride to work. It would be an easy ride, but thru hood, almost all the way.

From your description it sounds like the near east side. My guess is Long Street. Probably the idiot who slugged first needed to prove something, and the rest piled on to show they were tough too. Really just a bunch of idiots.

I'm glad you ar basically OK, What kind of bike was it?

Also, it seems the local news outlets might be interested in this story. Especially in light of the incident last year where the bicyclist was killed by a truck. And the city's current campaign for more bike lanes, bike commuters, etc...

Wow...these hoods really do exist... and here I thought it was just in movie land where you saw the 'hoods'.

What about moving to a nicer area? Is it possible? Can you manage a move in the opposite direction?

In fact if you feel brave enough to post the location, i'd be curious to see what it looks like via google street view

I've ridden through a lot of "bad" neighborhoods in Columbus. This sounds like a tragic incident. Hopefully CPD follows up on this. I hope this doesn't keep anyone from riding in our City, it's a great place to ride.

Long and 22nd. Whats odd is i think this is a block away from the fire station? I could be totally wrong. I ride the 16 and go past this place on a regular basis.

Did i just sell you an Ionos? I sent you a PM. I can set you up with some parts from the shop at a very steep discount to get you back up and going again. Sorry to hear this.

Adam

Wow...these hoods really do exist... and here I thought it was just in movie land where you saw the 'hoods'.

What about moving to a nicer area? Is it possible? Can you manage a move in the opposite direction?

In fact if you feel brave enough to post the location, i'd be curious to see what it looks like via google street view


I think I know the neighborhood and I would hate to see one bad incident color judgement against it. A number of our urban neighborhoods would probably be considered hoods by those making a judgement on apparence alone. Most, once you start talking to neighbors, have a pretty engaged community trying to increase safety, spur development, start blockwatches and promote a community.

I don't even know what to say. This sickens me.

Me either. I was expecting some problem with the weather, a flat tire or something like that. Hope things get better for you.

I think I know the neighborhood and I would hate to see one bad incident color judgement against it. A number of our urban neighborhoods would probably be considered hoods by those making a judgement on apparence alone. Most, once you start talking to neighbors, have a pretty engaged community trying to increase safety, spur development, start blockwatches and promote a community.

And I would hate for this to happen to me.

All the things you are saying are fine, but the only way I know to prevent this is to avoid typical problem areas. Say what you might about what the community is trying to do, and I wish them well, but the statistics are available online to show which areas have the most crime, and what types of crimes. Sure, it could happen anywhere, but things do happen more often in some areas than others.

You guys have made some very accurate guesses. It happened between Five Brothers Market and Figaros Pizza at the intersection of Long St. and Champion Ave. Just to the north of there is the Poindexter Village where I believe these guys are from, based on the foot traffic I ususally see coming to and from there.

I would agree that the neighborhood shouldn't be judged on this isolated incident, but it is a unique area of town for sure. Between Long St to the north and Main St to the south there are residents of all levels of income, and on my block the neighbors aren't all strangers - good folks in general. On either side of that north-south boundary are some really rough areas though.

Ultimately I should have considered it would be better to avoid the corner store on a Friday evening, but I had never seen a crowd like this, or even been slightly harassed beyond being asked for change. I think I will start riding on Broad St more when I'm east of Hamilton Ave.

The bike was a black Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw with a silver triple crankset and black rear derailleur. It had a rear rack with yellow Ortlieb pannier, front and rear fenders, Nokian W106 studded tires, shallow drop bars with gray handlebar tape. This bike meant so much more to me than just the utility it served me and the money put into it. On the down tube was a sticker from Mammoth Cave National Park - this bike took me on an epic solo tour there and back over a couple weeks last summer. The sentimental value is the biggest bummer of losing it.

Second to losing the bike, the next biggest disappointment is the human nature factor - the absolute senseless and barbaric nature of it. I am considering contacting local media. My only concern is that the effect might be to scare more people away from cycling, or from visiting or living in more mixed areas of town. On the other hand, awareness needs to be raised for attention to be paid to problems in the community.



Sounds like Long and 22nd. Whats odd is i think this is a block away from the fire station? I could be totally wrong. I ride the 16 and go past this place on a regular basis.

Did i just sell you an Ionos? I sent you a PM. I can set you up with some parts from the shop at a very steep discount to get you back up and going again. Sorry to hear this.

Adam, yeah I did buy your Ionos recently. Nice helmet! Luckily it and my road bike were safe and sound at home during this incident. I think I have just about everything I really need to get my back-up commuting bike in service for the immediate term too. I really appreciate the offer though!

Back to the wrenching...

Long & Champion? Just mapped it... Yeah, I tend to stay on Broad, more traffic, more cars, sure but feels more public and oddly safer. I'm really sorry about what happened to you, man... I'm definitely going to be on higher alert for large crowds just ******** around on my commutes, just as I do for weekend rides during "buckeye season" (drunk "fans" don't always take too kindly to a guy in spandex on a fancy road bike.

Hope everything goes okay and soon we'll get our butts out there for some epic rides soon!

And I would hate for this to happen to me.

All the things you are saying are fine, but the only way I know to prevent this is to avoid typical problem areas. Say what you might about what the community is trying to do, and I wish them well, but the statistics are available online to show which areas have the most crime, and what types of crimes. Sure, it could happen anywhere, but things do happen more often in some areas than others.

I won't disagree with that and I do try to post these incidents locally to keep other cyclists aware . Just looking at the stats, though, this is only the second major assault I've heard or read of in the last 1-2 years on a cyclist. A good deal of the crime in these areas tends to be related to drugs or gangs. Steer clear of that and you typically won't have an issue.

I'm not telling anyone to go waltzing in these areas. I'm glad the OP is doing OK and getting back on the horse. It's good to be aware of what can happen and learn how to avoid it.

You guys have made some very accurate guesses. It happened between Five Brothers Market and Figaros Pizza at the intersection of Long St. and Champion Ave. Just to the north of there is the Poindexter Village where I believe these guys are from, based on the foot traffic I ususally see coming to and from there.

I would agree that the neighborhood shouldn't be judged on this isolated incident, but it is a unique area of town for sure. Between Long St to the north and Main St to the south there are residents of all levels of income, and on my block the neighbors aren't all strangers - good folks in general. On either side of that north-south boundary are some really rough areas though.

Ultimately I should have considered it would be better to avoid the corner store on a Friday evening, but I had never seen a crowd like this, or even been slightly harassed beyond being asked for change. I think I will start riding on Broad St more when I'm east of Hamilton Ave.

The bike was a black Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw with a silver triple crankset and black rear derailleur. It had a rear rack with yellow Ortlieb pannier, front and rear fenders, Nokian W106 studded tires, shallow drop bars with gray handlebar tape. This bike meant so much more to me than just the utility it served me and the money put into it. On the down tube was a sticker from Mammoth Cave National Park - this bike took me on an epic solo tour there and back over a couple weeks last summer. The sentimental value is the biggest bummer of losing it.

Second to losing the bike, the next biggest disappointment is the human nature factor - the absolute senseless and barbaric nature of it. I am considering contacting local media. My only concern is that the effect might be to scare more people away from cycling, or from visiting or living in more mixed areas of town. On the other hand, awareness needs to be raised for attention to be paid to problems in the community.



Adam, yeah I did buy your Ionos recently. Nice helmet! Luckily it and my road bike were safe and sound at home during this incident. I think I have just about everything I really need to get my back-up commuting bike in service for the immediate term too. I really appreciate the offer though!

Back to the wrenching...

I've posted this on Yay Bikes! and Columbus Underground to get the awareness up. I think both groups will see it as such rather than shying away from these areas and cycling.

they just had a big community meeting at the lincoln theatre about reducing violence, maybe you could get in touch with the organization that put that on if you are having doubts about going through the media. I understand how a big news story could keep potential cyclists off the streets but the community should be made aware somehow.
I think i saw pics of your summer tour on the Yaybikes website, I hope you get that bike back. I'll be on the lookout. Pawnshops would probably be a good bet too.

BUY A GUN.... If you can buy a 2000$ bike then buy a 1000$ USP SOCOM TACTICAL AND LEARN TO USE THE DAMN THING... get a Laser, get a LED flash light... your gun should have been out pointed at them the instant you hit the ground..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TC2xTCb_GU

I am in EX-street fighter, I been in 300 fights, you get me on the ground legs will be getting broke. i am trained in MUAY THAI and the DEADLY ART of MUAY BORAN...there is not much you could do to hurt me... not even a group...

BUY A GUN.... If you can buy a 2000$ bike then buy a 1000$ USP SOCOM TACTICAL AND LEARN TO USE THE DAMN THING... get a Laser, get a LED flash light... your gun should have been out pointed at them the instant you hit the ground..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TC2xTCb_GU

I am in EX-street fighter, I been in 300 fights, you get me on the ground legs will be getting broke. i am trained in MUAY THAI and the DEADLY ART of MUAY BORAN...there is not much you could do to hurt me... not even a group...

I'd be scared that if I pulled a gun half of them would pull guns as well. I'm a decent fighter, but I don't think I'd be able to dodge bullets or fight off a dozen guys with knives at once. More than likely I'd run away.

Perhaps if I had a gun I'd use it after I got a ways down the road from behind cover. Going Rambo on a group of thugs wouldn't work out well imo, but a couple well placed shots would send them running and leave the bike lying on the street to be reclaimed by its rightful owner.

Great song btw, loved it:thumb:

How do you conceal a gun in spandex?

I hope you get back on the bike your building soon jtwilson. Also spread the word and talk to people on Craigslist, bike shops, coops and whatever about the bike and the incident. Hopefully you have a picture as well. The more people looking out the better and that includes the cops.

I wouldn't worry about bringing attention to this incident and discouraging others. I'd rather other cyclist be aware and safe than someone else to ride through and have something similar happen.

Also to other posters about bringing a gun, did you miss the part about him not being able to bring it to work. Even though he has a Concealed weapons permit, is an instructor, and a member of the NRA. In my opinion he did the right thing, he got home. Unfortunately this incident prevented him from coming home with his bike and without harm.

Looks like this thread is getting way off track, and I'm not quite sure if some are serious or not but...

My condolences, but I'm glad you are still up and walking!
I've had the fear of being harassed in some parts of town where I live. Looks like I stick to driving when the conditions don't favor me.

what's the point of wearing spandex? I can see the since of wearing shorts... but a shirt? and its too cold to not be wearing a jacket... you could carry a man purse... or one of those stupid bags that go around your waist..... you could also wear a vest.. with the gun hidden in it..

here is a cool bicycle VEST that tells cars behind you your speed... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aCVwdhR4sI&feature=player_embedded

I am not sure on the laws...but the job CAN NOT search your vehicle.. that includes a bicycle too.. but you should be able to carry a small safe type of box on your bike to lock the gun in.... lock the box to the bike...

Its not about guns, spandex, workplace rights or whatever. It's about jtwilson being assaulted, healing up, and hopefully preventing this sort of senseless act from happening again.

I won't disagree with that and I do try to post these incidents locally to keep other cyclists aware . Just looking at the stats, though, this is only the second major assault I've heard or read of in the last 1-2 years on a cyclist. A good deal of the crime in these areas tends to be related to drugs or gangs. Steer clear of that and you typically won't have an issue.

I'm not telling anyone to go waltzing in these areas. I'm glad the OP is doing OK and getting back on the horse. It's good to be aware of what can happen and learn how to avoid it.

Yes. A lot of it is related to drugs and gangs. I submit that is the reason that few people ride through the area at night on bicycles.

Seriously. Really. In all seriousness. Can you really argue otherwise?

I'm not trying to get into an argument with you, but we both live here, and this seems obvious.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. But, you had better have a really good argument.

I live down the street from where this happened to you. I love our neighborhood but things like this really blemish every good that's taken place over the years. I hope you heal well and wish you a speedy recovery. I'd like to know what the bike looks like so I can call it in when should I see it anywhere.

Yes. A lot of it is related to drugs and gangs. I submit that is the reason that few people ride through the area at night on bicycles.

Seriously. Really. In all seriousness. Can you really argue otherwise?

I'm not trying to get into an argument with you, but we both live here, and this seems obvious.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. But, you had better have a really good argument.

No, I think you and are largely on the same page.

Man, I got part way through your story and had to check to see if you live in New Orleans. That stuff happens here on a daily basis. Good thing you got out of there under your own power. I don't think I could take a punch like that and still have my wits.

Perhaps a few of them will kill each other over your beloved bike before you recover it. Your cops have to be better than ours at recovering stolen stuff.

I don't know what else to say. Bummer.

I live down the street from where this happened to you. I love our neighborhood but things like this really blemish every good that's taken place over the years. I hope you heal well and wish you a speedy recovery. I'd like to know what the bike looks like so I can call it in when should I see it anywhere.

+1

Great point joe... jt, can you post a pic of the bike? I'll keep an eye out too!