Arrows2100

So... I'm just getting into my road cycling now and had a nice 65 miles planned out for today with a mate.

I got up at 5AM, cycled to work in the bleedin cold and started work.... Finishing at 2 I headed straight out into town to meet my friend.

We were on our way to Loch Lomond(Scotland) and took the dual carriageway up. About 15 miles into our journey, some white van man pulled up behind both of us (in single file by the way) and revved and tooting his horn.. So me being me, I decided that the road was as much mine as his and took the center of the lane (much to his dissapproval)

Anyway... He pulled up on right and started pressing me into the kerb! I pulled infront of him to keep myself safe (Doing about 25-30mph at this point)

He juts back infront and SKIDS! to a halt. He was so close to the kerb I couldnt go round the left, so had to go past his door. He flings it open then jumps out - and proceeds to pin me against his van. Apparently, the PUBLIC highway is not my entitlement as I don't pay any road tax and I cause tailbacks....

I own a car, so I pay tax and the bloody tailback was caused by his abrubt halt!

Anyhoo, my friend comes up and screams back at him "Leave him alone" etc... Almost a fight breaking out. Meanwhilst I am still over my frame and being pushed into the "fast" lane where all the traffic is being diverted to.

Eventually he got back in and I pulled back infront of him after he closed his door before he had time to move. He must have gotten around 100yards before he done the exact same stop and getting out at my friend.

By this time I clocked the registration plate and was already on 999. He seen this and sped off.

One passer by stopped and offered herself as a witness. The police arrived with the blues and twos and took statements.

He's going down, *****!



Anyway, after that excitement, we continued our ride. All went to plan until the end.

We finished a 900ft climb over 3 miles (which was quite hard! we went over the campsies fells)

On the road down (giggles) I was on the brakes the whole way and still managing to tip over the 30mph! I hit a rut in the road and within 5 seconds I noticed a sensation through the handlebars as if the front wheel was loose and wobbling.... Flat tyre =(

Had to get a bus the rest of the way home... after 90% of the journey!



Anyway, thats my tale of my 3rd 'decent' run on this bike. Pretty eventful i'd say!

Comments please

(Btw: the guy will be getting done for assault if all goes well...)

Cheers,
Arrows

Air

No extra tubes?

Sounds like an interesting day - too bad you didn't have a Bass to offer him

biolife

Yeah...I've never seen curb spelled that way

I'm glad you got that guy though. People like that need to be taught a lesson for acting so stupid.

Definitely grab some tubes though. I haven't had a flat yet, but I'd hate to have it happen during any ride. My back wheel came loose recently (after I hadn't tightened the quick release enough), and started rubbing on my frame to where I couldn't even pedal. Thankfully I was half way through an intersection and was able to carry the bike to the side to fix it.

Sounds like you had a pretty fun ride though, aside from the two incidents.

TomM

Did you really believe that you could defend yourself against a vehicle?

Arrows2100

Its not as much defending as the knowladge that no-body would run over a guy on a bike just because he stood his ground... And it payed off... another arse getting punished for his narrow-mindedness

Score 1 for the cyclists!

lsits

What's the "Blues and Twos"? Sounds like it might be a good name for a band.

Arrows2100

lol blues and twos is the british expression for lights and sirens...

Dont ask *rolles eyes*

botto 

sounds like you were as much of an ass as the driver.

the only difference being that the driver had the gear and , thanks to your behavior, motivation to kill you. if you honestly believe that "no-body would run over a guy on a bike just because he stood his ground", then i guess you're also a believer in the old chestnut that you can't punch someone who wears glasses.

drivers in the UK (and i have plenty of experience with drivers in Scotland) are aggressive bullies with limited abilities behind the wheel. Don't provoke them.

if you'd like to continue riding and living, then knock that chip off your shoulder.

Arrows2100

Heh don't get me wrong. I am as nice to drivers as they come. i will wave them past me on a corner or hold them up if they try when its not safe...

People like that just piss me off really, I react but will always keep to the right side of the law. Im always passive when things turn aggressive... I take the first hit then I will explode because I then have the case of defending myself.

I take the risk I suppose of a serious injury, its a slim chance in reality. Unless I caught someone who had serious issues then I will do them for all they are worth..


Anyhoo, this is just an update on the situation... The guy has been traced, has been cautioned and charged and I am just awaiting a citation I think tis called to take me to the court room.

He's going down...

belowzero

keep us updated on the court case and further proceedings! I will be most interested to see what happens.

He should be charged for dangerous driving, assault, hijacking road user, excerising authority

I wonder if he could be up for criminal intent for manslaughter charges? considering he's in a large vehicle being oppressive and dangerously obstructive to cyclists on the road road can be very dangerous. Especially when you mention that he had you on the side of the road towards traffic. I'm disgusted, the last 2 people I dealt with that were aggressive all apologized and gave way once I ear bashed them, this disturbing character you mention seems a tad more stubborn.

All the best, taking action is a positive reaction to the mindset of all motorists that cyclists also have right of way.

Good on you! and I am also glad you walk unscaved, otherwise quite an adventure.