So I was sitting at a local fast food place just around the corner from campus, eating, with my bike not nearly 2 feet from me leaning against the wall, when out of the corner of my eye, I see it begin to move.

Granted, this was at 3 in the morning, but I didn't expect something to happen INSIDE a restaurant, all lit up, with about six other people in the joint.

I knew exactly what was happening, but as I bolted from my seat and grabbed the rear wheel, I still couldn't believe that it was actually happening. Whats more, I couldn't believe what I was doing then, at the moment it was happening. The thief (about 30-40 pounds heavier than me) was literally at the door when the struggle ensued. He punched me three to five times in the jaw, but I didn't let go. I knew I was getting punched but I didn't really feel it, the way you feel when you're in a fight. I don't know how I managed, (im sure it was adrenaline), but I nearly risked my life for an inanimate object that I had only owned for less than three days.

With every blow I was hoping that the guy would give up, like I was taking toll of how much abuse I would take before finally letting go of (only) 150 dollars worth of bike. But I didn't. Both my hands were wrapped around the thing like they were ****ing welded there, even when the ****er had me down on the floor. I think perhaps I might have attempted to return one punch (an even dumber idea), but I'm not sure.

In the end the guy fled the scene, and I called 911 immediately. None of the employees or anyone else did a thing while it happened (lasted a good 25-40 seconds, I think). I had a nasty cut from the chain on my finger, a chipped molar, and my bike still in my possession. A LOT of cops showed up on the scene, more than i expected, about three cars, and also the campus security (this happened about a block away from my college). The paramedics rolled up in a fire truck (???) and gave me some bandages.

After I filed the report I cranked the chain back on, straightened my handlebars, and rode off, with my own blood on the frame, trying to convince myself that I had won something. I cant really decide whether or not to hate myself for doing that. If I told my parents about this, they'd probably kill me themselves. Even now it still all feels like a bad dream. Not the part of getting my bike stolen, but me struggling with someone probably very lethal over a material possession.

I guess I'm just stubborn. If the guy had a knife or any sort of weapon I definitely would have dropped it. But he didn't and for whatever reason I just couldn't let go, even though I knew what I was doing was very dangerous.

So yeah. Even if your bike is sitting right next to you, put a lock on it