'Lot's of good information out there. By the time I was talking to this guy, I was off the street, about 15 feet higher than the roadway and 20 feet into the store's parking area. So there was not much chance of a physical confrontation. Going home, I was taking a bike trail and away from cars.

That being said, I can see where this would potentially put some other cyclists in some jeopardy. I'll continue to refrain from now on. This was my first time in many years of riding where I actually responded to one of these situations. But I'll admit it did make me feel better.

Concerning ear plugs, I have used the industrial variety on roadways, and they work well. I have quite a bit of training in noise and hearing loss, and autos can make a lot of noise just driving by. Here in Oregon, many of them have studded tires, and that is even noisier. I do not loose the ability to hear them coming from behind, as much of that noise is of a lower frequency, and penetrates the ear plugs readily. But the higher frequency noise, which really does damage hearing, is effectively filtered. I've also found that the startle reaction is lessened for horns and sudden noises, even though I still hear them. I'll probably put my ear plugs in more ofter, and if I hear from someone like this again, simply wave back.

John