Originally Posted by Schwinnrider

From the OP: "Thanks for that.
The ER doc told me that being slightly intoxicated was what probably allowed me ignore the pain and keep going."

Slightly intoxicated is drunk.If there's enough alcohol in one's system to qualify as "slightly tipsy" one shouldn't be operating a vehicle of any sort.

He did put himself in that position because he was drinking and had bad judgement. Is it right that he got hit? Absolutely not. But if he'd been stone cold sober and aware of his surroundings he likely could have avoided the hit. If you see a snarling pit bull on the side of the road are you going to ride right by it? Of course not. The OP should have kept his head out of his arse and not ridden right next to four thugs WITH A BASEBALL BAT. See, that's the kind of thing I would notice, you know, four guys with a big stick or a bat and no baseball field nearby.

Did I say the OP deserved it? NO. I said he put himself in the position to allow it to happen. Big difference. The OP mentioned calling the police. I'm sure a city as bike-friendly as Chicago won't let ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON go unpunished.