Dealing with hillbillies on the road.
08-24-15, 02:13 PM
#52
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Say this next time you see him:
"Boy, you got a purdy mouth."
GH
"Boy, you got a purdy mouth."
GH
08-24-15, 02:22 PM
#53
Senior Member
Sorry to hear about your encounter. The sad thing is, there are a lot of folks out there who hate cyclists. It's a shame. I wish we could cull them from the herd, but we can't.
For country riding, my methods are:
- ride at the most off peak time I'm able
- use plenty of lights to make sure I'm visible
- ride defensively aggressively. Don't cower all the way to the right, ride where you are able to move left/right if there is a pothole, glass, etc.
- constantly checking to keep an eye on cars behind me (It's not fun, but I don't want a helmet mirror and I've just learned to accept it.)
- take the lane when necessary
- Don't engage or provoke, but if someone is threatening you, don't be afraid. I know a car is always going to beat a cyclist, lots of nuts have guns, etc. But I hate bullies and will fight fire with fire in some situations. Some will disagree with this. I used to escalate things with drivers when I was younger and try to make them angry if they were F'ing with me. Then I decided I needed to be nice and polite. And some people still f'ed with me for no other reason than me being on "their" road. Choose your spots, but if someone is all over you...feel free to tell them to get the heck out of your face as you pull your phone from your pocket and call the police.
- Pull off the road if you feel threatened.
- Take your phone out, tell them you're calling the cops, and/or tell them you're filming them.
The only thing...there is a local nut in my area that has repeatedly harassed cyclists, driven them off the road, etc. The cops don't do much of anything. It stinks.
Oh, how I wish frontier justice were visited upon anyone harassing cyclists! And yes, be careful. People *might* have done crazy stuff in downtown Seattle, but with all the witnesses, less likely. In the country...ain't much help if you provoke the wrong nut.
Good luck, I hope this is just an isolated encounter. I've had them and they can shake you up. Be safe. My brother surfs daily, I cycle daily. I consider angry/distracted drivers like my version of sharks. They're out there, but I'm not staying off the roads...
For country riding, my methods are:
- ride at the most off peak time I'm able
- use plenty of lights to make sure I'm visible
- ride defensively aggressively. Don't cower all the way to the right, ride where you are able to move left/right if there is a pothole, glass, etc.
- constantly checking to keep an eye on cars behind me (It's not fun, but I don't want a helmet mirror and I've just learned to accept it.)
- take the lane when necessary
- Don't engage or provoke, but if someone is threatening you, don't be afraid. I know a car is always going to beat a cyclist, lots of nuts have guns, etc. But I hate bullies and will fight fire with fire in some situations. Some will disagree with this. I used to escalate things with drivers when I was younger and try to make them angry if they were F'ing with me. Then I decided I needed to be nice and polite. And some people still f'ed with me for no other reason than me being on "their" road. Choose your spots, but if someone is all over you...feel free to tell them to get the heck out of your face as you pull your phone from your pocket and call the police.
- Pull off the road if you feel threatened.
- Take your phone out, tell them you're calling the cops, and/or tell them you're filming them.
The only thing...there is a local nut in my area that has repeatedly harassed cyclists, driven them off the road, etc. The cops don't do much of anything. It stinks.
Oh, how I wish frontier justice were visited upon anyone harassing cyclists! And yes, be careful. People *might* have done crazy stuff in downtown Seattle, but with all the witnesses, less likely. In the country...ain't much help if you provoke the wrong nut.
Good luck, I hope this is just an isolated encounter. I've had them and they can shake you up. Be safe. My brother surfs daily, I cycle daily. I consider angry/distracted drivers like my version of sharks. They're out there, but I'm not staying off the roads...
08-24-15, 05:04 PM
#54
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Was kinda making that point. The spandex thing looks foreign to us "hillbillies". I'm kinda starting to undrstand, now, but I don't care. I'm not putting special clothes on to ride my tricycle. Perception can be a funny thing. If I were young, wearing bibs while riding, I would be "White Trash", but being old gives me a pass. And, to be honest, a lot of people in the area know me. I am already becoming a legend. I have been credited with already having been seen in the city on my trike. I have not been there, YET! I think people are setting goals for me, and maybe********** seeing glimpses into the future.(This happens. People sometimes see things, seemingly objectively, before they actually materialize.) Anyway, people in my little hamlet believe that I have already been to the big city on that little trike. It is quite a compliment! They have been seeing me in the city on my 250 Honda trike for years. Most people have no idea what it feels like to ride 10 miles on a internal hub three speed Traditional Sun trike. Even with two good arms and legs! Two good arms and legs must make it easier. I getting a 5 speed hub for the trike. Should bolt right in. My old hillbillie legs hurt today.
08-24-15, 05:20 PM
#55
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Sorry to hear about your encounter. The sad thing is, there are a lot of folks out there who hate cyclists. It's a shame. I wish we could cull them from the herd, but we can't.
For country riding, my methods are:
- ride at the most off peak time I'm able
- use plenty of lights to make sure I'm visible
- ride defensively aggressively. Don't cower all the way to the right, ride where you are able to move left/right if there is a pothole, glass, etc.
- constantly checking to keep an eye on cars behind me (It's not fun, but I don't want a helmet mirror and I've just learned to accept it.)
- take the lane when necessary
- Don't engage or provoke, but if someone is threatening you, don't be afraid. I know a car is always going to beat a cyclist, lots of nuts have guns, etc. But I hate bullies and will fight fire with fire in some situations. Some will disagree with this. I used to escalate things with drivers when I was younger and try to make them angry if they were F'ing with me. Then I decided I needed to be nice and polite. And some people still f'ed with me for no other reason than me being on "their" road. Choose your spots, but if someone is all over you...feel free to tell them to get the heck out of your face as you pull your phone from your pocket and call the police.
- Pull off the road if you feel threatened.
- Take your phone out, tell them you're calling the cops, and/or tell them you're filming them.
The only thing...there is a local nut in my area that has repeatedly harassed cyclists, driven them off the road, etc. The cops don't do much of anything. It stinks.
Oh, how I wish frontier justice were visited upon anyone harassing cyclists! And yes, be careful. People *might* have done crazy stuff in downtown Seattle, but with all the witnesses, less likely. In the country...ain't much help if you provoke the wrong nut.
Good luck, I hope this is just an isolated encounter. I've had them and they can shake you up. Be safe. My brother surfs daily, I cycle daily. I consider angry/distracted drivers like my version of sharks. They're out there, but I'm not staying off the roads...
For country riding, my methods are:
- ride at the most off peak time I'm able
- use plenty of lights to make sure I'm visible
- ride defensively aggressively. Don't cower all the way to the right, ride where you are able to move left/right if there is a pothole, glass, etc.
- constantly checking to keep an eye on cars behind me (It's not fun, but I don't want a helmet mirror and I've just learned to accept it.)
- take the lane when necessary
- Don't engage or provoke, but if someone is threatening you, don't be afraid. I know a car is always going to beat a cyclist, lots of nuts have guns, etc. But I hate bullies and will fight fire with fire in some situations. Some will disagree with this. I used to escalate things with drivers when I was younger and try to make them angry if they were F'ing with me. Then I decided I needed to be nice and polite. And some people still f'ed with me for no other reason than me being on "their" road. Choose your spots, but if someone is all over you...feel free to tell them to get the heck out of your face as you pull your phone from your pocket and call the police.
- Pull off the road if you feel threatened.
- Take your phone out, tell them you're calling the cops, and/or tell them you're filming them.
The only thing...there is a local nut in my area that has repeatedly harassed cyclists, driven them off the road, etc. The cops don't do much of anything. It stinks.
Oh, how I wish frontier justice were visited upon anyone harassing cyclists! And yes, be careful. People *might* have done crazy stuff in downtown Seattle, but with all the witnesses, less likely. In the country...ain't much help if you provoke the wrong nut.
Good luck, I hope this is just an isolated encounter. I've had them and they can shake you up. Be safe. My brother surfs daily, I cycle daily. I consider angry/distracted drivers like my version of sharks. They're out there, but I'm not staying off the roads...
08-24-15, 05:25 PM
#56
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08-26-15, 11:49 AM
#57
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Nothing arrogant or self-inflated going on with me. I want to ride my bicycles and be left alone.
When someone goes out of their way to scream at me, to throw things at me, or try to run me off the road simply because I'm out cycling, I do indeed wish they could be euthanized. I don't like being threatened by people in deadly machines. The world is already overcrowded, why not thin out those unable to control their violent nature.
When someone goes out of their way to scream at me, to throw things at me, or try to run me off the road simply because I'm out cycling, I do indeed wish they could be euthanized. I don't like being threatened by people in deadly machines. The world is already overcrowded, why not thin out those unable to control their violent nature.
08-26-15, 12:44 PM
#58
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For someone who is so educated, you sure do presume a lot. I take the lane in traffic...why? Because it's my right and responsibility, per law. Are there bike lanes in other places? Yes, but then I would have to go quite a ways out of my way to use them. So instead of inconveniencing my entire day, I simply hop on the road and follow existing laws as it pertains to me riding on the road. When people like you get all uppity that I am in your way, I simply give you the finger and you drive off all butthurt like someone kicked your puppy. Get over yourself...Dr. Laura has a PhD and she is a complete idiot.
Last edited by jfowler85; 08-26-15 at 12:50 PM.
08-26-15, 02:27 PM
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I take the lane in traffic...why? Because it's my right and responsibility, per law. Are there bike lanes in other places? Yes, but then I would have to go quite a ways out of my way to use them. So instead of inconveniencing my entire day, I simply hop on the road and follow existing laws as it pertains to me riding on the road. When people like you get all uppity that I am in your way, I simply give you the finger and you drive off all butthurt like someone kicked your puppy.
John
08-26-15, 02:28 PM
#62
Senior Member
Is that a real bike jersey? If so it's the first one I've ever wanted.
Lots of hillbillies where I live and ride. They don't bug me, and as far as I know I don't bug them.
Lots of hillbillies where I live and ride. They don't bug me, and as far as I know I don't bug them.
08-26-15, 02:36 PM
#63
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It sounds and looks even better in real, Technicolor life. Especially when the angry driver realizes the only thing he/she can do is speed off like jackazz. Sorry, but I'm not on the road for the convenience of other drivers, and I kindly let them know they can sit on it and spin when needed.
08-26-15, 02:44 PM
#64
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Nothing arrogant or self-inflated going on with me. I want to ride my bicycles and be left alone.
When someone goes out of their way to scream at me, to throw things at me, or try to run me off the road simply because I'm out cycling, I do indeed wish they could be euthanized. I don't like being threatened by people in deadly machines. The world is already overcrowded, why not thin out those unable to control their violent nature.
When someone goes out of their way to scream at me, to throw things at me, or try to run me off the road simply because I'm out cycling, I do indeed wish they could be euthanized. I don't like being threatened by people in deadly machines. The world is already overcrowded, why not thin out those unable to control their violent nature.
08-26-15, 03:26 PM
#65
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It sounds and looks even better in real, Technicolor life. Especially when the angry driver realizes the only thing he/she can do is speed off like jackazz. Sorry, but I'm not on the road for the convenience of other drivers, and I kindly let them know they can sit on it and spin when needed.
John
08-26-15, 04:35 PM
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Toot toot, I hear your horn loud and clear, captain.
For someone who is so educated, you sure do presume a lot. I take the lane in traffic...why? Because it's my right and responsibility, per law. Are there bike lanes in other places? Yes, but then I would have to go quite a ways out of my way to use them. So instead of inconveniencing my entire day, I simply hop on the road and follow existing laws as it pertains to me riding on the road. When people like you get all uppity that I am in your way, I simply give you the finger and you drive off all butthurt like someone kicked your puppy. Get over yourself...Dr. Laura has a PhD and she is a complete idiot.
For someone who is so educated, you sure do presume a lot. I take the lane in traffic...why? Because it's my right and responsibility, per law. Are there bike lanes in other places? Yes, but then I would have to go quite a ways out of my way to use them. So instead of inconveniencing my entire day, I simply hop on the road and follow existing laws as it pertains to me riding on the road. When people like you get all uppity that I am in your way, I simply give you the finger and you drive off all butthurt like someone kicked your puppy. Get over yourself...Dr. Laura has a PhD and she is a complete idiot.
Last edited by Grandpa1946; 08-26-15 at 04:41 PM.
08-26-15, 04:51 PM
#67
Senior Member
I'm still waiting for the biker gang using the "very nice bike lane".
__________________
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
08-26-15, 05:27 PM
#68
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There's another thread right now about giving the finger. The poster got punched in the face. Maybe he's lucky in that people get much worse doing that.
08-26-15, 05:52 PM
#70
Senior Member
It sounds and looks even better in real, Technicolor life. Especially when the angry driver realizes the only thing he/she can do is speed off like jackazz. Sorry, but I'm not on the road for the convenience of other drivers, and I kindly let them know they can sit on it and spin when needed.
Here lies jfowler85
He let everyone know what his feelings be
Happy to ride, happy to be alive
until he was run over by that SUV
08-26-15, 06:29 PM
#71
Full Member
"I am a simple hillbilly. My primitive mind often has difficulty distinguishing the subtle nuances of your advanced civilization." First off, "hillbilly" is NOT a derogatory term if you are one. (By the way, NEVER use the PC term "mountain william"; it will not be well received.) "Hillbilly" is like calling a Cajun a "coonass"--- sounds like an insult, but it really denotes a culture, or rather a sub-culture. There are several subdivisions of "hillbilly," too. There are the fundy hillbillies, who can misquote the bible with the best of 'em. There are the old hippie types that live mostly off grid and probably have bicycles themselves (I might be one of those, though over educated and transplanted to the desert.) There are the officially bad azz hillbillies who mostly moved from Appalachia and ended up in northern Illinois, Indiana and southern Michigan--- those are the guys who used to brew up 'shine during (alcohol) Prohibition and ended up along the Detroit/Chicago corridor working for more legit businesses owned by their mob buddies. (Where did you think the mob got their liquor?) Those guys can still be pretty hard core, but they wouldn't waste time on a guy on a bicycle. The national highway system has caused some dispersal of hillbillies all over the country, even internationally. There is also evidence of spontaneous hillbilly generation all over the world--- I have personally met Mexican hillbillies, Native American hillbillies, Venezuelan hillbillies, Australian hillbillies, even Romanian hillbillies. Most of them enjoy simplicity without being simpletons themselves, and most are pretty friendly people. I don't think the OP was attacked by hillbillies per se--- he was attacked by that particular hillbilly.
08-27-15, 07:58 AM
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08-27-15, 08:34 AM
#73
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I would call that a limerick but it's not clever enough and the metering sucks. Maybe try a haiku?
08-27-15, 10:48 AM
#74
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Theres a major road (3 lanes each side) out in the burbs where I live, county put 5' wide bike lanes on each side even though traffic is 60-70mph between lights, spaced every mile or more. This road has very heavy traffic at rush hour. Yesterday coming home noted the lane I was in (nearest bike lane) was very slow .... like a stalled car up ahead. Finally came up to it, saw two cyclists riding side by side (outside of bike lane), man & woman, no spandex, no hemets, on knobby tired MTN bikes oblivious to the traffic (& their own safety).
As I passed, yelled out the window to use the bike lane, not road.
Guess that makes me a cyclist hating hillbilly since I was in my pickup. But idiots like that give us all a bad rep.
As I passed, yelled out the window to use the bike lane, not road.
Guess that makes me a cyclist hating hillbilly since I was in my pickup. But idiots like that give us all a bad rep.
08-27-15, 11:25 AM
#75
Senior Member
Theres a major road (3 lanes each side) out in the burbs where I live, county put 5' wide bike lanes on each side even though traffic is 60-70mph between lights, spaced every mile or more. This road has very heavy traffic at rush hour. Yesterday coming home noted the lane I was in (nearest bike lane) was very slow .... like a stalled car up ahead. Finally came up to it, saw two cyclists riding side by side (outside of bike lane), man & woman, no spandex, no hemets, on knobby tired MTN bikes oblivious to the traffic (& their own safety).
As I passed, yelled out the window to use the bike lane, not road.
Guess that makes me a cyclist hating hillbilly since I was in my pickup. But idiots like that give us all a bad rep.
As I passed, yelled out the window to use the bike lane, not road.
Guess that makes me a cyclist hating hillbilly since I was in my pickup. But idiots like that give us all a bad rep.