Jonathon

Strapped the bike up to the car rack and drove about 20 miles out of town for some new scenery, to the country area. Lots of rolling hills and nice fresh air. I was stroking along at about 18mph on a flat when a big SUV went around me, giving me plenty of room, and a soda can was bouncing in the road, empty. That can wasnt there before, I guess those kids threw it. Well 2 or 3 miles later, I had gotten over it. It was an empty can after all. So 30 minutes later or so, I'm on like mile 20 on my way back to my car(still 10 miles away) and they come by again, giving me plenty of room, this time they hurled a plastic baggy with rocks in it. The kind of rocks someone has in his driveway that isnt paved yet I think. It totally blew my mind! I mean, the empty can was one thing. But this was rediculous.
So, I guess they were having fun now because they turned around and came back, but this time I hopped off and started walking towards the house I was near. As I was hopping off, all four windows were going down. No telling what was coming next? I actually had thoughts of a bowling ball coming at my head next. So I go up to the house, of course they didnt answer the door. Heck, I'm in the middle of nowhere, cell phone signal? Nope! So now I have to pedal back the 10+ miles of rolling hill after hill in fear of these jerks coming back for more. I did make it however, I just wish I could see that SUV parked at a house some time soon.... Anyhow, I just wanted to rant. I strongly dislike teenagers, I'm SO glad I'm not one any longer.

-Jon

ProParadox

Next time something like this happens, grab the phone, and put it to your face. Talk into it, regardless of whether you got a signal. Sends a strong message.

youngster

hey look at the bright side! I get it made you improve your speed pretty much!

Jonathon

Haha, I never dropped below 25 on my way back =)

TheKillerPenguin

Stuff a water bottle with explosives and nails, and if you ever seem em again throw it under one of their wheels so they flip over and get crushed. Bastards. What a country.

Congrats on your 25mph avg though

tenorman

Suggestion...if you don't already have one of the cell phones that takes pictures, get one. May not have a signal but use the picture when you get back to civilization, especially if you get the license plate. And if they are teenagers then then they are likely to back down from anything that looks like a confrontation with an adult if,for example, you get off the bike to snap a picture of the license plate. People in general tend to prefer anonymity when they do stuff like that, and feel "busted" when they get their picture taken.

One of the best stories I heard is from a retired police officer friend of mine, he was in an unmarked crusier although in full uniform when a carful of boys mooned him on the highway. He said you should have seen the look on their faces when he pulled them over...made them tell their parents what they'd done! BUSTED!

661

Did you get a plate number? Call the cops. With that sort of provocation... I'd be inclined to spend a few bucks and run the # on the internet myself and contact his/her parents!!

Glad your safe, anyway.

celticfrost

Ok, maybe this is a bit extreme and a bit paranoid, but has anyone ever thought about using one of those helmet cams every time they go riding? -- especailly in areas where it's just you and rednecks in trucks.

That way, you'd have some pretty rock solid evidence when you go to the police, court, etc..

martin_j001

GREAT idea. Karma's a *****!

jakemoffatt

hehe... speaking of karma...

Jonathon

After the first can, I didnt even think about it, but when the bag of rocks busted right in front of me, I was just freaked out, didnt even think about glancing up to grab the plate. They were going pretty fast anyhow.

TheKillerPenguin

Did they look local?

If I were you, I'd go back on the same route again and see if I could find them again. Then I'd get their plate number.

twahl

This is why I recently bought some pepper spray. Go ahead, open up that window when you approach me from behind. That's what my mirror is for.

Jonathon

I plan too, thank you. But this time I wont be helpless on a bike.

Comatose51

That's why I hate teenagers. They're so full of themselves but hide behind their parents when **** goes wrong. They're a pitiful bunch.

UmneyDurak

Man what a hell is wrong with some people. This is the second time today, someone told me they had stuff thrown at them from a moving vehicle.

661

Count to at least a million before you decide how best to retaliate.

thelung

Go back by their house, get the plate number, call the cops. Added bonus if you tell the cops they looked drunk.

larue

The helmet cam is a really good idea, if you don't mind lugging a camcorder around on your rides. They are pretty small these days. Samsung even sells a version that comes with a helmet cam https://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000257040207/

Luckily you weren't hit, a bad of rocks would have done some damage.

*Update: I found the above mentioned cam for $599 at Amazon, though it hasn't been released yet. https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...T8TEJ64C2A7Y02

jszymczak

As far as "rednecks" go, I have had nothing but a great experience with people who live in rural areas. Always give me ample space and most even nod and wave with a smile no less. That was a HUGE suprise to me. I have much more trouble in the suburban areas in which I ride most.

larue

Well for "redneck" areas a cheaper solution would be to wear an american flag jersey.

torment

sig p229 .40S&W barks pretty loud

Umbra

In line with torment's suggestion, I was going to recommend obtaining a concealed pistol license and a small 9mm handgun (a keltec, kahr, or glock)

larue

Apparently now in FL as a cyclist you can legally shoot a driver who poses a threat to you

Jakey

You can never have enough hand grenades. I had a friend that was hit by a snapple bottle. I still think a shotgun painted to match your frame placed under the top tube is the best solution... Learning to fire while pedaling would be the challenge... but imagine how fun it would be....