I beat the **** out of a car
10-12-08, 07:41 PM
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I beat the **** out of a car
Not really, but I had to give it a snappy title to get you guys in here. Ok so here's what happened: They just put in a new roundabout on this road that I always ride on. I feel like I'm in the TDF when I go around this thing, and yes I know you Europeans are thinking I'm a moron, but whatever.
The blacktop isn't as high as the old pavement that they cut out, so there's a 3-4 inch "curb" along with tons of gravel from construction along the edge of the blacktop. So I'm going into this roundabout (speed limit 25) at about 28 mph (TDF, like I said) and right up next to me pulls a van. So I'm about to enter a roundabout with a minivan right next to me, fine. The road is about a regular lane and a bit more wide, no problem. So I start turning right, and this van starts closing in on me. There's no way he didn't know I was there, since he pulled up RIGHT next to me about 5 seconds ago. He keeps getting closer, I keep going right toward the curb. Now I have almost no room to get over any further or I'll be eating pavement.
I'm already in the gravel stuff, which is making me not want to brake. My shoulder is literally almost touching the van because I'm trying to avoid going any farther right. But he keeps pushing, and I did the only thing I could think of any pounded the rear area of the van right behind the rear window. I actually hit it a lot harder than I thought I would, probably because I was so mad, and I think I may have dented the car.
The van (I assume) thought he hit me and pulled left, giving me room. I dropped back behind him and saw him looking at me in the rear-view, so I gave him the biggest finger I could manage, complete with angry hand motion. I got his plate number, but I didn't really have anything to tell the police.
Anyway, I was pissed because this moron almost made me wreck, and I probably would've gotten run over after I went down. I was also pissed because people think they have to pass cyclists no matter how fast they're going (going over the speed limit in this case) in very dangerous situations. I actually feel safer riding on the roads away from the city where the limit is 45-55, because people give me a ton of room while passing. Riding in the city, I usually am doing the speed limit with people cutting me off and pulling this kind of crap.
Oh, and I broke it up into paragraphs this time.
The blacktop isn't as high as the old pavement that they cut out, so there's a 3-4 inch "curb" along with tons of gravel from construction along the edge of the blacktop. So I'm going into this roundabout (speed limit 25) at about 28 mph (TDF, like I said) and right up next to me pulls a van. So I'm about to enter a roundabout with a minivan right next to me, fine. The road is about a regular lane and a bit more wide, no problem. So I start turning right, and this van starts closing in on me. There's no way he didn't know I was there, since he pulled up RIGHT next to me about 5 seconds ago. He keeps getting closer, I keep going right toward the curb. Now I have almost no room to get over any further or I'll be eating pavement.
I'm already in the gravel stuff, which is making me not want to brake. My shoulder is literally almost touching the van because I'm trying to avoid going any farther right. But he keeps pushing, and I did the only thing I could think of any pounded the rear area of the van right behind the rear window. I actually hit it a lot harder than I thought I would, probably because I was so mad, and I think I may have dented the car.
The van (I assume) thought he hit me and pulled left, giving me room. I dropped back behind him and saw him looking at me in the rear-view, so I gave him the biggest finger I could manage, complete with angry hand motion. I got his plate number, but I didn't really have anything to tell the police.
Anyway, I was pissed because this moron almost made me wreck, and I probably would've gotten run over after I went down. I was also pissed because people think they have to pass cyclists no matter how fast they're going (going over the speed limit in this case) in very dangerous situations. I actually feel safer riding on the roads away from the city where the limit is 45-55, because people give me a ton of room while passing. Riding in the city, I usually am doing the speed limit with people cutting me off and pulling this kind of crap.
Oh, and I broke it up into paragraphs this time.
10-12-08, 07:46 PM
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it's easy if you let it.
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That's awesome. If I'm ever about to be squeezed off the road, I'll try to remember this and knock the hell out of the car with a free fist.
10-12-08, 07:51 PM
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mmmm hills
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10-12-08, 07:53 PM
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The shallow end of the gene pool just got a little more crowded.
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10-12-08, 07:55 PM
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10-12-08, 07:58 PM
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Maybe umd is on to something.
10-12-08, 08:55 PM
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Some guy with a bike.
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I broke the tail light on the minivan that right hooked me last month. Let's see if she dares cross wheels with a cyclist again! Harumph.
p.s.:
p.s.:
Maybe umd is on to something.
10-12-08, 08:58 PM
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10-12-08, 09:01 PM
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What is this demonry?!
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bah the OP waited way to long to start knocking on the car, I would've a long time ago. Of course his biggest mistake was being on the right side of the road when he is going above the speed limit...
10-13-08, 03:13 AM
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My philosophy is to NOT indulge inconsiderate motorist in their negative hubris. If I make them aware of my presence and avoid an accident, my job is done. If they were deliberately inconsiderate or malicious I may give them a dirty look but I try not to piss them off for a number of reasons:
1. They are probably stupid but they are stupid with a 3500 lb weapon at their disposal.
2. If I piss them off they will take it out on one of YOU the next time they see a cyclist. Stupid people tend to attribute behavior of one person in a group to all members of that group (cyclists, runners, etc.).
3. They are probably inactive fat asses who will die of heart disease or some other sedentary lifestyle reward.
4. If I actually did get into a physical confrontation with some dumb ass motorist I don't think I can fight too well in clipless shoes, may as well be on buttered skates.
LET THE WOOKIE WIN...
1. They are probably stupid but they are stupid with a 3500 lb weapon at their disposal.
2. If I piss them off they will take it out on one of YOU the next time they see a cyclist. Stupid people tend to attribute behavior of one person in a group to all members of that group (cyclists, runners, etc.).
3. They are probably inactive fat asses who will die of heart disease or some other sedentary lifestyle reward.
4. If I actually did get into a physical confrontation with some dumb ass motorist I don't think I can fight too well in clipless shoes, may as well be on buttered skates.
LET THE WOOKIE WIN...
10-13-08, 05:54 AM
#12
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When I was Noobie rider I did the same thing. Hit a car hard enough to put a dent in the rear door. The driver pulled over and after getting his 6ft something 250lb body out of the car he proceeded to give me my options. I left with my mouth shut and have never done it again. If I can avoid such a situation by braking I will. Hit the brakes and let the car go. No harm and no foul plus you get to live another day.
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10-13-08, 05:57 AM
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You blink and it's gone.
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Yup....Been there, done that....Roundabouts are fun!
10-13-08, 06:08 AM
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The irony here is thoroughly amusing.
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10-13-08, 06:45 AM
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10-13-08, 06:46 AM
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10-13-08, 07:14 AM
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Take the lane before entering a roundabout and you won't get squeezed.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
