Should I / Shouldn't I change my route?

PO Paul
PO Paul Posts: 114
edited September 2007 in Commuting chat
Had a bit of a run-in with some local chavs last night.
Going home last night on my normal route (back streets on the outskirts of Croydon) I spotted 8-10 chavs/rude boys on a corner a few hundred yards ahead. 3 or 4 of them were on bikes and they were riding backwards and forwards across the road. As I approached I tried to judge where they would be as I passed them to avoid any collisions, but at the last minute one of them changed direction. I had to brake/swerve on the other side of the road to avoid them. As I passed I said "make your mind up" and continued. This comment was met with a torrent of abuse and threats. I looked over my shoulder and noticed a couple of them were beginning to chase me, so I upped the speed a bit (kept the same cadence, but shifted up a few gears, so as not to appear to be pedalling like a demon) and fortunately lost them.
Now I'm thinking, do I take the same route tonight?
Half of me thinks, why should I change?
The other half says, me a skinny, 40 odd year old against half a dozen (prepared) yobby losers, isn't very good odds.
Any advice/comments?

Comments

  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    The cautious and fearful option would be to change your route for a few days. Personally, I'm in favour of avoiding an unnecessary beating, so I might change my route/wear a different top/ride a different bike if I expected to see them again. On the other hand, I'm far too cocky for my size and given that you were easily faster than them, I'd be tempted to risk it.
  • DavidTQ
    DavidTQ Posts: 943
    Well its unlikely they would keep up with you never seen a chav whos fast on a bike yet.

    Chances are though that they were looking for trouble sounds like a typical chav "start a fight" manouvre, they try to provoke a situation where "he started it". Mindless morons.

    If its a regular route have you seen them there before, if they are there daily a route change might be advisable if its first tiem theyve been there id keep the route. Of course Im younger, more stupid and dont like giving ground to these types.
  • ash68
    ash68 Posts: 320
    Yeh,agree with BentMikey, try another route for a few days or a different top will probably do the trick.Chances are you will never see them again. Always good to have a few route options anyway to keep things fresh and give a change of scenery. Chances are it was just bravardo on their part anyway,they were probably more scared of you than you were of them.Let us know how you get on.
  • buddha
    buddha Posts: 1,088
    Whereabouts in Croydon was this? (If you don't mind saying, that is)

    Yes, I too live in sunny Chavdon. And frequently encounter said groups of chavs.
    My tactic is not to feel intimidated, which is easier said than done I guess. But then I, unfortunately, look like a Yakuza minder, so they tend to get out of the way :wink:
    A friendly "awwl-wite" (alright) as I pass and eye contact helps too.
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  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    buddha wrote:
    Whereabouts in Croydon was this? (If you don't mind saying, that is)

    Yes, I too live in sunny Chavdon. And frequently encounter said groups of chavs.
    My tactic is not to feel intimidated, which is easier said than done I guess. But then I, unfortunately, look like a Yakuza minder, so they tend to get out of the way :wink:
    A friendly "awwl-wite" (alright) as I pass and eye contact helps too.

    Ditto (about living in croydon) I'm over in Addiscombe and I've not experienced the chav element there...yet
    Purveyor of sonic doom

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  • star_rover
    star_rover Posts: 318
    Are you worried that they'll remember you and have another pop? I doubt their memories will be that great after a day hanging around the streets swilling merrydown cider.
  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    Clever Pun wrote:
    Ditto (about living in croydon) I'm over in Addiscombe and I've not experienced the chav element there...yet

    I'll be commuting through a little east of Croydon in the next few months, Biggin Hill to the west end, so I'm reading these posts with interest!
  • PO Paul
    PO Paul Posts: 114
    Wore a different top and took a slightly different route, so that I could see the junction, but not actually go through it. No one there anyway, but better safe than sorry I suppose. Probably revert to my normal route tonight. I hate being wimpish, but what's the alternative?
    To those that enquired, it's in the general area of London Road / Green Lane - Thornton Heath.
  • RossC
    RossC Posts: 38
    I would move home if I were you - but that's because I dont like Croydon
  • cntl
    cntl Posts: 290
    >>I'll be commuting through a little east of Croydon in the next few months

    I once spent a few days in Croydon. I dont think I would live there for free, to be honest with you. Be careful, especially after dusk. Some areas are better than others of course (or so they say) but to me... well..
  • RossC
    RossC Posts: 38
    cntl wrote:
    >>I'll be commuting through a little east of Croydon in the next few months

    I once spent a few days in Croydon. I dont think I would live there for free, to be honest with you. Be careful, especially after dusk. Some areas are better than others of course (or so they say) but to me... well..

    yes but even lah-de-dah Islington was home to the Adams family http://gangstersinc.tripod.com/TerryAdams.html

    contact http://www.croydon-lcc.org.uk/ for further advice

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