What type of cyclist are you?

Soni

Would be interested in knowing what type of cyclists you are when confonted by aggresive/rude motorists/pedestrians.

I'm one of the nicest blokes you could ever meet, been said many a time, enthusiastic, helpful, caring, honest etc, i would go out of my way to help absolutely anybody, however i will not stand for wan*ers becoming confrontational with me, if it happens then i won't back down.

Happened many a time recently whilst out on the road, motorists driving towards me at silly speeds in a lane and rubbing past me, and then this afternoon riding past a village pub on this quiet lane, members of the public sitting in the beer garden, and out pulls this twat in a lowered black golf GTI, newish, really nice car, some blonde Barbie Doll of a girlfreind in his passenger seat, he has to wait for me to pass before he can pull out of the pub car park, and you can see the look on his face as i ride by, he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone......

I do nothing more than turn around, two fingers up in the air, and shout back 'f*ck you'! :evil: He drives on.....

Wasn't pleased of myself, as there were other members of the public in the beer garden, however twats like this think they can get away with taking the p*ss out of cyclists - i'm sure they think we are complete nerds without any balls to stand up for ourselves...

bianchi777

I sometimes get abuse off kids because I'm a younger cyclist (22). Most of the time I'll laugh it off and just ride along, ignoring them. Sometimes, if I'm in a foul mood, I usually just give them the "wanker" sign and speed up a little. Most of the time the people who shout abuse at you have some deficiency and they're really not worth bothering about.

And if you were on that Trek, I wouldn't worry too much either! I nearly got one of those instead of my Bianchi.

jos2thehua

I live in a small rural town of the United States and for some reason the more back country you get the worst the people come. I would think that city folk would be a little more aggressive because of traffic and narrow roads, but it's actually the back road dwellers that give me the worst fits. I usually just blow them off with a grin on most days when they give me a foul outburst or threaten my life by not moving over. However, sometimes they really do get under my skin, usually when the weather is not up to par, and I find myself yelling obscenities right back.

Overall, though, I'm a pretty chill fellow and not one to hold a grudge even with the people who seem to annually give me crap.

Mark_K

Never argue with idiots they'll just drag you down to their level

bianchi777

jos2thehua wrote:

I live in a small rural town of the United States and for some reason the more back country you get the worst the people come. I would think that city folk would be a little more aggressive because of traffic and narrow roads, but it's actually the back road dwellers that give me the worst fits. I usually just blow them off with a grin on most days when they give me a foul outburst or threaten my life by not moving over. However, sometimes they really do get under my skin, usually when the weather is not up to par, and I find myself yelling obscenities right back.

Overall, though, I'm a pretty chill fellow and not one to hold a grudge even with the people who seem to annually give me crap.

Have you ever met the guys from R.E.M.?

rjh299

Mark_K wrote:

Never argue with idiots they'll just drag you down to their level

And beat you on experience!

White Line

Soni wrote:

... he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone...

I find a nice and cheerful "Thanks! Nice car!" does the trick!

Tom Barton

Could have relied on the 'nice girlfriend - is she as cheap as your car' but it all depends how up for a fight you are :-)

Slow Downcp

I'd have gone with either "Yeah, but not as good a ride as your girlfriend" or "Yeah, you too" and nod towards his passenger.

Lysander

When I get abuse when I'm out on my bike or sometimes just out for a run I try to ignore it. I console myself with the thought that white trash is just not worth bothering with. It does get to me at times but why should I sink to their level.

Soni

Tom Barton wrote:

Could have relied on the 'nice girlfriend - is she as cheap as your car' but it all depends how up for a fight you are :-)

Now i DO like that! Why did i not think of that at the time!

That would have certainly done the trick!

Soni

Slow Downcp wrote:

I'd have gone with either "Yeah, but not as good a ride as your girlfriend" or "Yeah, you too" and nod towards his passenger.

That is another good one that i would have liked to use , unfortunately i'm not that quick with the returns...... :evil:

Soni

Lysander wrote:

When I get abuse when I'm out on my bike or sometimes just out for a run I try to ignore it. I console myself with the thought that white trash is just not worth bothering with. It does get to me at times but why should I sink to their level.

But it makes me wonder why some people think its the 'in thing' to insult cyclists, as i've said previously, do people think cyclists are nerds with no balls to get off their bikes and smack them under the chin? :?

I just don't understand where this idea has come from.....

Lysander

The other day I was out for a run and was aware that there was a car behind me. Suddenly there was a loud blast from his horn which made me jump. A clapped out old Renault Laguna then passed me. About 300yds up the road there is a level crossing, the barriers were down for a train. As I ran past him on the opposite side of the road I could see him smirking. I suppose I should have stopped and had a go but why should I break into my run and lose my rag with some neanderthal.
It does get to me but I think losing it with him would have been all part of the entertainment for him. Judging by the car he drives thats the only entertainment he could afford anyway.

antfly

Is it just possible that he genuinely liked your bike?
Just ignore them anyway, it makes them feel stupid if they don`t get a rise out of you.

thebongolian

I'd shrug it off unless they were driving dangerously - in which case a two finger salute normally gets throown...

mgcycleguy

You got to be careful with those sort of comments these days, so many people are now riding, that he may actually have liked the bike... if he was a real retard he probably would have just pulled out in front of you !

... I usually just smile and wink at the gf... lol

Soni

Lysander wrote:

The other day I was out for a run and was aware that there was a car behind me. Suddenly there was a loud blast from his horn which made me jump. A clapped out old Renault Laguna then passed me. About 300yds up the road there is a level crossing, the barriers were down for a train. As I ran past him on the opposite side of the road I could see him smirking. I suppose I should have stopped and had a go but why should I break into my run and lose my rag with some neanderthal.
It does get to me but I think losing it with him would have been all part of the entertainment for him. Judging by the car he drives thats the only entertainment he could afford anyway.

You'll probably find that he was so envious of you having the willpower and the fitness to be able to run, that he felt he had to try and intimidate you to make you look a prat and him look and feel better......what twats there are about...

Soni

antfly wrote:

Is it just possible that he genuinely liked your bike?
Just ignore them anyway, it makes them feel stupid if they don`t get a rise out of you.

Nah no way, he said it in such a childish immature and p8ss taking way, there was no way he meant it....

Soni

Also, i've seen cyclists in London actually kick the side of a van when they've been cut up by the van when turning at lights, and boy did he boot the side of the van it went 'BANG'!

iainment

White Line wrote:

Soni wrote:

... he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone...

I find a nice and cheerful "Thanks! Nice car!" does the trick!

Absolutely agree, no need to escalate this. Either ignore or treat as real compliment. Childish to retaliate in this way.

Soni

iainment wrote:

White Line wrote:

Soni wrote:

... he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone...

I find a nice and cheerful "Thanks! Nice car!" does the trick!

Absolutely agree, no need to escalate this. Either ignore or treat as real compliment. Childish to retaliate in this way.

I find it childish to insult somebody in the first place!

If people think they are man enough to launch verbal at me like that, then the least they can do is be man enough to back it up, which in this case he obviously wasn't...

iainment

Soni wrote:

iainment wrote:

White Line wrote:

Soni wrote:

... he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone...

I find a nice and cheerful "Thanks! Nice car!" does the trick!

Absolutely agree, no need to escalate this. Either ignore or treat as real compliment. Childish to retaliate in this way.

I find it childish to insult somebody in the first place!

If people think they are man enough to launch verbal at me like that, then the least they can do is be man enough to back it up, which in this case he obviously wasn't...

You're attitude is not consistent with safety on the road. Think again, rise above stupid comments and move on.

Soni

iainment wrote:

Soni wrote:

iainment wrote:

White Line wrote:

Soni wrote:

... he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone...

I find a nice and cheerful "Thanks! Nice car!" does the trick!

Absolutely agree, no need to escalate this. Either ignore or treat as real compliment. Childish to retaliate in this way.

I find it childish to insult somebody in the first place!

If people think they are man enough to launch verbal at me like that, then the least they can do is be man enough to back it up, which in this case he obviously wasn't...

You're attitude is not consistent with safety on the road. Think again, rise above stupid comments and move on.

I realise your opinion and concern on road safety, however i feel that these 'bullies' which is exactly what they are, are only bullies because they have been able to get away with insulting cyclists and making themselves look big in the past, whereas if more cyclists were to stick up for themselves and make it backfire on these twats then maybe they would think twice the next time before doing it.

If there's one thing that annoys me in life its bullies, i can't stand them, and will not tolerate them......

I'm not saying that cyclists should do this, however can you imagine if cyclists were to turn their bikes around, ride up to these idiots and get off their bikes and punch their lights out? I'm sure these bullies would think twice about insulting, throwing stones, spitting, beeping their horns and trying to scare, cutting up, etc., etc., the list could go on.....they would definetely look at cylists in a different light then wouldn't they, no more would they think we were nerds, they need to be taught some respect.....

Look at the police officer these days, completely powerless, my dad used to tell me that years ago the village bobby was feared by the kids, as if they did something wrong the bobby would give them a clip around the ears, and if there dad found out they would get a good hiding off him to, now the police are powerless and worried about legal lawsuits if they harm a yob, and also the parents can be taken to court for smacking their kids - this is one of the reasons we've got these nobs driving around in their lowered blacked out cars thinking they rule the road....

bobtbuilder

I always rise to it unfortunately. :oops: I can't stop myself, mindless abuse just gives me the red mist.

iainment

Soni wrote:

iainment wrote:

Soni wrote:

iainment wrote:

White Line wrote:

Soni wrote:

... he hangs his head out of the window and shouts 'nice bike' in a really childish sarcastic and p*ss taking tone...

I find a nice and cheerful "Thanks! Nice car!" does the trick!

Absolutely agree, no need to escalate this. Either ignore or treat as real compliment. Childish to retaliate in this way.

I find it childish to insult somebody in the first place!

If people think they are man enough to launch verbal at me like that, then the least they can do is be man enough to back it up, which in this case he obviously wasn't...

You're attitude is not consistent with safety on the road. Think again, rise above stupid comments and move on.

I realise your opinion and concern on road safety, however i feel that these 'bullies' which is exactly what they are, are only bullies because they have been able to get away with insulting cyclists and making themselves look big in the past, whereas if more cyclists were to stick up for themselves and make it backfire on these twats then maybe they would think twice the next time before doing it.

If there's one thing that annoys me in life its bullies, i can't stand them, and will not tolerate them......

I'm not saying that cyclists should do this, however can you imagine if cyclists were to turn their bikes around, ride up to these idiots and get off their bikes and punch their lights out? I'm sure these bullies would think twice about insulting, throwing stones, spitting, beeping their horns and trying to scare, cutting up, etc., etc., the list could go on.....they would definetely look at cylists in a different light then wouldn't they, no more would they think we were nerds, they need to be taught some respect.....

Look at the police officer these days, completely powerless, my dad used to tell me that years ago the village bobby was feared by the kids, as if they did something wrong the bobby would give them a clip around the ears, and if there dad found out they would get a good hiding off him to, now the police are powerless and worried about legal lawsuits if they harm a yob, and also the parents can be taken to court for smacking their kids - this is one of the reasons we've got these nobs driving around in their lowered blacked out cars thinking they rule the road....

Well that would make my commute interesting. Passing groups of cyclists and motorists and peds brawling in the streets over perceived insults.
I am often accused here of inciting hatred against cyclists because of my attitude to RLJ, tha pales against the possibilities you open up.

nasahapley

Most of the time I'm a very placid sort, and will happily let insults slide (I don't really care what morons have to say), but if somebody actually puts me in danger by their sh***y driving then by jingo that driver better kiss their ar5e goodbye. The least I'll try to do is fire off a string of verbal that would make a squaddie blush, and I'll happily give the car/van/whatever a good whack should I catch up with it again. The thing is, I know full well this is daft and immediately afterwards I always think 'why the hell do I bother?' I've even been hospitalised after carrying on the wrong fight (not cycle-related), but I still haven't learnt. Fortunately drivers round my way seem to be ok on the whole.

Soni

nasahapley wrote:

Most of the time I'm a very placid sort, and will happily let insults slide (I don't really care what morons have to say), but if somebody actually puts me in danger by their sh***y driving then by jingo that driver better kiss their ar5e goodbye. The least I'll try to do is fire off a string of verbal that would make a squaddie blush, and I'll happily give the car/van/whatever a good whack should I catch up with it again. The thing is, I know full well this is daft and immediately afterwards I always think 'why the hell do I bother?' I've even been hospitalised after carrying on the wrong fight (not cycle-related), but I still haven't learnt. Fortunately drivers round my way seem to be ok on the whole.

Now thats the sort of person i like, somebody with principals, no matter how much bigger or leaner or taller that somebody is, its the principal of the matter, if they cross the line, then try your best to make them pay, thats the only way you win respect against those type.....a bully is only a bully because he's got away with it one too many times...

Homer J

I ignore them and get on with my ride.
But if i could i'd shoot the w@nkers :evil:

iainment

Soni wrote:

nasahapley wrote:

Most of the time I'm a very placid sort, and will happily let insults slide (I don't really care what morons have to say), but if somebody actually puts me in danger by their sh***y driving then by jingo that driver better kiss their ar5e goodbye. The least I'll try to do is fire off a string of verbal that would make a squaddie blush, and I'll happily give the car/van/whatever a good whack should I catch up with it again. The thing is, I know full well this is daft and immediately afterwards I always think 'why the hell do I bother?' I've even been hospitalised after carrying on the wrong fight (not cycle-related), but I still haven't learnt. Fortunately drivers round my way seem to be ok on the whole.

Now thats the sort of person i like, somebody with principals, no matter how much bigger or leaner or taller that somebody is, its the principal of the matter, if they cross the line, then try your best to make them pay, thats the only way you win respect against those type.....a bully is only a bully because he's got away with it one too many times...

You really take the biscuit.

BTW look up principal in the dictionary, do you really mean what you write above or is the principle of the language above or beyond you.

Don't hit me!!!

Soni

iainment wrote:

Soni wrote:

nasahapley wrote:

Most of the time I'm a very placid sort, and will happily let insults slide (I don't really care what morons have to say), but if somebody actually puts me in danger by their sh***y driving then by jingo that driver better kiss their ar5e goodbye. The least I'll try to do is fire off a string of verbal that would make a squaddie blush, and I'll happily give the car/van/whatever a good whack should I catch up with it again. The thing is, I know full well this is daft and immediately afterwards I always think 'why the hell do I bother?' I've even been hospitalised after carrying on the wrong fight (not cycle-related), but I still haven't learnt. Fortunately drivers round my way seem to be ok on the whole.

Now thats the sort of person i like, somebody with principals, no matter how much bigger or leaner or taller that somebody is, its the principal of the matter, if they cross the line, then try your best to make them pay, thats the only way you win respect against those type.....a bully is only a bully because he's got away with it one too many times...

You really take the biscuit.

BTW look up principal in the dictionary, do you really mean what you write above or is the principle of the language above or beyond you.

Don't hit me!!!

Oh yeah, principal is far beyond me, i am a mere retard, but don't worry, i'll run everything by you first in the future fella to make sure i get it right first before posting, as you are so much more advanced in the English language than i am and obviously never make mistakes:roll:

Principal - meant Principle......sorry i must try harder, are you sure you aren't a Principal 8)