Grief - from other cyclists!!!

[TonyEnjoyD]

Been commuting for 3 months now taking basically the same route to and from work each day.

Two sections of this are on cycle/pedestrian trackways where normally the only grief is Peds with dogs or wearing Ipod in-ear and unable to hear my bell.

On my way home I often on one of the cycle/trackways passed another cyclist coming in the opposite direction - you know the type - wearing troiusers/shirt/tie etc straight from the office.
We did the usual nod to each other in passing.

Anyway, about 3 weeks ago as I approach blind bends keeping to the left and slowing, him and a "friend" come round said blind bend abreast taking the whole path.

I wobble all over trying to get through and saying "haway lads... keep to the left.
Next evening - a different bend - same pair again abreast and purposefully don't give any way.
The next evening, I rounded a bend to see them approaching along a straight and the "friend" decides to veer over my side forcing me to jink onto the grass verge just missing a fence while this guy just has this smarmy look on his face as I go past - this time me saying loudly "gimme some bloody room man"

Anyway - I had to take the car to work for the next two working days and when I could bike again, I was thinking that I'm not changing my darned route to avoid grief with these fella's

So, on my way home, who comes toward me on his own this time?... The "Friend" who had forced me off the path - not a bloody peep - and the same twice after that!!!

Mr shirt & tie hasn't been seen for a couple of days tho - maybe on holiday.

Just goes to show two things:
1. we're not all as thoughful of other cyclist as we should be and
2. "Friend" is very brave when he's with "Shirt & Tie"

My only way in future will be to ignore them and hopefully no altercation will take place

We shall see

Cheers all

TonyEnjoyD

 

[fossyant]

I'd not have moved - played chicken...........grrrr

 

[cheadle hulme]

or just stop blocking the left hand side (assuming no-one behind).

 

[BentMikey]

I'd have used the same strategy I use on oncoming car drivers when there's a narrow road with parked cars. Stay out, slow down, and swerve left at the last moment.

 

[snapper_37]

So, on my way home, who comes toward me on his own this time?... The "Friend" who had forced me off the path - not a bloody peep - and the same twice after that!!!

There's your answer. He's on his own so hasn't got the balls to cut you out.

Personally, I would change my route because it's not worth the hassle.

I had a front bottom who would always make a bee-line for my line, grinning like a mad man when I was pushed off into the grass. So I started going to work on my front sus MTB, ready and able to stop him in his tracks and cope with the grass. It got him so annoyed that he would wait at a unlit part of the lane, just to shove his front wheel out.

Since then, I've stuck to the road in that area because it's not worth it. I still see the dick, well, when I can make out the shape without lights/viz/etc etc.

 

[BentMikey]

You lot just have a lower chicken limit than your nemesises.

 

[snapper_37]

You lot just have a lower chicken limit than your nemesises.

I don't think it's chicken limit for me BM, it's just that I don't want confrontation with a big bloke! I can't be arsed with it.

 

[4F]

You need to "clothes line" the numpty

 

[Jake]

its not nice and i sympathsise with you.

 

[John the Monkey]

You lot just have a lower chicken limit than your nemesises.

Beware, the numpty could be using col's principle of justified retaliation, and whack you upside the head. AND IT WOULD ALL BE YOUR FAULT!

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

You need to "clothes line" the numpty

Good idea and lot's of others crossed my mind, but I abhorr violence.

Comes to it I'll just change my route. Probably a lot less flies that way as well.

ToyEnjoyD

 

[neslon]

Sounds like he probably works at the Ministry - I occasionally meet one of them on Lunatic Alley, next to Gosforth Park. So whats your commute & where do you meet these loons? I'll happily ride alongside if you are going in the right direction (and I have a very high chicken threshold).

 

[neslon]

The worst is those 40 metre dog leashes the peds use - I wish the Edinburgh shop sold Boudica style qr's.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Sounds like he probably works at the Ministry - I occasionally meet one of them on Lunatic Alley, next to Gosforth Park. So whats your commute & where do you meet these loons? I'll happily ride alongside if you are going in the right direction (and I have a very high chicken threshold).

Hi Nelson,
I thought Ministry as well.

I work at Sage (North Park) and live at High Heaton - it's cycling past the golf course from Gt Nth Road to Killingworth lane.

I'm not scared of this Richard Head, I just hate violence and would rather avoid it.

I'll still use the same route until something happens.

TonyEnjoyD

 

[col]

Beware, the numpty could be using col's principle of justified retaliation, and whack you upside the head. AND IT WOULD ALL BE YOUR FAULT!

Whats upside the head mean?