Grief - from other cyclists!!!

[TonyEnjoyD]

Yet another reason to avoid cycle paths...Either ride on the road, or when you see the guy slow right down and get off your bike and try to flag him down and explain your issue with him/them.

Me myself I detest cycle paths with a passion, if it's not idiots like this, it's broken glass, shitty riding surface, I hate them.

The route is actually two converted wagon tracks from old. The actual surface is OK.
Know what you meann re the pads with super long dog leads.
Actually bust the dinger off my bell last week trying to forewarn one of these gonks (on the same stretch of track as well. Going to buy one of them battery horns at 85dB at 2 metres.

The actual cycle paths - newly built - close to where I work seem to have been laid with spacehopper! You do <10mph and your bones shake loose also youhave to cross to the opposite side of the road 5 times in 3/4 of a mile - whoever designed them wants flaying alive.

I hate riding the kerbs anyway so am getting back into the practice of riding the road in primary position - really bugs the drivers as I currently only average 14.8mph

TonyEnjoyD

 

[Bollo]

Whats upside the head mean?

I said "Oops upside your head"!

 

[col]

I said "Oops upside your head"!

Thats what sprang to mind for me too

 

[yenrod]

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

I wouldnt say anything further !

It'd only go to their head !

 

[fossyant]

I play chicken with 4x4 Landy's...argh.... cross into my lane, I ain't movin....you is......

Depends upon ability - if some numpty is gonna mess with an experienced cyclist...hmm don't.... cos it's the idiot that will come off worse...

If you are new just shove a pump between their front spokes......

 

[neslon]

I ride from Jesmond to Cramlington every day & often go past Sage - I would only use the roads for your commute -up the Gt North Rd to the last set of lights & turn left past the Great Park. I'll see you on the way sometime (if you get on the road before 0645).

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

I play chicken with 4x4 Landy's...argh.... cross into my lane, I ain't movin....you is......

Depends upon ability - if some numpty is gonna mess with an experienced cyclist...hmm don't.... cos it's the idiot that will come off worse...

If you are new just shove a pump between their front spokes......

I'm getting there mate - as I used to be 20 years ago when I last really cycled.

I take no prisoners at roundabouts etc and really P the drivers off as I shoot down the outside, shadow the front car at the roundabout, then often get out before them.

Did this tonight on the way home and the stupid woman coming out of the left junction of the roundabout didn't even see me - me all Hi Vis and lights - I skidded to a juddering stop literally 2" from her door and she scowled at me and drove off!!!
Nelson will know the roundabout - Haddricks Mill!

Just that I tend to give peds and other cyclists a little more consideration - normally

Anyway - my mattress calls

Until tomorrow chaps & chapesses

TonyEnjoyD

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

I ride from Jesmond to Cramlington every day & often go past Sage - I would only use the roads for your commute -up the Gt North Rd to the last set of lights & turn left past the Great Park. I'll see you on the way sometime (if you get on the road before 0645).

Nah mate - strictly 9-5

I'll only be using the roads once the darks come in as there's not lights on the golf course section of the track

T

 

[hackbike 6]

We did the usual nod to each other in passing.

I just ignore them.

 

[John the Monkey]

Me myself I detest cycle paths with a passion, if it's not idiots like this, it's broken glass, shitty riding surface, I hate them.

+1, although recent conversations with bus drivers have convinced me to use the odd one (to the effect that they regard you as fair game because you aren't using the cyclepath).

Just take it easy speed wise, holler to warn peds you're there etc.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Re: the OP.

Don't give in to bullies. OK - no need to be gung ho about it and unintelligent in confrontation but bullies need to be stood up to.

Especially as they seem to be smirking.

The fact that one on his own gives you no hassle proves they are bullies.

I would really not want them to get away with this kind of behaviour.

Don't you have any big mates who can accompany you one morning?

Obviously not recommending a punch up.

Just to let them know that you won't be bullied and intimidated.

Hi Crock,

You're right about not giving in to them which is what I practice - I did at school and learned in later life that most of them are pr*cks who are insecure and usually under the thumb from their wives/partners.

The only niggle at the back of my mind - whooich is probably a safe one to have - is that this jerk will be one of those that also carries a weapon. Too many brave men have lost their lives taking on these types - again usually when they are showing off to others.

As I said, I'll continue until either the lack of light or a full confrontation forces me to do so - at whoch point I will take my car, wait, get photos and contact the police with a harassment/threatening behaviour charge (after following them at a distance one evening to find out where they live)

Cheers

TonyEnjoyD

 

[dondare]

If you ride on cyclepaths you will meet other cyclists on the wrong side which is one reason for staying on real roads.
When there are two riding together and taking up the entre path either stop or ride directly towards them in the dead centre of the track so that they pass one each side.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Dare I suggest that once the weather gets a bit worse and / or / if the price of fuel drops a bit, they'll be back in their <insert hated make and model of choice here> "motors" terrorising old ladies and kids at pelican crossings and will be out of your hair?

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Dare I suggest that once the weather gets a bit worse and / or / if the price of fuel drops a bit, they'll be back in their <BMW- any model/Merc - lowered suspension/Audi Q7 - the list could go on and on> "motors" terrorising old ladies and kids at pelican crossings and will be out of your hair?

Hey LC - inserted as above...

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Thanks Tony; now pop over to J4cko's thread and do some nominating there.

Actually, by the sound of your nemesisisisesesesess they do seem to fit better in the "executive saloon too important to care about anyone else" mould.