The perils of calling out a RLJ...

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AndyRM

XOXO
Location
North Shields
This morning I noticed something unusual on my ride in - another cyclist on what I arrogantly claim as 'My Route to Work', since I've never seen anyone else on it.

I was pulling up to the same junction where this occurred http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/cyclist-1-wing-mirror-0.138516/ and I noticed the rider in front of me had no intention of slowing for the red light. He sailed through with gay abandon and nearly got taken out by a nice looking Saab 900 Turbo. The lights changed and I passed him shortly after, offering my thoughts and advice on the dangers of not obeying traffic signals. The words 'bell-end' and 'tw*t' may have been used, along with a few choice profanities for emphasis.

He was rather a large chap and not the quickest, so I left him in my wake and continued on the final part of my commute. I started to wonder why he was heading this way and a small voice in my head pointed out that we could have the same final destination. I started to worry. This guy was a lot bigger than me. Fortunately I got distracted when I nearly binned it on a patch of unsighted gravel and dismissed the thought.

It wasn't until I was showering and I heard the changing room door open that the thought returned. It couldn't be. Could it? I finished washing and opened the cubicle door.

That bag.

That terrible hi-viz jacket.

He's here...

Dressing in haste, I hoped to avoid further conflict. I could have been considerably more courteous in my appraisal of his cycling and he may want to take issue with my comments.

I was just about to button my shirt when the shower stopped in his cubicle. He emerged, a dripping colossus, and our eyes met across the room, which was rapidly decreasing in size.

"Alright fella?" I asked. This was a mistake. My distinctive accent prompted a flicker of recognition. I was doomed.

"Are you the guy who..."

"Yes," I interrupted, "Um... Sorry for calling you a tw*t?"

"Nah, fair shout mate, I shouldn't have done it."

An awesome wave of relief crashed over me as I realised I was going to live to ride another day.
 

JoeyB

Go on, tilt your head!
Ooh, Saab 900 Turbo - don't see many of them about these days.
 

Davidsw8

Senior Member
Location
London
Phew!! Very lucky fella.

I got a ton of abuse for muttering something out of earshot at a 'lady' on Monday.
 
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AndyRM

AndyRM

XOXO
Location
North Shields
Nice reply from the guy,never know how these things will escalate.

Yeah he's a decent sort. Turns out he's just taken up the company C2W scheme and he's not been out on the roads much.

He went on to say that he tried to catch me so he could give me a hiding for my kind advice...

Oh how I (incredibly nervously) laughed.

Since he's not battered me, we're planning to head back together this evening.
 

Arjimlad

Tights of Cydonia
Location
South Glos
Yeah he's a decent sort. Turns out he's just taken up the company C2W scheme and he's not been out on the roads much.

He went on to say that he tried to catch me so he could give me a hiding for my kind advice...

Oh how I (incredibly nervously) laughed.

Since he's not battered me, we're planning to head back together this evening.

Another bonus.... he's not your new manager/MD/CEO ?!
 

Kookas

Über Member
Location
Exeter
Yeah he's a decent sort. Turns out he's just taken up the company C2W scheme and he's not been out on the roads much.

He went on to say that he tried to catch me so he could give me a hiding for my kind advice...

Oh how I (incredibly nervously) laughed.

Since he's not battered me, we're planning to head back together this evening.

Just in time for Valentine's Day.
 

Gez73

Veteran
Two lessons learned: 1. It's not always wise to call another cyclist on his/her (see @Davidsw8) behaviour. And 2. He's hopefully learned that other cyclists and other road users expect more from each other. I had a similar situation with a driver who seemed too close until I realised it was Frank from work having a laugh....or what Frank from work considered having a laugh! Funny story though. Thanks.
 
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AndyRM

AndyRM

XOXO
Location
North Shields
Two lessons learned: 1. It's not always wise to call another cyclist on his/her (see @Davidsw8) behaviour. And 2. He's hopefully learned that other cyclists and other road users expect more from each other. I had a similar situation with a driver who seemed too close until I realised it was Frank from work having a laugh....or what Frank from work considered having a laugh! Funny story though. Thanks.

Re: 2, I've had mates do that to me as well. Bloody annoying!!
 
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