JMRobertson

What's truely ironic about this post is that the idiots who toss things out of their cars at you, or simply yell or honk at you, are typically doing it for exactly the same reason that you came here to post about it.

Human beings need to feel like they belong to their group. The idiot in the car was probably acting in a manner that solidifies his standing with people he hangs with. You'll notice that their is usually two people in the cars that do this type of thing, and it's often the passenger... the one who has to do something to improve his "cred" with the other one... that behaives this way.

People come here to post to satisfy the same need. Sure, some are posting here to request information and whatnot, but most of us are here simply to interact with others in our chosen clan.

Hickeydog

Or that they have such a low view of themselves that they feel the need to hurt others in order feel good about themselves....

When will people ever grow out of Jr. High?

SamDaBikinMan

Well dagnabbit if that is all it is then we just need to shut up and be happy that these people are able to impress their friends. I'll start carrying rocks in my jersey pockets to toss through windsheilds and impress my biking buddies.

GOSH!

JMRobertson

That would only work if your community of biking buddies would support this behaivor... most wouldn't.

SamDaBikinMan

You are probably right.

Instead of retaliation we try and rationalize the irrational.

Daytrip

Nearly all of my riding is on country roads. I always smile and say hi to people walking along the road or working in their yards. I always get a big thrill on the rare occasions when I see another road biker, and always wave. On my Saturday century I didn't see any other bikers, but a guy on a riding mower did wave at me. And a couple of people honked, presumably to show their approval. Couple of kids shouted their approval.

For the past 30 years I've dealt with loggers, sawmillers and other hardcore rural types as part of my job. When I first started riding, every time I would see a farmer baling hay or a logging job, I felt like stopping and running up to them to say something like "You probably think I'm a *****t 'cause I'm on a bike, and I know I'm dressed like one, but I'm really more like one of you guys." Now I just smile and wave, and generally, they wave back.

urbanknight

There are actually something like 10 to 15 of them, including ear lobe size

Mike_Like_Bike

If you're that concerned, carry something to throw back.


https://www.jgsales.com/product_info....oducts_id/1859

Unlike the M16/AR15/whatever posted before, this one weighs a mere 9 ounces.

JMRobertson

Better than a gun is a camera for your helmet. Get them on camera and report them to the local sheriff. I'm pretty sure that you could get them for littering at least, and assault with a deadly weapon at most. There is legal precident for considering a car a leathal weapon, and you certainly were assualted. Getting it on hard evidence is the hard part.

schnee

Weird. That makes it sound like a congenital problem, like the facial attributes of fetal alcohol syndrome.

DrPete 

Um, how exactly would you use that camera to photograph someone throwing something at you from behind?

It sucks to have to realize it, but we're vulnerable out there. Might as well wrap yourself in aluminum foil--it's about the same level of false sense of security as guns and helmet-mounted cameras.

chipcom 

Don't underestimate aluminum foil, Doc Smartypants

urbanknight

It is weird, but I didn't study it. My wife took a class on it in college. I have the ear lobes and one of the character traits, btw

SamDaBikinMan

My kind of guy!

Thanks for the post!!!

Hickeydog

That was an M4 with a 203 attachment. Let's see the above pee shooter take out a Suburban.

Cromulent

Which are very hard to do at the same time.


Why do people throw stuff at us? We're vulnerable. Sometimes alone. We're dressed different. And we're in their way.

Mike_Like_Bike

Yeah, but seriously, are you going to carry your M4 with a 203 attachment on your bike?

Mike_Like_Bike

I wouldn't call having a "pee shooter" in regards to the OP's story a false sense of security...especially when he states the truck after throwing something at him then turned around and acted like it was waiting for him.

Doctor Who

Few people ever outgrow the damage that jr. high and high school does to one's psyche and sense of self-worth.

Thing is, is that the people that were **** on the most in high school generally turn out to be some of the finest examples of humanity walking the planet. Those who dishing it out, either hate themselves, their family, and the confluence of factors that brought them to that point, which, they'll never admit, included bagging on the unpopular kids in high school.

Or so that's what I like to think.

urbanknight

+1 So to all those who bullied anyone in grade school and are now complaining about people treating them poorly, consider it payback. Now when do I get to start picking on people?

banerjek

I think it's simpler than that. Some people are such pathetic losers that the best they can hope to do is get in a steel cage and menace an unprotected and unprepared person who weighs a couple thousand pounds less.

In school, they had no steel cage, but the dynamic was the same. They knew they couldn't handle anything real, so they stuck with situations that would be impossible to fail at.

Lizzylou

Oddly enough, every car that has ever chucked stuff at me is filled with teenage boys.

In fact, yesterday, on a century ride, a black car full of teenage boys decided to throw coins at all the cyclists. I didn't realize it was a coin at first, but the guy in front of me in the paceline was able to identify the shrapnel. I guess they saw us, and didn't have anything better to throw. Overall, I prefer having quarters chucked at me more than beer cans... it feels slightly less degrading.

colnajoe

I've had things whipped at me, apple cores, soda cans, banana peel, and yes, a water bottle. Legally, I can carry a gun when I ride, and I do. Just like you mentioned, the car stopped ahead of you and you had to take action to avoid them. I am never on the offensive, never whip out the finger (ok, maybe once) but on those country roads, you never know who might drive past you, and what the occupants state of mind is. I would only use it to defend my life. I will do everything to avoid any confrontation. In the past, I have accually taped a piece of paper to my stem, and put one of those golf score pencils in my bag, to write down a plate. Long story short, I have had a driver arrested, charged, and convicted of reckless driving. 500 fine and suspended license for 3 months for trying to run me off the road. Her excuse to the judge " I was just tired of all the cyclists in the roadway".

uke

Liked this.

Liked this too.

simonofsocal

Personally, I would have picked it up, ridden over to the ****, and said "I think you dropped this." while chucking it at his face. Of course, I would have my chain/cable/u-lock in my other hand to start whipping around if they start anything. Just make sure you're the first to call the cops, and tell them you feared for your life (say you saw a gun) and had to defend yourself. If they're willing to assault a complete stranger, chances are they've already got a record. So, you can get some revenge, and get off scott free. I try to be a peaceful person, but if you assault me, especially without provocation. I will take you down.

Revenge is not a bad thing. Being a bully is. If you don't teach them they're responsible for their actions(the English language really needs to get some neutral singular pronouns). Who will? Revenge doesn't have to be physical either. If you aren't capable of, or willing to take down a truck load of thugs, then take their picture instead. Get them arrested, get their license revoked, teach them a lesson they should have learned in preschool. All actions have consequences.

You came here looking for support. Well, you're not going to get any from me. You had the perfect chance to sneak up and get their license number at the very least. You ask "why do people throw stuff at us?". I'll tell you why, it's because those weak, cowardly, bullies have never met anyone with enough back bone to stand up for themselves. I hate to come across as an ******* to somebody who was just attacked, but inaction is it's own action, and has it's own consequences.