What? No middle fingers?
07-02-08, 12:34 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 1,953
Bikes: '84 Centurion Accordo RS, '06 Gary Fisher Marlin, '06 Schwinn Fastback 27, '06 Litespeed Teramo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What? No middle fingers?
So, I gave this guy going the opposite direction of me a middle finger to let him know what I think of everyone on a bike who is not me. Surprisingly, he did not return the gesture. Not even a disgusted "WTF?" look. Instead I got a surprised look as if he wasn't expecting a middle finger from another commuter. I tried a few more times and the results were mainly the same. One guy did try to chase me and yelling something about "giving me a piece of his mind". Whatever.
Its a good thing a busy four lane street was in the middle of us and I was able to pedal away without much trouble.
Maybe I'll add a hearty "F*** You!" tomorrow. We'll see if it'll make a difference to these jerks.
Its a good thing a busy four lane street was in the middle of us and I was able to pedal away without much trouble.Maybe I'll add a hearty "F*** You!" tomorrow. We'll see if it'll make a difference to these jerks.
07-02-08, 12:38 PM
#2
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Lenexa, KS
Posts: 2,400
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The middle finger is practically the universal "I see you" acknowledgment gesture. If I can see them flipping me off, I know they won't accidentally run over me. In turn, when I reciprocate, they understand that I've seen them. They may still intentionally run me down, but at least I know they're paying attention to the road for long enough to give me the salute.
Why would someone give you a piece of their mind?
Why would someone give you a piece of their mind?
07-02-08, 12:45 PM
#4
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Luckily the folks around here are pretty courteous. I always keep a few rocks handy, so when I see another commuter I can huck one at them, and they usually return the favor. 
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
07-02-08, 12:47 PM
#5
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Back in Santa Monica
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-02-08, 01:01 PM
#6
Where did whooooo go
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: UTOPIA
Posts: 455
Bikes: trek 7100, 70's schwinn free spirit.{building into the second commuter}
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As plankton said to spongebob "people like it when you are assertive" show em who's boss
07-02-08, 01:02 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
So, I gave this guy going the opposite direction of me a middle finger to let him know what I think of everyone on a bike who is not me. Surprisingly, he did not return the gesture. Not even a disgusted "WTF?" look. Instead I got a surprised look as if he wasn't expecting a middle finger from another commuter. I tried a few more times and the results were mainly the same. One guy did try to chase me and yelling something about "giving me a piece of his mind". Whatever. Its a good thing a busy four lane street was in the middle of us and I was able to pedal away without much trouble.
Maybe I'll add a hearty "F*** You!" tomorrow. We'll see if it'll make a difference to these jerks.
Its a good thing a busy four lane street was in the middle of us and I was able to pedal away without much trouble.Maybe I'll add a hearty "F*** You!" tomorrow. We'll see if it'll make a difference to these jerks.
07-02-08, 01:04 PM
#8
Thread Killer
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Marfan Syndrome-Clyde-DFW, TX
Posts: 1,845
Bikes: Fuji Touring Xtracycle, Merlin Road, Bacchetta Giro 26 (Sold), Challenge Hurricane, Cruzbike Sofrider
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What the heck is wrong with the you're #1 symbol now?
I try not to use it because honestly if I'm #1 no one else can be!
I try not to use it because honestly if I'm #1 no one else can be!
07-02-08, 01:09 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 1,143
Bikes: '07 Giant OCR3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I used to middle finger everyone i passed, but since i got so few in return, now i just reciprocate the ones i receive.
07-02-08, 01:33 PM
#11
Shut Up and Ride
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 578
Bikes: Cannondale t-700 [commuter], Cannondale MT-800 [Tandem so the Lil Misses can keep up], GT I drive Team [My tricked out Racer MTB]
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-02-08, 01:41 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 471
Bikes: Trek520
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I see other people out on bikes, I wave. When they don't reciprocate, I circle around, creep up behind them and throw a big stick in their spokes. And those roadies don't think I can catch up in a pair of jeans...psshh.
07-02-08, 01:45 PM
#15
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I don't like taking my hands off the bars so I just wave my penis at them. Only about 50% of the riders return the wave.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
07-02-08, 01:47 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 172
Bikes: Kobe Chapparal
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
works rather well
07-02-08, 01:48 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 172
Bikes: Kobe Chapparal
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-02-08, 01:51 PM
#18
Señor Miembro
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: DC
Posts: 603
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-02-08, 01:55 PM
#19
Getaway Rider
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 64
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Careful, you never know when you're bringing those rocks to a gunfight, especially around here.
07-02-08, 02:42 PM
#20
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I see what you did there.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
07-02-08, 03:21 PM
#21
An Army of Fred
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lost South of Nowhere East of Edan On the Waterfront Far from the Madding Crowd (Biloxi, MS)
Posts: 1,003
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Musta been New Yorkers.
07-02-08, 06:30 PM
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 1,953
Bikes: '84 Centurion Accordo RS, '06 Gary Fisher Marlin, '06 Schwinn Fastback 27, '06 Litespeed Teramo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts