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Hi,
Last Sunday was shaping up to be a fine day of riding here in sunny, warm Southern California. Went out early in the morning to get some practice without traffic -- handling curves, hard braking, etc. A few hours later, went out with my son so he could get use to a new used bike -- bigger, heavier and more powerful. Nice ride with moderate curves, he set the pace, faster than my preference, but handled the bike well. Early evening while the sun was out, went out again with my son to his work site so he can get use to the parking. Normally a pleasant ride, and again son setting his own pace and me following.
On one stretch with a sweeping curve, took off from a stop light, with a Prius on our right. Prius, must be a good guy. Son goes pass safely and quickly, me next on the sweeping curve. Just when I get to the hindquarter, car drifts into my lane quickly, forcing me to brake then swerve out of my lane into the area marked by two double yellow-line. Luckily not into on-coming traffic. Damn guy was on his cell phone not paying attention. Honked at him, tried speeding pass, gave the gesture. Rather than feeling guilty, he goes into a road rage, speed up to next to me, then purposely forcing me out of my lane again! Was p***ed, but by then we had to turn left to my son's work place. Cooled enough to let the sucker go, and being there for my son was more important than continuing a confrontation.
Happened so fast, probably 3 to 4 seconds. Son did not even notice.
So, what is the take away? One, idiots are out there, too distracted to realize the danger they impose on others. It is our unfortunate burden to be extra careful and watchful. Two, while it is nature to express one's displeasure, the risk seems to be to incite road rage in some situations. Some cagers are so entitled, so don't cross them. Three, be the better person, accept the sad reality that there are idiots, thus avoiding road rage. Bottom line. Honk but no flipping, despite nature instinct to do so.
Last Sunday was shaping up to be a fine day of riding here in sunny, warm Southern California. Went out early in the morning to get some practice without traffic -- handling curves, hard braking, etc. A few hours later, went out with my son so he could get use to a new used bike -- bigger, heavier and more powerful. Nice ride with moderate curves, he set the pace, faster than my preference, but handled the bike well. Early evening while the sun was out, went out again with my son to his work site so he can get use to the parking. Normally a pleasant ride, and again son setting his own pace and me following.
On one stretch with a sweeping curve, took off from a stop light, with a Prius on our right. Prius, must be a good guy. Son goes pass safely and quickly, me next on the sweeping curve. Just when I get to the hindquarter, car drifts into my lane quickly, forcing me to brake then swerve out of my lane into the area marked by two double yellow-line. Luckily not into on-coming traffic. Damn guy was on his cell phone not paying attention. Honked at him, tried speeding pass, gave the gesture. Rather than feeling guilty, he goes into a road rage, speed up to next to me, then purposely forcing me out of my lane again! Was p***ed, but by then we had to turn left to my son's work place. Cooled enough to let the sucker go, and being there for my son was more important than continuing a confrontation.
Happened so fast, probably 3 to 4 seconds. Son did not even notice.
So, what is the take away? One, idiots are out there, too distracted to realize the danger they impose on others. It is our unfortunate burden to be extra careful and watchful. Two, while it is nature to express one's displeasure, the risk seems to be to incite road rage in some situations. Some cagers are so entitled, so don't cross them. Three, be the better person, accept the sad reality that there are idiots, thus avoiding road rage. Bottom line. Honk but no flipping, despite nature instinct to do so.
....
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