Comments on: The Jerk http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/ It's like reality TV. Except it's real. And there's no TV. Fri, 04 Mar 2022 03:21:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Tandy http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-408745 Tandy Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:32:38 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-408745 ??10???????????????? ????/?????????/??????? 10???????????????????????? QQ?224549200???“??”? ??10????????????????
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]]> By: Jay http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-13028 Jay Fri, 18 May 2007 23:38:33 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-13028 A freind of mine (an off duty parole officer at the time) was riding the bike path near Marina del rey in Los Angeles. He was accosted by a young man who demanded his money. He asked the young man if he had a gun. the answer was no at which he added that one should always bring one to a gun fight. At that point he pulled out his gun and arrested the young man. In Los Angeles you basically don't mess with people anywhere at anytime unless you're prepared to die. I yell and gesture but if anybody looks like they are coming after me i run like hell and call 911. A freind of mine (an off duty parole officer at the time) was riding the bike path near Marina del rey in Los Angeles. He was accosted by a young man who demanded his money. He asked the young man if he had a gun. the answer was no at which he added that one should always bring one to a gun fight. At that point he pulled out his gun and arrested the young man. In Los Angeles you basically don’t mess with people anywhere at anytime unless you’re prepared to die. I yell and gesture but if anybody looks like they are coming after me i run like hell and call 911.

]]> By: Josh from Provo http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-12937 Josh from Provo Fri, 18 May 2007 14:58:52 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12937 I don't know what it is about me biking that elicit so much anger from drivers. The shoulders are ample in the Provo/Orem area and I always make sure to stay within them as to avoid impeding traffic. It is amazing though the things that have happened to me over the last few bike-riding seasons. Just last year some driver decided it would be funny to through a croquet ball at me while driving between 40-50 mph. It didn't hit as intended, but had it; undoubtedly I would have taken a major spill as those balls are extremely dense and flying at 40-50 while I'm going 20... Aside from flying balls, the high-schoolers around town love honking and screaming interesting phrases and curse words for no apparent reason. People are stupid sometimes, I just don't understand it. I don’t know what it is about me biking that elicit so much anger from drivers. The shoulders are ample in the Provo/Orem area and I always make sure to stay within them as to avoid impeding traffic. It is amazing though the things that have happened to me over the last few bike-riding seasons. Just last year some driver decided it would be funny to through a croquet ball at me while driving between 40-50 mph. It didn’t hit as intended, but had it; undoubtedly I would have taken a major spill as those balls are extremely dense and flying at 40-50 while I’m going 20… Aside from flying balls, the high-schoolers around town love honking and screaming interesting phrases and curse words for no apparent reason. People are stupid sometimes, I just don’t understand it.

]]> By: MAJ Mike http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-12843 MAJ Mike Thu, 17 May 2007 22:53:58 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12843 Bad people continue to do bad things when good people don't take a stand to stop it. Sometimes peace and love just isn't the answer, which is why I have a job. I am not saying we should be picking fights, but we can't be the shrinking violets that get pushed around by the bullies either. Lots of these people do this stuff because they think it won't catch up with them. If it does, it might just save the life of the next cyclist down the road. Bad people continue to do bad things when good people don’t take a stand to stop it. Sometimes peace and love just isn’t the answer, which is why I have a job. I am not saying we should be picking fights, but we can’t be the shrinking violets that get pushed around by the bullies either. Lots of these people do this stuff because they think it won’t catch up with them. If it does, it might just save the life of the next cyclist down the road.

]]> By: Erin http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-12840 Erin Thu, 17 May 2007 21:39:00 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12840 "High School / College kids are annoying, but they’re just trying to show their buddies how ‘cool’ they are by yelling at someone on a bicycle." the funniest thing about these kids is that they don't understand that if you yell at a cyclist riding 20 mph from a car travelling 55 mph, the cyclist CANNOT HEAR YOU. but don't worry. you're, like, wicked cool anyway. “High School / College kids are annoying, but they’re just trying to show their buddies how ‘cool’ they are by yelling at someone on a bicycle.”

the funniest thing about these kids is that they don’t understand that if you yell at a cyclist riding 20 mph from a car travelling 55 mph, the cyclist CANNOT HEAR YOU.

but don’t worry. you’re, like, wicked cool anyway.

]]> By: TimK http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-12802 TimK Thu, 17 May 2007 15:24:07 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12802 @Andy C, Thanks for the letter to Cafe Press. Keep us posted on the response you get from them. Unfortunately, the guy who made these probably won't change his mindset. Like I said, I kind of like the idea of him wearing his hate where I can see it and know it. But yeah, he really shouldn't be able to sell this crap at CP. @Andy C, Thanks for the letter to Cafe Press. Keep us posted on the response you get from them.

Unfortunately, the guy who made these probably won’t change his mindset. Like I said, I kind of like the idea of him wearing his hate where I can see it and know it. But yeah, he really shouldn’t be able to sell this crap at CP.

]]> By: AndyC http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-2/#comment-12687 AndyC Thu, 17 May 2007 00:59:05 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12687 In response to TimK's link to CafePress and the offense jerk that is selling t-shirts, mugs and stickers ("Stay The F*#@ Off the Road A*&hole") here is what I did. I have a shop (for personal use) on CafePress and read over their guidelines on acceptable use of language in their stores. I wrote them a letter which follows… In reading over your guidelines on: Questionable Material & Prohibited Content Guidelines, it recently came to my attention that there is a shop owner that is selling merchandise with offensive language that advocates physical harm to the cycling community. [link: http://www.cafepress.com/bullshit4u]. I believe this store violates your policy and it really angers me that such a store can exist on CafePress. I thought you should be aware. I believe in free-speech as much as the next American citizen but this type of activity has no place in the marketplace. It is akin to radio personalities in the past few years at Clear Channel Radio stations advocating violence against cyclists. They paid the price as a result and I would appreciate a response in what is being done about this matter. Thank you for your kind attention. Hopefully they will pull this idiot's store and put them out of business. Having been the victim of obnoxious drivers and dangerous riding situations and confrontations too many times over the years this is exactly what cycling doesn't need. In response to TimK’s link to CafePress and the offense jerk that is selling t-shirts, mugs and stickers (“Stay The F*#@ Off the Road A*&hole”) here is what I did. I have a shop (for personal use) on CafePress and read over their guidelines on acceptable use of language in their stores. I wrote them a letter which follows…

In reading over your guidelines on: Questionable Material & Prohibited Content Guidelines, it recently came to my attention that there is a shop owner that is selling merchandise with offensive language that advocates physical harm to the cycling community. [link: http://www.cafepress.com/bullshit4u. I believe this store violates your policy and it really angers me that such a store can exist on CafePress. I thought you should be aware. I believe in free-speech as much as the next American citizen but this type of activity has no place in the marketplace. It is akin to radio personalities in the past few years at Clear Channel Radio stations advocating violence against cyclists. They paid the price as a result and I would appreciate a response in what is being done about this matter.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Hopefully they will pull this idiot’s store and put them out of business. Having been the victim of obnoxious drivers and dangerous riding situations and confrontations too many times over the years this is exactly what cycling doesn’t need.

]]> By: Andy Carpenter http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-1/#comment-12686 Andy Carpenter Thu, 17 May 2007 00:58:02 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12686 In response to TimK's link to CafePress and the offense jerk that is selling t-shirts, mugs and stickers ("Stay The F*#@ Off the Road A*&hole") here is what I did. I have a shop (for personal use) on CafePress and read over their guidelines on acceptable use of language in their stores. I wrote them a letter which follows… In reading over your guidelines on: Questionable Material & Prohibited Content Guidelines, it recently came to my attention that there is a shop owner that is selling merchandise with offensive language that advocates physical harm to the cycling community. [link: http://www.cafepress.com/bullshit4u]. I believe this store violates your policy and it really angers me that such a store can exist on CafePress. I thought you should be aware. I believe in free-speech as much as the next American citizen but this type of activity has no place in the marketplace. It is akin to radio personalities in the past few years at Clear Channel Radio stations advocating violence against cyclists. They paid the price as a result and I would appreciate a response in what is being done about this matter. Thank you for your kind attention. Hopefully they will pull this idiot's store and put them out of business. Having been the victim of obnoxious drivers and dangerous riding situations and confrontations too many times over the years this is exactly what cycling doesn't need. In response to TimK’s link to CafePress and the offense jerk that is selling t-shirts, mugs and stickers (“Stay The F*#@ Off the Road A*&hole”) here is what I did. I have a shop (for personal use) on CafePress and read over their guidelines on acceptable use of language in their stores. I wrote them a letter which follows…

In reading over your guidelines on: Questionable Material & Prohibited Content Guidelines, it recently came to my attention that there is a shop owner that is selling merchandise with offensive language that advocates physical harm to the cycling community. [link: http://www.cafepress.com/bullshit4u. I believe this store violates your policy and it really angers me that such a store can exist on CafePress. I thought you should be aware. I believe in free-speech as much as the next American citizen but this type of activity has no place in the marketplace. It is akin to radio personalities in the past few years at Clear Channel Radio stations advocating violence against cyclists. They paid the price as a result and I would appreciate a response in what is being done about this matter.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Hopefully they will pull this idiot’s store and put them out of business. Having been the victim of obnoxious drivers and dangerous riding situations and confrontations too many times over the years this is exactly what cycling doesn’t need.

]]> By: greg http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-1/#comment-12684 greg Thu, 17 May 2007 00:24:43 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12684 I'm a mountain biker at heart, but have many friends that are roadies. I'm having a hard time understanding why a person would want the abuse that accompanies road riding. My buddies have tried to convert me to road riding, but when I read stories as this, I lose my motivation towards the sport. It's strange to me to realize as to how a group of people can withstand the abuse that comes with riding on the road. Some almost wear it as a badge of honor. Almost every roadie I've talked to has a similar story, and they light up with a content, zealousness when they tell their story. I have traveled many miles on the road, and have not been heckled once. It might be my lacking of proper spandex. It might be that I know I'm a pedestrian and know that I need to follow the rules set forth for pedestrians. It is true that there will always be that redneck out there. I believe the only way to cure this is to get them out on a bike or in a pair of running shoes, to know what it's like in a road situation. This is improbable. Every time I almost commit to getting into this end of the sport, I read a story like this and for the love of life and family, opt out. Please ride in safe places. I cringe when I see that guy in the middle of state street, or on the white line in a canyon setting. Continue the push for better bike access on our roads, and when it appears safer, myself and scores of others will join in, til then I'll see you from above, in the dirt. I’m a mountain biker at heart, but have many friends that are roadies. I’m having a hard time understanding why a person would want the abuse that accompanies road riding. My buddies have tried to convert me to road riding, but when I read stories as this, I lose my motivation towards the sport. It’s strange to me to realize as to how a group of people can withstand the abuse that comes with riding on the road. Some almost wear it as a badge of honor. Almost every roadie I’ve talked to has a similar story, and they light up with a content, zealousness when they tell their story.
I have traveled many miles on the road, and have not been heckled once. It might be my lacking of proper spandex. It might be that I know I’m a pedestrian and know that I need to follow the rules set forth for pedestrians. It is true that there will always be that redneck out there. I believe the only way to cure this is to get them out on a bike or in a pair of running shoes, to know what it’s like in a road situation. This is improbable.
Every time I almost commit to getting into this end of the sport, I read a story like this and for the love of life and family, opt out. Please ride in safe places. I cringe when I see that guy in the middle of state street, or on the white line in a canyon setting.
Continue the push for better bike access on our roads, and when it appears safer, myself and scores of others will join in, til then I’ll see you from above, in the dirt.

]]> By: mark http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/comment-page-1/#comment-12643 mark Wed, 16 May 2007 20:52:23 +0000 http://www.fatcyclist.com/2007/05/15/the-jerk/#comment-12643 Dug- thank you. I have never been so flattered. More importantly, I will reread this to my wife next time she gives me that look that she does when I have overreacted or lost patience prematurely. To all those who suggested keying, kicking, and otherwise damaging the truck- if you saw the truck, you would realize the futility of such an exercise. Coelecanth- I think what kept me grounded was that I DIDN'T want to have to call my wife and have her horrified at what I had done. Not to mention I had a bunch of family in town for some pretty important stuff later that day, so it could have been a real mess had I allowed things to escalate further. Andrea- no offense was intended. Hope none was taken. I know from reading "It's Not About the Bike" that Texas has its share of rednecks as well, but likely not a disproportionate number. Tex came to mind because of the border collies in the back of the truck and other telltale signs that the guy was a ranch hand (we still have those around here). David- Appreciate your admonition towards caution. You are right that I could have fared far worse than I did. My hope in all of this truly was to help this guy see the light and try and make the roads a bit safer for all of us. Maybe not the right approach, but oh well. Finally, much credit goes to Curtis for keeping a cooler head than I did throughout. Had I been with anyone more hot-headed (which in reality is nearly everyone I know except my wife), well the lycra-man beating may have been a reality. :) Dug- thank you. I have never been so flattered. More importantly, I will reread this to my wife next time she gives me that look that she does when I have overreacted or lost patience prematurely.

To all those who suggested keying, kicking, and otherwise damaging the truck- if you saw the truck, you would realize the futility of such an exercise.

Coelecanth- I think what kept me grounded was that I DIDN’T want to have to call my wife and have her horrified at what I had done. Not to mention I had a bunch of family in town for some pretty important stuff later that day, so it could have been a real mess had I allowed things to escalate further.

Andrea- no offense was intended. Hope none was taken. I know from reading “It’s Not About the Bike” that Texas has its share of rednecks as well, but likely not a disproportionate number. Tex came to mind because of the border collies in the back of the truck and other telltale signs that the guy was a ranch hand (we still have those around here).

David- Appreciate your admonition towards caution. You are right that I could have fared far worse than I did. My hope in all of this truly was to help this guy see the light and try and make the roads a bit safer for all of us. Maybe not the right approach, but oh well.

Finally, much credit goes to Curtis for keeping a cooler head than I did throughout. Had I been with anyone more hot-headed (which in reality is nearly everyone I know except my wife), well the lycra-man beating may have been a reality. :)

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