My First Hostile Driver....

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I was about 10 miles into my 11.5 mile ride home when I was passed by an old, run down, green, Honda Civic. As the car passed the guy in the driver's side yelled something in my general direction. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it was 'Hey Dumbass'. Whatever it was, I'm certain it wasn't friendly. I responded as best I could, I flipped them off....

It was just bad timing, or luck, depending on how you look at it - but they got caught up at the next red light. I figured it was probably not the best idea in the world, but I decided to sprint up, knowing I could catch them before the light turned green. I wasn't going to 'do' anything, except possibly smile and wave or something.
It must have been pretty clear to them that I was trying to catch up because, as I closed the distance, they turned right into a shopping mall parking lot. Since it was the same direction I had to go anyway, and because I was feeling a bit like a jerk; I decided to follow. On a street, I can't keep pace with a car, but in a parking lot it was a pretty even match. I was maybe 10 feet behind them, but they continued into a Bank's drive through, they went the long way around the building but didn't stop. I cut in front of the building figuring I could beat them to the exit.

Basically, they were forced, after coming out of the bank to stop at a stop sign and make a left. I stopped at the sign at the same time they did. I was expecting 3-4 high school guys or something, ya know, typical, harmless (but retarded) kids being kids. But nope! It was a fat lady driving, the guy who yelled was in the passanger seat, he looked to be about 30; I couldn't get a feel for his height since he was in the car, but I did see his arms and he was built like a little girl. Speaking of little girls, they had TWO little girls, probably 5-6 in the backseat. The guy looked like he was going to piss himself; the lady look really embarrassed.

I gestured the 'roll down the window' gesture; and said (friendly like), 'I'm sorry - did you say something?'. The guy stammered on his words for a few seconds and replied, 'Umm, I thought you were someone else...sorry'.

I thought it was an interesting story. Not much of an ending as I just rode off, and they just drove off; but I still wanted to share.

Man, my mate done the same thing about 2 years ago to a cyclist. At the red lights when the cyclist got of the bike, my friend rolled down his window to be greeted by a bunch of fives right in the smacker.

I feel it's best to let that stuff go. If the dude in the car slams on his brakes & comes at you in reverse it may not work out so well for ya'.

A friend of mine got in it on his motorcycle with a dude in a pick-up truck. The truck turned off & a few minutes later my friend was rammed at high-speen from behind & revived on the helicopter on his way to the Trauma Center. The Pick-up truck dude left the scene & if it wasn't for another motorist getting his plate he would never have been caught.

Turns out the guy in the Pick-up has no insurance/house/job so other than attempted homicide for the jerk my friend won't see a penny.

Besides, the moron motorist may take things further with the next rider & that might be you or me & we may not see in coming.

I just wave like I think they are saying hello. They really hate that, It makes me
feel better and it's non confrontational.