Conditions determined that the proper place for me to be was on the sidewalk. Ballyhoo, chastise, berate or otherwise scold me if you will. I'd challenge any of you to ride this street daily without touching sidewalk. Any one of you between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30 PM. Unfortunately, my home is on the north-west part of a two-highway junction and the crossroads of two of the gnarliest arterial roadways in the region. And somehow, almost any bus I take has to drop me off in such a place that I get to play frogger on a daily basis.
Anyway, I was approaching an apartment driveway when a guy pulled up to exit. At this point, the sidewalk was clear. He made eye contact with me -- and what with my DiNotte set to "DESTROY" and all, how could someone NOT notice me?
Then, the douche-canoe pulls up and blocks the sidewalk. There are cars coming up that will keep him off the road for a good while, so I don't know what he's thinking. Or rather, I do. He's being a prick. I slow down and he motions me past his front bumper. I proceed. But he's turned too far for me to ease back onto the sidewalk. No problem. bunny-hop the curb, shimmy back onto course, right?
Well, not really. The snow was hiding some really gooky mud. Front wheel wedged. I endoed.
Then, the guy pulls out really slowly, as I stand up. He gives me the "why the hell did you fall over?" look while shrugging his shoulders as if he's part of the Rock Racing SAG team or something. ****ing ***hole.
It was too late to lay the smack down on him, but I know where he lives.
****ing ***hole.
Man, that really freaking sucks. I don't ride on the sidewalk in the winter but this is a pretty small town and my commute is all on small streets.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm glad you're OK. This is a good reminder to be extra careful of all the assholes out there.
The only time I've ever had an encounter with a car was while on a sidewalk. That time, it was very much my fault. This time, you were the unfortunate victim of someone who has no concept of what it means to ride a bike, much less ride in inclement conditions... to say nothing of simple common courtesy.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your assessment of this dolt's character. Blocking the sidewalk, indeed.