G7 Assaulted On The Road
Thread started by
GarySe7en at 12.31.08 - 6:02 pm
Last night I had an encounter where some fucking assholes in a car pulled up beside me real close, threw egg at me and proceeded to put their arms out and yank on my messenger bag. Luckily I held my own and shook free without losing my balance. When it sunk in what had happened I chased after them screaming at a full on sprint, which as anyone who knows me knows I can move quick, but they floored it immediately and with light traffic and all greens I couldn't get close enough to read the plate as they sped off well above the speed limit.
This wasn't some dead hour in a shady part of town, this was on busy Santa Monica blvd around 10:30 pm just past Fairfax as I was going east bound to Meghan's place. More details in the blog post I just wrote with link below.
Blog Post: Being Assaulted On The Road
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I've heard of assholes grabbing the bag before. :-(
Glad you're relatively ok.
User112.31.08 - 6:05 pm
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damn thats crazy. glad ur okay.
funanu12.31.08 - 6:06 pm
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holy shit! yeah, what funanu said.
That could have been really bad!
la duderina12.31.08 - 6:31 pm
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I'm glad I got out of it alright, I could only imagine someone with less steadiness on the bike tumbling from a shock like that, but it is incredibly frustrating to not really be able to do much about it. They did it because they could and they knew they could get away with it.
GarySe7en12.31.08 - 6:54 pm
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I have had similar shit happen its really frustrating.
One time I was at the tail end of wolfpack right on sunset as we were finishing up and if lights or whatever had worked different these fuck could have ended up with a massive crew of bikes on their asses instead they threw and egg missed me and got away.
G7,
You should report it to the cops.
If there is anything at all you can give them.
Its a super long shot, but these dumb fucks have or will likely do some shit like this again, and as you know the next victim may not be so lucky.
You never know any car make or description may be enough to help the cops get these fucks in the event they they do this again.
trickmilla12.31.08 - 7:13 pm
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I did file a report with the west hollywood police. If nothing else I want it on the record this kind of shit happens. It may be a long shot but there is a chance surveillance footage of the intersection just before might be able to see the event.
GarySe7en12.31.08 - 7:20 pm
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um ...
read the blog (after posting).
Damn I am really glad you are OK.
trickmilla12.31.08 - 7:24 pm
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Thinking about Sam's advice from the world of motorcycles a while back I'm thinking about buying some steel balls for bearings in bulk and keeping them someplace convenient on the bike. I usually don't think like that.
GarySe7en12.31.08 - 7:45 pm
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fuck that is terrible.
i'm glad you are okay
tomato12.31.08 - 7:53 pm
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The best idea i've had for ball bearings/nuts/random shit to throw at cars is to get a really flat, rectangle-shaped rare earth magnet, and put it INSIDE of your top tube pad. Line the 'ammo' up on the outside of the pad, and viola! The ammo sticks to the magnet through the pad, but is easy to pull off at a moment's notice.
Lance K12.31.08 - 8:02 pm
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Big 5 has combination tear gas / pepper spray for $12.99.
JB12.31.08 - 8:29 pm
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Pepper spray would have been no use in this case as it happened so fast. I'm looking for something to leave a few dents as presents as they speed off.
GarySe7en12.31.08 - 8:31 pm
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damn, I'm definitely gonna carry my U lock under a belt so I can just smack the fucker if it ever happens.
Gav12.31.08 - 8:36 pm
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I kind of wished I had the u-lock in an easier to reach place, but honestly it was so quick and at the time of the actually being grabbed there was no rational thought, it was all instinct to keep both hands on the bars to hold the bike steady so I didn't fall over while twisting my body and pulling away to get the mother fucker off me. Once I was free there were already speeding ahead for their escape. Made me wish I had some James bond air pistol with gps tracker or some thing to track them down.
GarySe7en12.31.08 - 8:44 pm
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MP-7, full-auto Airsoft that shoots at 400 FPS!!!
Essentially just a machine-pistol, bb-gun that's small enough to conceal under a shirt.
Or toss in the bushes to pick up later.
bentstrider12.31.08 - 8:44 pm
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I was looking at co2 powered bb pistols online, bit I'm a little concerned the legal ramifications of carrying such a thing.
GarySe7en12.31.08 - 8:47 pm
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I'm really sorry to read about what happened, but I'm thankful that you weren't hurt!
Perhaps we should all consider riding with our messenger bags not facing the road?
nancine12.31.08 - 9:27 pm
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Ball bearings are useful on a motorcycle because you can drop them down next to the bike when someone is tailgating. The point is not to damage the car so much as it is to make a bunch of noise and cause them to back off. They don't know what is making the racket, but they inevitably back off in the hope of spotting the next one.
In a battle between a 3000+ pound machine and a bicycle or a motorcycle, the 2 wheeled vehicle WILL lose. I don't recommend getting into a deliberate altercation unless you've got an out - some place to go where a car can't follow.
Your best defense against this kind of thing is probably a video camera on your handlebars that is always running. Or something taking a jpeg image every 1/3 second or so. If they successfully assault you, it is going to happen so quickly and with so little warning that there is little you can do to prevent it. So long as they don't steal your bike, you've got video evidence of the events, including the plate in all probability.
ideasculptor12.31.08 - 10:29 pm
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i'm glad that your ok. and i believe its legal in CA to posses a firearm on your person as long as you have a license for it.
what about attaching a box under the seat or on rear wheel drop out that would be opened with a pul of a string.
when opened sharp jax would fall...
pop tires anyone?
me and junu were also talking about a panzer bike with a gatling paintball gun attached on an upside down fork. where the handlebars go.
aksendz01.1.09 - 4:09 am
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DAM THAT SUCKS!
HOW COME I NEVER GET 'ALMOST' CREAMED?
I WOULD LIKE SOME FILTHY FUCKER TO RUN MY ASS OVER, THEN PAY LIKE A RICH BITCH!
THEN I'D OPEN A BIKE HOUSE, WITH ALL THAT MONEY!
I'M GLAD THAT YOUR A HIPSTER, WE THE ONLY ONES THAT KNOW HOW TO SMASH ON A BICYCLE.
eddieboyinla01.1.09 - 8:10 am
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Holloween, and New years eve are the worst nights to ride. your asking for it all the punk kids are out in dady"s car terrorizing.
LUG NUTS WORK BEST, HARD FOR THE POLICE TO PROVE YOU CHUCKED UM, SINCE IT COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD ANYWAY. AN OLD HELLS ANGEL TRICK.
Dedicated81801.1.09 - 8:18 am
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Last I checked, BB-guns aren't regulated by the ATF or other, specific agencies.
If anything, just don't get caught "using" it and you should be fine carrying it.
If a cop finds it on you for whatever reason, just tell them you just got back from a friends house where you shot some cans!!!
bentstrider01.1.09 - 9:02 am
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I think Sam's right that having camera mounted to bike is a good suggestion to log vehicle description, maybe even license plate of every car that passes. Although I think I'm going to start riding with u-lock in the pocket instead of the bag just in case. I kind of dig's Franz's suggestion to me last night of a paint ball pistol because you can hit their car as it speed off and also mark it for potential identification later.
@ Dedicated818 - this wasn't New Years eve when it happened, it was December 30th, new years eve eve. I guess some fuck tards get started early.
@ everyone, thanks for well wishes and advice.
GarySe7en01.1.09 - 10:12 am
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oh my god Gary!!! I'm so fucking pissed off right now... I'm so sorry you had to go through that crap! I just don't get it... you're clearly awesome. Why would they choose to fuck with you? Retards.
canadienne01.1.09 - 4:52 pm
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It sucks, but if they were going to fuck with someone I'm glad it was me and not some newbie who might have fallen over, gotten hurt, and traumatized from riding. The fact that I started sprinting after their vehicle screaming with vengeance in my eyes I think they were not expecting and hopefully will discourage them from thinking cyclists are push overs.
GarySe7en01.2.09 - 8:49 am
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I just got a new camera (Canon PowerShot - thanks Roadblock and everybody else for your advice (right now Circuit City has a deal where they throw in a free (after rebate) photo printer if you buy a digital camera there)), and it's got a time-lapse video feature that can take 1 frame per second for an hour or two. This was NOT an overly expensive camera, so many of you may have this feature on your cameras as well.
Setting the time-lapse feature on your camera, then mounting it to your handlebars (http://www.knick-knack.com/howto/motorcycle/cheap-handlebar-camera-mount.html), might be an easy way to have a record of any problems you encounter, at least as long as you don't get the camera or your bike stolen.
Even better, for the 99+% of your rides that are hassle free, you'll have a cool time-lapse video of your ride.
JB01.2.09 - 10:00 am
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Oh yeah, I just more or less repeated ideasculptor's post.
JB01.2.09 - 10:11 am
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One thing that we can do when riding on the streets, is to make a quick reaction any time a car is rolling next to you and the road is clear ahead for them. You'll only have a split second to react, but it could save you. If a car is rolling next to you, create space by turning right or hitting the brakes. Sad way to handle traffic situations, but that's what I'll be doing.
User101.2.09 - 11:06 am
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Even though they are dorky as all hell, I think one thing that might have been able to help in this situation is one of those little rear view mirrors that clip onto the helmet. At least that'd give a better chance at seeing stuff like this coming.
ephemerae01.2.09 - 1:34 pm
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I knew the car was coming, cars are always coming behind you, and sometimes they don't give enough passing room. I could hear and feel they were coming too close and thought they were just going to buzz me like dicks and nothing more, it was completely foreign to have the car slow just as they were next to me and then the arms reach out. Until it happens to you, you just don't expect anything like that too happen, and I especially didn't think something like that would happen in a busy well lit area like West Hollywood.
GarySe7en01.2.09 - 1:50 pm
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How about the "Laser-Pointer Bluff"?
Basically after the screw-job, you point a laser at the inside of their car from a handlebar-mounted unit.
The outcome depends on how they take it.
bentstrider01.2.09 - 2:27 pm
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Hey Gary, really bummed to hear about this shit. I would love to carry a gun on me and blast fools but that's quite unrealistic.
You never know what you're going to get if you ever do catch up to the punks - so unless you have a choice weapon like a gun or bear spray. it prolly aint worth it.
A ulock is imho not the greatest "actual use" weapon because it requires close proximity and only allows for one time throw.... but in terms of a visual deterrant, I don't know if its my more paranoid/aggressive blend of riding or the fact that I always keep my ulock in plain view to drivers I haven't had this kind of incident in a while....
in fact I now have the habit of reaching back for my visually obvious ulock in a very obvious manner anytime I feel a car is approaching in a threatening way... just a good ole hand check to the ulock to ready yourself and to indicate to the driver that their car at minimum will be dented perhaps a window broken.... I haven't had any shit like what ur talking about go down in a while since I've been doing this. I do it out of paranoid habit.
As far as a camera how funny but a while back I actually had my camera rolling and caught sam's car getting hit by another car if you can believe the random luck... its great for capturing license plates (see asshole drivers in the gallery) but its gets tiring to have to manage a camera in addition to locking the bike up.
In the end things like this happened to me enough times that if the hand check to the ulock doesn't deter the creepy driving behaviour I pretty much do what user1 says and slow down or turn off when I sense something fishy. Not much choice to do anything else. Sure we could get down and scrap, but at the end of the day its just some stupid teenager (minded) idiots from OC or TO going after anyone they can find. They prolly harassing pedestrians mostly till they spot a cyclist.
Good luck to anyone who handles theirs though. I can't wait to finally hear an "I finally got em" story.
Would like to hear eddieboy actually offer some words of advice and take the time to explain his street wise angle rather than short quips.... come on eddie. Kick down the knowledge veterano. We ridazz need some insights.
Roadblock01.3.09 - 3:00 am
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not that it should matter one way or the other if you do mr. G7 and I don't know if you had one on at the time and not that I'm judging anybody... in fact I think someone mentioned it before but I will repeat and emphasize... get rid of your perceived "fucken douchy douche mc douchinson hipster royale chrome played out like its 2006 bags" people. I bet 89% of drivers single out riders with these chrome bags and give them the evil eye like really meanie style.
Roadblock01.3.09 - 3:07 am
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"I bet 89% of drivers single out riders with these chrome bags and give them the evil eye like really meanie style."
Really? I was just in the works of getting one because their bags have a lifetime warranty, etc. Damn. I don't know about getting singled out for a "douchy 2006 bag" by drivers or people. :/
imachynna01.3.09 - 3:20 am
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Yes chynna, believe it or not, this is the conclusion I came to shortly after I got mine as a gift. Don't get me wrong, I loved my big ole black chrome bag. It was pretty useful for traveling too.... but hard to believe I have non cycling friends and a good portion of them pointed out that I looked like a trendy asshat of a hipster bike rider for wearing one.... and the truth is, even before I got mine I thought they were trendy but you know, when you get one as a gift you kind of warm up to it (and have to use it lest ye insult the one ye love)..... after a month I couldn't do it anymore and reverted back to my trusty regular black back pack. I never looked back. I'm not here to judge..... who am I kidding, those fucken chrome bags just scream hipster and hipster is a universally reviled kind of human.
Just today I'm walking down main with a couple buddies and one of em points out some dude with a chrome bag and makes a hipster comment. Was it the bag?? I'm not totally sure it was.... try riding with a real backpack and see how things go. Fuck a chrome bag. Try it. Lemme know what happens.
Ps. I have a barely used 06 XL black chrome bag for sale. Hit me on the email if anyone wants to buy it. Like new. Mint condition. $100 roadblock at mr dot calm
Roadblock01.3.09 - 3:41 am
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Pss. Not just the brand "chrome" mind you... its any of those bags that remotely resemble perceived "trendy hipster wear" are like a giant target on your back especially to bike thieves.
Roadblock01.3.09 - 4:19 am
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I have a Baily Works bag, which I got primarily because A, water tight and I wanted something that would protect my camera, came in handy during New York trip especially, and B, I was at O20 and I saw the bright yellow with a huge reflective strip and was thinking perfect, cars will totally see me with this on. I was thinking that to be a good thing, and actually I would rather be seen and not hit even if it meant I was a target for this action since I survived this fine, but being hit might be another story.
GarySe7en01.3.09 - 6:26 am
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About the u-lock thing though, I am totally riding with it rear pocket from now on except for when I am in roadie training mode, and have even started carrying it when out on walks at night with no bike to lock just to feel a little safer.
GarySe7en01.3.09 - 6:46 am
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Yeah man wear that ulock loud and proud and don't be afraid to hand check that thing for every approaching car if that's what it takes. Practice pulling that thing out with your throwing arm while riding. I don't know if it will actually make anyone's situation safer, but it sure makes it feel safer...
Roadblock01.3.09 - 10:26 am
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Does anyone have first hand experience with spark plugs vs. car window? I've heard the things make windows shatter because of the hardened metal/ceramic shtuff they are made from.
I'm sorry I loose my temper with douchebag drivers but I do. I'm sorry that I chase them, spit, and on occasion, challenge them to a duel, but I have a split personality when threatened.
I can ride fast and a bit crazy, so I know (and will admit) when I'm in the wrong, but being tailgated and honked at for riding outside the door-death zone makes me want drink blood.
Maybe I need help
horse sense01.3.09 - 11:40 am
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And G7 I am sorry this shit happened, though like you said it is better that it happened to an experienced and confident cyclist, rather then some poor soul who would have lost control (and teeth).
horse sense01.3.09 - 11:51 am
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Man, that sucks about the bag. We'll see, I guess.
"have even started carrying it when out on walks at night with no bike to lock just to feel a little safer."
Me too. I feel funny, but I definitely feel safer.
imachynna01.3.09 - 3:59 pm
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I think it has a lot more to do with the maturity/intelligence level of the driver and passengers than the bag he was wearing.
89% of drivers have no idea what Chrome or Bailey Works is. you know? A messenger bag is a messenger bag (or backpack) to them. I bet if he was rocking a jansport they would have grabbed onto that shit, too.
People at school are always like "Oh, that seatbelt is so cute!" or "is that the ferrari symbol?" or whatever. They don't know what the hell it is, or the fact that it is an incredibly trendy bag...because they are not in the cycling world. Its really only trendy in the biking world because well, it looks cool and works well. I received mine as a gift, too and that was before I even knew how trendy it was...don't see too many out here in the 951. lol
and you know I've gotten fucked with more times out here in ol' mo val than in LA. just people yelling out their window or honking as the go by..fucking assholes. but I definitely ride with more of an attitude when I am in LA
attitude is everything.
la duderina01.3.09 - 4:24 pm
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James -
I have heard that about spark plugs, too. But I would advise against that.... You never know they could be some tweaked out insane mother fucker and chase you down or some shit.
la duderina01.3.09 - 4:26 pm
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You know fuck anybody that attacks somebody because they look like a cyclist or a hipster or anybody else. I can't plan my live for these dickheads that comprise 1/10 of 1% of the population.
I like to do the chameleon thing and I like to blend in. But when it comes to cycling, I like using stuff thats practical and functional. I'm gonna look better at my destination if I'm not all sweaty and aching from a sore back.
I like my chrome bag for certain things and anybody who thinks it looks hipster-like is a fucking hipster themselves, so obsessed with fashion that they would look down on somebody for using a bag that's functional and works well.
99% of people in the real world have no idea what that bag is anyway.
Besides my chrome bag has a midnight ridazz patch on it which means its fucking cool.
trickmilla01.4.09 - 5:59 pm
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Eh, the spark-plugs could work, just remember to have an escape-route in case the punk is too chickenshit to fight one-on-one and must call back-up.
In that case, getting the plate # and calling in a "kidnapping/raping" would be even better.
Watch as the little shit is picked up and dropped on a curb by an officer/deputy.
Police brutality in this case would be kick-ass!!!
bentstrider01.4.09 - 6:07 pm
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@ benstrider
I would have blood gushing out of my brain before assuming a laser-dot pointed at me was attached to a gun.
I've seen millions of laser pointers and have only seen guns with laser sights in cheesy action films.
trickmilla01.4.09 - 6:09 pm
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Oh, you noticed the "Ceiling-Cat Lazor" I've attached to my bars!!!
Yeah, I mainly bought it for guidance, but the intimidation factor is off the hook!!!
bentstrider01.4.09 - 6:13 pm
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I think if you are going to call in something other than "attempted assault" I think suspected DUI would make more sense.
a) its probably true ...
b) kids that do shit like this drive like assholes anyway
When I was and and foolish I called 911 on some kids that spayed is with water when we were out skating.
I was mad and felt helpless.
I made a bullshit story that I thought they stole a car stereo.
Not considering that they might ask me about the car that got broken into. I stammered through the call and got the fuck away from that pay-phone.
.....
BR if you are gonna pursue becoming an LEO I'd avoid making false 911 calls especially of any that imply kidnapping and rape.
trickmilla01.4.09 - 6:17 pm
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All I was implying was the fact that LE would be quicker on it if exigent circumstances were involved.
It's either that, make a more legit call, or carry high-impact spear-guns to blow out their tires.
The more the little shits think they'll be able to get away with it, the more they're going to do it.
I still think we're being way too liberal here when it comes to repeat-offenders in this state.
One of the reasons I'm kind of thinking of bugging the fuck out of here all together.
The sole-reason for staying is this community, and that's pretty much it.
bentstrider01.4.09 - 6:47 pm
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