I got Bike-jacked!
Thread started by
SKIDMARCUS at 05.17.09 - 10:54 am
Yep, off of my Surly Cross Check. A guy came up to me while I was starting to ride it, yelling for me to "Get the fuck off that bike," over and over and over. It scared the shit out of me. I had no choice. I cant confirm that he had a gun, but he acted like it. Its not really something you wanna guess at.
This bike was my only transport, has incredible sentimental value (I rode it to NYC last summer), and mean a lot to me.
All I can say is two things:
1 - Be careful everyone. People are willing to bike-jack nowadays.
2 - If you see my Surly Cross Check, 53cm, black and covered in stickers, let me know. I will terminate this guy.
This all happened at Cazador and Cypress, in Highland Park.
That's all. I'm off to Bike Kitchen to get a bike I dont really care about.
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This really sucks. I'm glad you are okay, Marcus. This is not cool. FUUUUCK!
Joe Borfo05.17.09 - 10:57 am
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WHAT THE FUCK?????
This sucks, that was your cross country bike!! Can you give a little more info. What the dude looked like, time of day, did you call the cops??
Roadblock05.17.09 - 10:58 am
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Nooooo! Marcus I'm sorry. I'll keep an eye out.
imachynna05.17.09 - 11:01 am
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First off, I'm glad you're ok.
Second, that is really really really disheartening news.
toweliesbong05.17.09 - 11:07 am
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I dont know of any good pics, but this one shows it ok. It had more stickers on it since this pic.
Thanks for the support everyone.
SKIDMARCUS05.17.09 - 11:08 am
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So this happened in Tren Way territory- (formerly armadillo territory). He is so going down.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 11:10 am
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technically you were in Cypress Park.
Damn.
Joe Borfo05.17.09 - 11:12 am
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yes i cried afterwards.
i did call the cops, and they gave me a ride all the way to Hollywood.
The guy was a hispanic, light-skinned, maybe 23 years old. There must've been a car around the corner. I got on the ground and didnt really see how he left, around the corner. I dont count on getting it back, but its possible he's pawned it or is selling it somewhere.
SKIDMARCUS05.17.09 - 11:14 am
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a guy on wolfpack told a similar tale once before, and it also happened at slow speeds so he could not evade.
as a group we do a lot of riding, late at night, sometimes with valuable bikes, in dicey areas. i think that some riders carry pepper spray. i've definitely thought about it, now i'm thinking about it more.
sorry for your loss and glad you're ok. i'll be at the kitchen today, so if you need help...
cassidy responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 11:16 am
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What a fuckin piece of shit. What time did this happen marcus? Did you call the cops? Call them even if you think it won't help. Did you have a bike license? I'm so sad for you brotha. That bike had tremendous sentimental value....... piece of shit motherfuckers.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 11:17 am
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There's a lot of drunks at night in that one area. Theres a lot of Avenues too. I've never really thought about it, but that neighborhood is really not very safe. Damn! I'm pretty sure that area is called Cypress Park - close to Glassell Park.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by cassidy
05.17.09 - 11:20 am
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yes, cops called, they gave me a ride home. not licensed, dont have the sn either.
heres another pic.
SKIDMARCUS responding to a
comment by Roadblock
05.17.09 - 11:21 am
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you dont see many dark surly's in town. This should be easy to spot on the road.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 11:23 am
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Awww man, I can't image how much you loved that bike. :-(
This is really fucked up. What time of the day was this? I really think these bikes are going south across the border.
Really makes me want to start carrying pepper spray too.
User105.17.09 - 11:23 am
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11:45 pm
pepper spray is a good idea. I dont know if I actually would've used it. He still might have had a gun, so its a gamble I guess.
SKIDMARCUS responding to a
comment by User1
05.17.09 - 11:26 am
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yeah, but if you are alone in a bad spot of town, you don't want to fuck around with some pepper spray if there's potential danger, you know? Better to just let them have what they want and walk away safe. Marcus did the smart thing. But that douche deserves more than a ulock up his hole.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by User1
05.17.09 - 11:27 am
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marcus, this blows. lo siento.
steph responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
05.17.09 - 11:34 am
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what time did this go down?
User105.17.09 - 11:41 am
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AaahhhH!!!! Fuuuuck! This totally sucks ass. I am so incredibly sorry Marcus. I'd give you a ginormous hug if I could right now. I am glad you are ok. Damn this is really scary. I hate that we have to fear these things.
shadylane05.17.09 - 11:42 am
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Marcus.
I have a Bianchi road bike (54 cm i think) in need of just a little TLC to get on the road. You are 100% welcome to use it indefinitely. Hit me up if you need a bike to ride.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by steph
05.17.09 - 11:43 am
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aw dude marcus that sucks! im sorry to hear about all of this. be safe out there everyone.
funanu05.17.09 - 11:49 am
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Man... sucks to hear this Marcus. Feel bad hearing this happened to you. I'll keep my eyes peeled.
digablesoul05.17.09 - 11:49 am
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Aww, man - just depressing & frightening, especially after riding around with you most of the day and seeing you on that bike. We were all there - it could have been any of us.
mr rollers05.17.09 - 11:55 am
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i am shaking as i write this.
There is an angel out there, who I'm not going to name but know this: there are some amazingly kind and loving people in this community.
I am getting a replacement bike tonight. this bike means even MORE to me than the one i just lost last night. Its a symbol of the love the community has. I am speechless. I dont deserve whats happening to me. I am going to cry tears of joy now. I cant express enough how happy I am. RIDAZZ FTW.
SKIDMARCUS05.17.09 - 1:06 pm
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this is just sad, I'm glad you're getting another ride but I'd still like to see you get this one back soon.
dannyzuko05.17.09 - 1:44 pm
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Marcus you are loved. The universe is on your side.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by digablesoul
05.17.09 - 1:48 pm
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Wow. That. Is the M.R. I know and love. I don't. Need to know who hooked u up. With a new bike. I know all the the people who would and that's good enough. I love you all.
MR por vida.
trickmilla05.17.09 - 1:53 pm
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no kidding man. I just hope I can re-pay the universe sometime. I couldnt be happier right now. THANK YOU UNIVERSE!
SKIDMARCUS responding to a
comment by Roadblock
05.17.09 - 1:53 pm
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That's GREAT news SkidMARCUS Cuz! There are true genuine comrads amongs us indeed!
On the other hand it is not safe to think that riding thru Glassel Pasrk at night by yourself is safe by any means. I know we ride in packs and on our rides and we carry on the inocencent belief that we are safe. That is totally different riding alone. Keep in mind this could have happen on any main street, Fig or even on Hollywood Blvd but with the odds being alot Higher in Shadey parts like Cypress Park. You are putting yourself at risk if you do not take your enviornment seriously. Alot of us are LA transplants and don't really know the history behind many of the Los Angeles terrain. I was raised in Los Angeles and I am quite terrified of riding alone throug Glassel Park by myself at Night. I know that area quite well and I'm Really Familiar with the Ruthless Avenues Gang that controls that section of the city. The 43's, Cypress Park are clicks of the Avenues. They are ruthless mostly younger recruits and some older tweeked out low life gangsters that feel the control that they can get away with anything in there nieghborhood. That is for the Most part true being that they do, they usually do get away with there ignorance. I'm simply trying to remind us to Always be cautious and never undermind your Safety. I'm also not pin-pointing Cypress park becasue gangs exist mostly everywhere in LA. Just be SAFE!
skano05.17.09 - 2:03 pm
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AWESOME!
also, I always carry around pepper spray but that's primarily if I run into a dog.
it really doesn't do shit if you're being held up at gun point. Like Borfo said its better to let em have what they want.
Gizzard responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 2:03 pm
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fucking bullshit!
it sucks to hear this happened but i'm really glad you're okay.
i'll definitely keep my eye out.
coldcut05.17.09 - 2:04 pm
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@Skano, those are wise words. thanks for the reminder. I knew it was risky and just was just plain taken. i got took. i was punked. nothing i can say. its never happened to me. we all could really heed your words, man. thanks.
thanks everyone for the love. this is the best community in the universe.
SKIDMARCUS05.17.09 - 2:13 pm
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I just really Have A HUGE comforting smile Knowing that you're ok!
skano responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 2:17 pm
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"I just really Have A HUGE comforting smile Knowing that you're ok!"
This most important part of all!
toweliesbong05.17.09 - 4:37 pm
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"not licensed, dont have the sn either"
Marcus didn't you buy this new? The SN should be in the paperwork.
marino responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 4:44 pm
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i know how violating it can be to have something like that taken from you. just remember: there will be more bikes, but you are absolutely one of a kind. were all glad to hear youre ok. dont forget to report it.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.17.09 - 7:29 pm
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Sorry to hear this happened to you Marcus and glad you came out okay.
As if the lock-cutting wasn't enough, now these fuckheads want to just go up and take like they own the fucking place or something.
Knowing me, I probably would've been less fortunate due to my usual "Fuck you, you're not a cop, civvy" mentality, then ride off.
bentstrider05.17.09 - 8:52 pm
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Oh wow, that's so terrible. My condolences. Getting bike jacked is the ultimate nightmare scenario. Even though a love for the streets doesn't always mean that the streets love you back, it's good to know that there are some amazing people out there taking care of one another. This community is incredible.
And if you can't find your receipt, the bike shop you bought it from may have the paperwork, too.
nathansnider05.18.09 - 12:27 am
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I wonder - if you were to get off the bike and stomp the frame, would they be naive enough to leave you with the components and wheels or would they still take if off you? I think I'd probably vandalize my bike in an attempt to keep it. The components and wheels are usually worth far more than the frame. And if they take it, at least you denied them some profit.
ideasculptor05.18.09 - 12:40 am
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Utterly unbelievable. I was furious and saddened when I heard this, Marcus. Truly. Furious that someone would take the bike of someone full of such love and enthusiasm, and saddened because a body would feel the need to do this in the first place. To anyone.
Hooray for Bike Angels — messengers from Bike God? Maybe. That wasn't supposed to be a pun, but it kind of wound up that way. Forgive.
katiepoche05.18.09 - 12:43 am
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Bad idea. If you want to deny them a profit, put together a beater. I'm sure a lot of thieves are just stealing bikes for kicks as much as to make a profit. If you try to spite a gang member by stomping your bike, you'll probably get your ass kicked. Most importantly, stay safe out there guys.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by ideasculptor
05.18.09 - 12:54 am
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It's cases specifically like these that a remote detonator would be extremely useful.
Let the fucker take it, have it for 1-3 hours, then hit the detonator to take out the aggressor and any possible reinforcements that they might have around.
Or, waterboarding.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
05.18.09 - 1:04 am
reply
Good words by skano.... and yes they are stealing bikes for profit. But yeah, its probaly not going to help to render the bike useless... then its you standing there with a bike thief who might have a weapon or a bunch of homies near by...
Roadblock responding to a
comment by tortuga_veloce
05.18.09 - 1:05 am
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obviously, this bike was stolen for profit, but my point is that there's a thief for every bike. i used to know a couple of degenerates who would get drunk and steal bikes out of peoples' garages. they'd use them to get home and never ride them again.
one's in jail and the other got deported, but as far as i know, the bikes are still stashed in someone's garage. im sure that's the case with the bike car and probably a few other bikes that got stolen.
never underestimate the stupid thug thrill seeker's ability to fuck up your life because he thinks its funny.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by Roadblock
05.18.09 - 10:33 am
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bent... come on, come back to planet earth...
theladiesman responding to a
comment by bentstrider
05.18.09 - 10:34 am
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Sorry to hear that compa. I had that happen to me when I was a kid by a cholo in Boyle Heights...those were different times though...sucks that you had to experience that. Much love and hope you recover your bike.
mfinite05.18.09 - 11:19 am
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On a slightly less ridiculous note, this did get me thinking of a loJack for bikes.
If one of those dutch rear wheel bike locks could be outfitted with a remote trigger and a gps device that would pretty much do it. I think right now something like that would cost more than the average bike. But in 5 years, who knows.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by bentstrider
05.18.09 - 11:33 am
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C'mon, a device like this isn't that far-fetched.
Besides, all this advocacy for criminals is being abused, it's time to fuck them back and hard.
Another simple solution would be to show up on a street corner with a bogus frame with an expensive sticker on it.
The perp tries to ride off and then the frame cracks in half at the downtube, taking the perp down and hopefully, preventing it from having any children in the future.
As I said, if the thieves are turning into a robbers, then they're obviously not human anymore and need to be branded like the cattle they are.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by theladiesman
05.18.09 - 11:42 am
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This happened really close to where I live. I'll keep an eye out as well.
DJwheels05.18.09 - 12:04 pm
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sorry to hear about the bike. its happening more and more everyday it has to stop.
cypress park is on my daily route so ill keep my eyes open for it.
andres8405.18.09 - 1:42 pm
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"MR por vida."
+1
Marcus, we love you.
imachynna05.18.09 - 7:27 pm
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Marcus,
What you are failing to understand is that you already made your payment to the universe in advance!
I love how people here tend to turn some of the worser moments in life into the better moments. I've seen it happen again and again.
When do we get to take celebratory ride with you and your new bike?
trickmilla responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
05.18.09 - 7:44 pm
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Marcus sending mad love to Marcus.. Maaaarcuuuus!!! love you Marcuuuuussssss.. love love love love love Mr Marcus MR Markus Marcussss
redridinghood05.21.09 - 12:25 pm
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