Todays Parable

cfsmtb said:

Learnt two very quick lessons today within 10 minutes, whilst pedalling
down Chapel Street.
Not all motorists are bad.
Not all cyclists are good.
First lesson, cycling along near the Jam Factory. Large 4WD is backing
in to a parking spot. Causing me to brake and wait, as I was not
particularly enthusiastic about taking on the heavy traffic swerving
around the 4WD. When the driver finally took the spot, I continued on.
The drivers’ window was down, and she smiled and said loudly "very sorry
about that". I promptly said back, "Well that's no problem". Ah, the
world is a nice place.
Second lesson, further down Chapel Street I came upon another cyclist, I
wanted to pass but realised it probably wasn't a good idea. She was
wobbling all over the bike lane, add that with a gusty wind and more
heavy traffic, well, thought it best to hang back and wait. After
patiently waiting, and watching her narrowly miss tram passengers at
three separate stops, I'd had enough.
On the last near miss I yelled out "WAIT FOR PASSENGERS". She yelled
something back about not wanting to hit people (this could of fooled
most people watching) swore and raised the middle finger while turning
left into Carlisle Street. I just felt really sorry for her; she seemed
to have an unhealthy combination of nervousness and aggression.
Anyway, for me as a lady cyclist, it was an fascinating departure from
the normally all male interactions one gets while cycling in the city
and suburbs. 😉

Must say the female P-palter plague doesnt seem to translate to th
road. Never seen a noticeably bad female cyclist, but the amount of twa
male cyclists going around is appalling. Amazes me how few women ther
are racing, At Kew it would seem lucky to get 2-3 out of a total of 120
150 across A-D grades..

-

cfsmtb <[email hidden]> wrote in message
[email hidden]

Quoted message said:

Learnt two very quick lessons today within 10 minutes, whilst
pedalling down Chapel Street.

Not all motorists are bad.

Not all cyclists are good.

First lesson, cycling along near the Jam Factory. Large 4WD is backing
in to a parking spot. Causing me to brake and wait, as I was not
particularly enthusiastic about taking on the heavy traffic swerving
around the 4WD. When the driver finally took the spot, I continued on.
The drivers’ window was down, and she smiled and said loudly "very
sorry about that". I promptly said back, "Well that's no problem".
Ah, the world is a nice place.

Feh. I was nearly killed today by an especially retarded taxi driver on St
Kilda Road. I was trundling south well in the bike lane minding my own
business when he simply shifted lift whilst parallel to me in order to shoot
into a space between sundry parked cars so he could drop off his passenger.
In between my emergency braking he got a full dose of air horn and he wound
down his window to kinda-sorta apologize (one of those insincere waves of
the Guilty As Hell And They Know It). It's a good thing we don't have
concealed carry permits in Victoria or Melbourne would be short one [censored]
cabbie right now. I yelled at him instead (hi dutchy!).

[...]

Quoted message said:

something back about not wanting to hit people (this could of fooled

I'm sorry, but I absolutely cannot let this particular error go by: it's
"could *have* fooled". "Have", not "of". It's bad enough when people say
"of" but to see it written is too much.

--

A: Top-posters.
Q: What is the most annoying thing on Usenet?

"DRS" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
I was trundling south well in the bike lane minding my own

Quoted message said:

business when he simply shifted lift whilst parallel to me in order to

shoot

Quoted message said:

I'm sorry, but I absolutely cannot let this particular error go by: it's
"could *have* fooled". "Have", not "of". It's bad enough when people say
"of" but to see it written is too much.

If you are going to be a grammar nazi I suggest you read your own posts
first.

Fraser

"he got a full dose of air horn

just how loud is the new toy Drs

have only heard secondhand info about these but I have images(?) o
foghorns or starts of sporting events. Must scare the B-heyzoos out o
people (hehehe

And where can I get one of those Taxi licences that forces you t
straddle 2lanes, bcos apparently the car cant get in one or the othe

-

Fraser Johnston <[email hidden]> wrote in message
[email hidden]

Quoted message said:

"DRS" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
I was trundling south well in the bike lane minding my own

Quoted message said:

business when he simply shifted lift whilst parallel to me in order
to shoot

I'm sorry, but I absolutely cannot let this particular error go by:
it's "could *have* fooled". "Have", not "of". It's bad enough when
people say "of" but to see it written is too much.

If you are going to be a grammar nazi I suggest you read your own
posts first.

You forgot to point out any grammatical error I might have made, most
probably because there isn't one and you're confusing style with grammar.
In any event, I remind you of the old saw that "two wrongs don't make a
right."

Using "of" for "have" is the grammatical equivalent to fingernails on a
blackboard.

--

A: Top-posters.
Q: What is the most annoying thing on Usenet?

cfsmtb said:

Learnt two very quick lessons today within 10 minutes, whilst pedalling
down Chapel Street.
Not all motorists are bad.
Not all cyclists are good.
First lesson, cycling along near the Jam Factory. Large 4WD is backing
in to a parking spot. Causing me to brake and wait, as I was not
particularly enthusiastic about taking on the heavy traffic swerving
around the 4WD. When the driver finally took the spot, I continued on.
The drivers’ window was down, and she smiled and said loudly "very sorry
about that". I promptly said back, "Well that's no problem". Ah, the
world is a nice place.
Second lesson, further down Chapel Street I came upon another cyclist, I
wanted to pass but realised it probably wasn't a good idea. She was
wobbling all over the bike lane, add that with a gusty wind and more
heavy traffic, well, thought it best to hang back and wait. After
patiently waiting, and watching her narrowly miss tram passengers at
three separate stops, I'd had enough.
On the last near miss I yelled out "WAIT FOR PASSENGERS". She yelled
something back about not wanting to hit people (this could of fooled
most people watching) swore and raised the middle finger while turning
left into Carlisle Street. I just felt really sorry for her; she seemed
to have an unhealthy combination of nervousness and aggression.
Anyway, for me as a lady cyclist, it was an fascinating departure from
the normally all male interactions one gets while cycling in the city
and suburbs. 😉

Good parable..

I must admit, while I roll my eyes, curse and groan at some motoris
stupidity, nothing outrages me more than cyclist stupidity. Last week
found myself getting so furious at a rider in front of me who rippe
through every red light from Kew Junction to Harp, including pedestria
crossings. I nearly caught up with him afterwards (although not enoug
to tell him what i thought - not that it would've done much good), bu
it so [censored] me off as I think "That's why I get treated like scum whe
I'm on the road!" I hope my stopping at the lights says to motorists
"We're not all idiots like him", but I doubt that message means much

Sigh. No justice..

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DRS said:

Using "of" for "have" is the grammatical equivalent to fingernails on a
blackboard.

Amen brother. And thanks to those who are considerate enough to tell
people.

eddiec said:

it so [censored] me off as I think "That's why I get treated like scum when
I'm on the road!"

Nope, you are thought of as scum while on the road because you are not
surrounded by a steel cage. It's a matter of pecking order and human
instinct. one that will never go away so long as cars are on the road,
even if every cyclist obeyed the road laws to the letter.

PC

eddiec said:

Good parable...
Last week I found myself getting so furious at a rider in front of me
who ripped through every red light from Kew Junction to Harp, including
pedestrian crossings. Sigh. No justice...

A bad stretch to run lights too (as if there is a good one. I dont)

as 2 of the 3 lights you mention are downhill and invariably a tram
involved too. would be very easy to collect someone. that intersection
on the left (cant remember name; opposite vic park) is a doozy too.
Always drivers trying to pull out blinded by the shop awnings, which is
always a bugger cos if you are lucky enough to not get the lights red,
the tram stopped and you want to honk up the hill to the Harp, the last
thing you need is some berk pulling out in front of you!

--

Quoted message said:

the other bad spot on that run is the KFC - too many ppl desparate for
fatty fried chicken driving in and out without looking

hahahaha LO

i think their fat little fingers slip on the steeing wheel

what's with that?!?!

the Kew rec centre exit isnt much good either

In fact ANY exit, side road, etc, et

and why-oh-why cant i get the lights at Kew Junction??

where you riding out too

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flyingdutch said:

A bad stretch to run lights too (as if there is a good one. I dont)
as 2 of the 3 lights you mention are downhill and invariably a tram
involved too. would be very easy to collect someone. that intersection
on the left (cant remember name; opposite vic park) is a doozy too.
Always drivers trying to pull out blinded by the shop awnings, which is
always a bugger cos if you are lucky enough to not get the lights red,
the tram stopped and you want to honk up the hill to the Harp, the last
thing you need is some berk pulling out in front of you!

Oh that's a dandy one! I make a point of staring down anyone pulling ou
there as I approach that junction after too many close calls. (Of cours
the other bad spot on that run is the KFC - too many ppl desparate fo
fatty fried chicken driving in and out without looking!

I think that's what miffed me the most. I hate stopping at those red
too, or for a tram there, because you've got some good momentum to ge
up that hill. But I do the 'right thing' and stop, so to see some ber
just hound through rubs salt in the wound big time

-

flyingdutch said:

eddiec said:

Good parable...
Last week I found myself getting so furious at a rider in front of me
who ripped through every red light from Kew Junction to Harp, including
pedestrian crossings. Sigh. No justice...

Quoted message said:

A bad stretch to run lights too (as if there is a good one. I dont)

Quoted message said:

as 2 of the 3 lights you mention are downhill and invariably a tram
involved too. would be very easy to collect someone. that intersection
on the left (cant remember name; opposite vic park) is a doozy too.
Always drivers trying to pull out blinded by the shop awnings, which is
always a bugger cos if you are lucky enough to not get the lights red,
the tram stopped and you want to honk up the hill to the Harp, the last
thing you need is some berk pulling out in front of you!

"vic park"? you mean Kew cemetery?

I've managed to overtake a car down that stretch in the left lane at about
70km/h. SHould've seen the look on the woman's face 🙂

About that spot early in the morning there's usually a bloke who must be
a local, in a wheelchair, who always pumps his fist in the air to
cheer me on. It's refreshingly good-natured and makes me want to sprint
to the 'stage finish' at the harp junction 🙂

--
Nick

Nickzx6r said:

About that spot early in the morning there's usually a bloke who must be
a local, in a wheelchair, who always pumps his fist in the air to cheer
me on. It's refreshingly good- natured and makes me want to sprint to
the 'stage finish' at the harp junction 🙂
--
Nick

Attack, attack

-

Greetings,
This is fine, but the 4WD has the far greater capability, by virtue of
kinetic energy, of killing you, and anyone else who happens to get in
its way. I have just fired off a letter to The Age about one motorised
moron sighted this arvo who could not even give way to a man on crutches
with one leg at a designated pedestrian crossing. Sadly, this is the
prevailing attitude. You only need look at the car ads on TV. BUY THIS
CAR and you too can [censored] up the environment and drive like an absolute
[censored].
I knew what road rage was before the term was invented, in 40 years on
the roads, I have been abused, outrightly clobbered (three times) been
the target of doors and various missiles, and been shot at.
I am a cyclist by choice. I accept that if I make a mistake I could be
killed. The difference is that if I make a similar mistake in the car I
can take several others with me, to say nothing of the acts of downright
stupidity or outright malice I have witnessed over the years, such as
this arvo.
The parable is that a tiny percentage of the population, motorised or
not, are [censored]. But the motorised ones in this society cause by far
the greater damage and suffering. The Great God Car rules. Read the
article in this morning's paper about the morons who cruise Chapel St as
well.
Regards,
Ray.

cfsmtb said:

Learnt two very quick lessons today within 10 minutes, whilst pedalling
down Chapel Street.

Not all motorists are bad.

Not all cyclists are good.

First lesson, cycling along near the Jam Factory. Large 4WD is backing
in to a parking spot. Causing me to brake and wait, as I was not
particularly enthusiastic about taking on the heavy traffic swerving
around the 4WD. When the driver finally took the spot, I continued on.
The drivers' window was down, and she smiled and said loudly "very sorry
about that". I promptly said back, "Well that's no problem". Ah, the
world is a nice place.

Second lesson, further down Chapel Street I came upon another cyclist, I
wanted to pass but realised it probably wasn't a good idea. She was
wobbling all over the bike lane, add that with a gusty wind and more
heavy traffic, well, thought it best to hang back and wait. After
patiently waiting, and watching her narrowly miss tram passengers at
three separate stops, I'd had enough.

On the last near miss I yelled out "WAIT FOR PASSENGERS". She yelled
something back about not wanting to hit people (this could of fooled
most people watching) swore and raised the middle finger while turning
left into Carlisle Street. I just felt really sorry for her; she seemed
to have an unhealthy combination of nervousness and aggression.

Anyway, for me as a lady cyclist, it was an fascinating departure from
the normally all male interactions one gets while cycling in the city
and suburbs. 😉

--

Ray Peace said:

Greetings, This is fine, but the 4WD has the far greater capability, by
virtue of kinetic energy, of killing you, and anyone else who happens to
get in its way. I have just fired off a letter to The Age about one
motorised moron sighted this arvo who could not even give way to a man
on crutches with one leg at a designated pedestrian crossing. Sadly,
this is the prevailing attitude. You only need look at the car ads on
TV. BUY THIS>--

Should of clearly explained I was being CYNICAL about the seemingl
polite behaviour of the 4WD driver I encountered

Makes a pleasing change, in early 1997 while at the red lights at th
intersection of Brunswick St/Alexander Parade, I was hit from behind b
a 4WD excuting a illegal left turn into moving traffic. There is no lov
lost between 4WD's and myself

Peruse this site: http://www.nosuv.org

Links page: http://www.nosuv.org/links.htm

-

Quoted message said:

About that spot early in the morning there's usually a bloke who must be
a local, in a wheelchair, who always pumps his fist in the air to cheer
me on. It's refreshingly good- natured and makes me want to sprint to
the 'stage finish' at the harp junction 🙂
--
Nick

Yeah, i'm pretty sure he's a resident at the aged hostel just next t
the pedestrian lights. Always raises an arm and says something. neve
caught what tho! Always meant to stop and have a chat (but he's at th
bottom of a hill with another to follow and the idea of stopping is jus
too wrong... ). He's even there on bleek mornings at about 6am when
roll on down to BeachRd..

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