Got into it with a motorist.

[marni]

Good for you for standing up for all of us. He obviously had a hard on about something and had to take it out somewhere. The last time somebody called me "little Lady" in that grating sarcastic tone I replied "Why, yes I am a lady, my mother taught me that it is never right to swear at anyone. Obviously your mother didn't. The I smiled sweetly is a sort of gaga old lady manner and moved out of his way.

[luvmyguys]

ARGH! I'm so glad no one ended up hurt by that idiot, but sorry that you had to deal with it. Props for not being afraid - I would have been terrified!

I had a similar situation happen Monday, but it ended with him dropping the f-bomb and passing me within a foot or so. I was jarred enough that I almost didn't unclip at the next light. And, of course, that was my first major ride from the house (rather than driving to some ride start).

[tangentgirl]

>tells me to learn the "laws of the bikes"
>and drove up over the curb, almost hitting pedestrians, to make a right.

nice.

sorry bout the road rage dude. glad you were ok and mr. threatymcthreatyson was all talk.

[Catrin]

Yowser! So glad you are fine, and good for you in standing up!

[colorisnt]

Thanks. I am glad I am okay. I think I should honestly be more afraid of motorists than I am but since I've been riding a bike with traffic since I was a kid, I'm rather unphased. People always talk about how dangerous it must be to road ride but I used to jump horses. I can't think of many things more dangerous and I don't let it worry me because it hurts my confidence and makes it all the more risky when I don't feel confident.

My heart was racing like nobody's business. I was more worried that he would get out of the car but I figured he wouldn't try it downtown in heavy traffic. I had my phone on me, my parents live about a mile away, and I figured I should just stand my ground because what was the worst he could do, right? Maybe he will think twice about messing with a female cyclist again.

I like the whole "didn't your mother teach you better than that?" thing when dealing with those people in that situation, too. Glad to know I am in good company. The word "rude"seems to shut people down. I got into it with a guy who called a woman a fata$$ at the grocery because the cashier was having a trouble with the register and he was in such a huge hurry. I turned around and asked him why he had any right to police her body or why it was his business and he spouted off and said, "I guess I'm just not a nice person." And then I said, "You're right, your not. I bet your mother taught you better than that. You're being rude." He got so uncomfortable that he left the line. My roommate was like, "I would have just ignored him." But I just can't. I hate when people are blatantly rude and then get away with that behavior. No need to swear or even raise your voice.

[OakLeaf]

Ugh. Sorry that happened to you. Good for you for not losing your cool.

[colorisnt]

Thanks. I only wish I would have had a camera ready to get the plate.