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Sevulturus wrote:*My Second Truck Story*

Last Tuesday (Oct 25) I was headed home from school. Bopping my way through downtown Edmonton. South on 101st street because it leads right into this really nice downhill through the river valley with the most corners you'll find on any road nearby, though it's far far to short. I always go the extra distance out of my way to go down 101st rather then 105th through the traffic just because the curves are worth it.

Anyways, like I said this was downtown Edmonton, by no means San Diego, New York or any other major major hub, but it is busy, there are a lot of closepacked cages and a ton of idiot pedestrians. So as is typical of my riding style I kept it about 10 under the speed limit, meaning I was doing at MOST 40km/h through stop and go traffic.

The road South has 3 lanes, one is technically a "parking lane" and the left lane fucntions as a dual purpose driving/turning lane. I was in the middle lane out in front of traffic a little ways. As I'm moving along I notice the giant black truck up ahead and to the left is starting to pull out. He made it out 1/4 of the way stopped, I saw him look back and he didn't move. The following things flashed through my mind.
1. Road is 3/4 clear
2. He stopped and looked back
3. He isn't moving
4. He saw me and is going to wait for me to pass

So I maintained speed, he waited another couple of seconds and pulled out. At this point I was close enough that I needed to take emergency action. Up on both sets of brakes, and a HEAVY horn. He stopped again when I did that and I saw him glance back. I came within 2 feet of bouncing off his bumper at that point.

Anyways he pulled forward and got back into the right to make his right turn, I cam up beside him and did what I call a stall... basically break almost to the point of stopping and maintain balance and look over to glare at him. I kept both hands on the bars at all times and I wear a fullface, so I cannot be said to have made any offensive gestures. That took maybe a second, but I got a good look at him, older guy, probably early 50's and gaining weight.

I got up to the front of my lane because it was now empty and stop at the red light. He is now three vehicles back and in the lane to my right. I rest my right hand on my right knee to maintain balance and look back at him once again making no gestures, but long enough for him to realize that it was him I was staring at. As traffic passes the two cars in front of him make their right turns and he pulls up beside me with his window rolled down. The following conversation took place.

"So what the hell is your problem?"
"You cut me off!"
"You shouldn't be going that fas..."

The light turned green at that point and deciding that not holding up traffic was more important then explaining what an idiot he had been I pulled slowly through the intersection and down through my twisties. But I found I was to aggravated to actually enjoy them.

Once again for the record I was travelling well under the speed limit, because I expect stuff like that to happen. And I'm on a bright yellow bike in a bright yellow helmet, it's not like a blend into the tarmac. And my friends wonder why I've taken up hating people in advance of meeting them....