Insane driver (4 wheel) at highway

**Kennon** · 07-16-2011, 07:15 PM

hakkanese? never heard of this and im of hakka descent

**euphonius** · 07-21-2011, 02:53 AM

I received this in a KLR forum, and thought it worthy of sharing with this list. This incident happened on "the 405", the frenetic freeway that links Los Angeles with the San Fernando Valley to the north. But it could just as well apply to most any road in America -- or China.

cheers

Hi. I'd like to introduce myself. I'm the guy on the motorcycle that you nearly killed today.

Now, I know that driving a Range Rover entitles you to drive in the carpool lane alone while talking on your cell phone. I know that it means that you're so special that you're allowed to cross two sets of double-yellow lines to exit the restricted lane anywhere you please, and that signaling is optional.

I must apologize that after having to stand my motorcycle on its nose to keep from running in to the back of your pretty, shiny SUV I had a moment of hostility where I flicked your mirror with the tips of my fingers, you know - in hopes that it would remind you to use it. I had really only intended to fold it up.

But, British quality being what it is, your mirror ended up popping right off. I must admit to a little surprise as it bounced around in my lap. I must also admit to the slightest bit of satisfaction as I heard the sound of it bouncing gaily down the 405. The look on your face was classic as you tried to split lanes to catch up with me in your bloated $80,000 status symbol.

In closing, let me express my deepest regrets that I inconvenienced you. I would have stopped and had a conversation with you on why what you did was stupid, dangerous and irresponsible... but I really wanted to get a coffee.

Cheers,

--The biker guy

**Nuhaus** · 07-21-2011, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by euphonius

I received this in a KLR forum, and thought it worthy of sharing with this list. This incident happened on "the 405", the frenetic freeway that links Los Angeles with the San Fernando Valley to the north. But it could just as well apply to most any road in America -- or China.

cheers

While not condoning this stuff (and I know you don't either, Euphonius) I certainly empathize with those who feel this way. A buddy of mine once did this in Shanghai and got chased down the road a few blocks.

I find myself surprised at how my expectations have changed over the last 3 years. Used to be that I was constantly amazed at the idiocy I saw on the road, now I just shake my head and look for a way to get away from it as safely as possible.

**euphonius** · 07-21-2011, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by Nuhaus

...now I just shake my head and look for a way to get away from it as safely as possible.

Total agreement. The idea of even attempting to "flick" someone's mirror while doing 110kph on the freeway makes my hair stand on end. I once flicked a taxi driver's mirror after being cut off while bicycling in Shanghai, and the futhermucker actually ran me down, literally knocking me from my bike and running over my front tire, which was pretzeled (better it than me). Road rage is always a losing proposition on a bike or motorcycle.

The best of us (I'm still working on this) ride in a zen state, and let all the bad shit just happen around us, knowing that we've done all we can to keep a safe distance, and that there's nothing we can do to change other drivers' behavior.