Some of the comments (re littering and your responses) on Wednesday prompted this memory. I was going to just add it to the comments but then thought I'll share it with everyone.
I used to ride a bike to and from work in London. One evening on my way home on a suburban street an open top sports car roared past and its occupant casually turfed out a large milkshake cup which still had a considerable amount of unconsumed content. Remarkably little of it spilled and the cup was immediately scooped up by a cyclist with more gumption (and quicker thinking) than me.
Said car stopped at red traffic light less than half a block down the road and the occupant (driver only) was probably astonished to have his milkshake fly back into his lap, lobbed equally casually by the quick thinking (and brave) cyclist who didn't say a word or even look back as he pedaled away on the green light.
As you can imagine it made quite a mess.
I've never smirked quite so much in my life, and still smirk when I think about it.
Having cycled to and from work in London for fifteen years (pre 1999, i.e. before it became fashionable), I experienced several unpleasant incidents (I think the worst was kids throwing bangers at me around 5th November) and so I find this story incredibly satisfying. But let's hear it also for the great pleasures to be had from getting to know the diverse and fascinating streets of our capital on two wheels, as well as the advantages of knowing fairly accurately how long your journey will take - unlike if travelling by public transport or driving.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
PS Experience has also taught me, unfortunately, that drivers in Aberdeen are in general less bicycle-aware and more dangerous than those in London. Right, enough of the rant, time to head off down the Deeside Way to meet friend Imogen for, yes, a bike ride!
The numbers of cyclists in London has reached proportions that might rival cars in some places at commute times of day. Any driver foolish enough to be cyclist unaware quickly becomes the object of some fierce vocalizations.....
DeleteHe was brave. Luckily the car driver wasn't one of those who would have run him down in retaliation.
ReplyDeleteProbably too shocked but in any event there were lots of diverse routes through complicated estates around our borough - where cars can't go even if the driver was minded to retaliate.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDelete😂 Brilliant! YAM xx
Well done, that cyclist - quick-witted and limber.
ReplyDeletei to am smirking! what a great idea, the cyclist was quick to think and quick to act and the crime was punished by like and is perfect for eye for an eye, in this case, lobbed milkshake for a lobbed milkshake. still smiling over this one
ReplyDeleteI just love those people who can achieve things like that calmly, without emotion or aggression, matter of factly. They appear to convey no judgment, no fight, no retribution, not even a punishment. They merely create the impression of the universe kicks back; action and reaction. Balance maintained. Laws of physics.
DeleteOne of those "there is a god" moments!
ReplyDeleteI thought so too. Actions speak louder than words.
DeleteBrilliant. I always smile when I see convertibles in Ireland. It's hardly California.
ReplyDeleteTriumph of hope over experience
DeleteOh what a sweet lesson he learned. The cyclist deserves a medal ! Best story I've heard in a long time
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! More of this please
ReplyDeleteGood! Arilx
ReplyDelete