Idiots and fog

[socwkbiker]

This morning the DFW area was blanketed in zero visibility fog and yet as I'm riding to work, I see people without headlights or driving lights on! Not only is idiocy in full bloom, but the guy behind me is attempting to drive close enough to find out the size of my jacket! I tapped my rear brake slightly so my back-off brake light would let him think I was stopping so I guess he decided he could find a jacket in his own size.

Cagers driving like they are invincible drives me crazy because they put us at risk so often. Have you dealt with this type of insanity and what did you do?

[cactusjack]

When it rains here in the Phoenix area, you'd think there were 6 inches of snow on the ground. People either slow down to a crawl, or they drive like idiots, and place everyone at risk. 80% of the people here came from cold climates and presumably, should know how to drive in inclement weather. I usually will not ride if it's raining for this reason. If I'm out riding and get caught in a storm, that's different. But if it's raining when I leave the house, I leave in a cage.

This is the only place I've ever lived where all the local news stations have "Team Coverage" of even the most insignificant weather. Ten o'clock news and there's a reporter on a now-deserted street, standing next to a puddle of water.

One of the real dangers we have here are haboobs, or dust storms. Typically they occur during the latter part of the summer during our monsoon season. Winds will whip up and you will see a wall of dust several hundred feet high and several miles long moving across the valley. Visibility can drop to ZERO in a flash. I try to avoid riding in them and have only been caught in one once. I pulled off onto a side street and waited it out. Luckily, they are short-lived. I used to work on the 6th floor of a building and it is amazing to watch these dust storms form and sweep across the valley. They also make a real mess of your swimming pool.

[Todd]

Have you dealt with this type of insanity and what did you do?

Everyday brother....whether I am on the bike or in the cage......I cussed at them.....shot the bird.....thought about pulling out the pistol....then got home and had a ice cold beer or 6.

[trip]

This morning the DFW area was blanketed in zero visibility fog and yet as I'm riding to work, I see people without headlights or driving lights on! Not only is idiocy in full bloom, but the guy behind me is attempting to drive close enough to find out the size of my jacket! I tapped my rear brake slightly so my back-off brake light would let him think I was stopping so I guess he decided he could find a jacket in his own size.

Cagers driving like they are invincible drives me crazy because they put us at risk so often. Have you dealt with this type of insanity and what did you do?

He was just trying to get a whiff of your aftershave, SWB. Were you wearing Musk today?

[dank]

This morning the DFW area was blanketed in zero visibility fog

So what were you doing out on a bike in zero visibility? Or is that the reason for the title of the thread?

[beezer]

[ells]

[quote:vc56tjhd]This morning the DFW area was blanketed in zero visibility fog

So what were you doing out on a bike in zero visibility? Or is that the reason for the title of the thread? [/quote:vc56tjhd]

Dank, That was my first thought too. Nonetheless, most, if not all, state laws do call for roadway operating behavior appropriate to the conditions.

[socwkbiker]

According to a Wikipedia definition (take it for what it's worth), zero visibility is less than 330 ft. So, I could see well enough to ride at the speed limit or slightly above or with traffic. Besides, at noon central, it's nice and clear and supposed to be warm this afternoon. In other words, no, I'm not totally insane.

Actually Trip, I'm not wearing cologne, which makes your thought even scarier!

[Todd]

The guy may have thought you were his parking garage with that big wide load going down the road and a little fog in the way.

[socwkbiker]

That's what I thought, so I gave him your number!

[Todd]

Hell, if it were me he would have thought they were moving a doublewide down the road and would have stayed back LOL !!!!!!!

[jussmatt]

To add my 2cw... I've done like you SWB and flashed my lights...sometimes it works...sometimes not... Depending on the road, I've pulled over and let the idiot by. I've also been know to use a method that another friend of mine who rides told me about...and yes, it works like a charm too!...... A roll of pennys or marbles... just drop them along while you ride.... most of the time, they have no idea where they're coming from, but just like us when we're in out cages following the big rigs... once you see a rock or something flying from under them...we back off!!

[dakals]

I slam on my brakes then hit the gas!!!! If the jerk behind me hits me to bad i will take your butt to court!!!!! I understand if someone is in a hurry but what no one ever thinks about is that you are putting yourself and others in danger. And you have a better chance of not making it there if you rush!!!

[unwind2]

How Cute! Was that taken at your house?

Oh on thread I also just tap the brake to make my back-off light flash. They'll back off everytime.

[Idaho]

Hey Dakals, I used to do that also but not on a bike and never since my hormone levels tapered off; about 15 years now. That will get you killed on a bike and you could be charged with road rage, especially if it causes an accident. Best just to pull over and let the knot heads pass. Hopefully some other nut case won't run up your tailpipe while your are on the side of the road.