Lycra Louts Warning

[billadie]

Coming home from work this evening I was almost forced off the road by a group of riders from Gloucester City Cycling Club.

I was plodding along at my usual 14/15 MPH when I saw a group in my mirror. As usual they get within a foot of your rear wheel then swing out and past. One swung out, but had to swing in a bit quick as a car was overtaking, blocking my route. I had no option but to stop whereupon one ran into me and with much shouting of STOP by one of the hieheidyins, the whole equipe came to a halt.

I asked the person who had collided with me to dismount as I wanted his name and address. He was strongly advised to ride on by what I took to be a marshal. This marshal then shouted at me "You! signal before you stop". At this stage I was surrounded by 8 or 9 men. Rather intimidating.

Not the worst thing to happen I know, but it could well put someone off cycling. I did speak to the police but was told that as 2 cycles were involved the couldn't do anything under the RTAs. I thought that anti-social behaviour was supposed to be a police target, or does that only apply to kids on BMXs and not adults on £1000 racers.

I am now going to write to the club, seeking an acknowledgement that this behaviour is not acceptable and asking for an apology.

I will let you know how I get on.

Bill

 

[103Alex1]

B***dy hooligans. Gloucester is somewhat prone to less than courteous sorts at the best of times Bill. I tend to be somewhat more on my guard there than many places - and take extra security for the bike ! Sport cycling is sport cycling and normal riders are not expected to adhere to club riding conventions. I'd have been tempted to grab him by his lycra pad and tell him next time he does that it's contents will be wrapped round his headset with a piece of barbed wire !

Good luck with the complaint and let us know how you get on.

 

[billadie]

Thanks for your support Alex.
But I must come to Gloucester's defence. I lived there for 20 odd years without too much bother. I think Gloucester's reputation is more for stupidity rather than malice. During the riots of 2011, the local Neds managed to burn down the old college building, saving the demolition firm - who were already on site - several weeks work.
There are however parts of Cheltenham I wouldn't go to even on a light night.

Now if you really want a walk on the wild side, I have also lived in Moss-side, Tottenham, Hackney and Newham, but that was many years ago when I was a bit sharper.

 

[103Alex1]

Thanks for your support Alex.
But I must come to Gloucester's defence. I lived there for 20 odd years without too much bother. I think Gloucester's reputation is more for stupidity rather than malice. During the riots of 2011, the local Neds managed to burn down the old college building, saving the demolition firm - who were already on site - several weeks work.
There are however parts of Cheltenham I wouldn't go to even on a light night.

Now if you really want a walk on the wild side, I have also lived in Moss-side, Tottenham, Hackney and Newham, but that was many years ago when I was a bit sharper.

Ah ... I've heard Cheltenham is supposed to have a few dodgy areas. But I'm sure it has its bad points too

Hackney and Brixton used to be regular Saturday nights out for me till the wee small hours until quite recently and I have to confess I never felt unsafe or had any bother there. I have, however, been assaulted in the poshest part of Oxford in broad daylight for allegedly beating someone to a parking space ... so reputations are indeed often unfairly earned by the actions of a few.

 

[billadie]

"I am now going to write to the club, seeking an acknowledgement that this behaviour is not acceptable and asking for an apology.

I will let you know how I get on"

Well. I spoke to the Secretary and then set out my complaint in an email. I have received a very detailed response from the Club President apologising for his members' actions and setting out the steps he will take to prevent a recurrence. I was impressed with the speed of his response and his obvious sincerity, and so will not be taking the matter further.

I do however think it is important that Ebikers and others bring incidents like mine to the attention of clubs. It is pointless ranting in the pub, if you have a justified complaint, complain. It might lead to something constructive.

Bill