Today I'm not so much writing a blog post, but more of a public service announcement.
I went for a bike ride this morning with two team mates, we headed to the fabled Goat Track.
For those not familiar, the Goat Track is an unmade road that winds up from Mount Glorious Road to Mount Nebo Road. Once you get to the top you can then enjoy the mainly downhill run back to Waterworks Road and home. It's only recently re-opened after being closed for several years for repairs, and it is quickly becoming a popular bike ride for Brisbane cyclists once again. Not only is is dirt, but it's also one way, so you don't need to worry too much about what is coming down the hill towards you. It's a ride I've done many times before, and it is definitely up there with the favourites.
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| Finish of the fabled Goat Track |
Today was no different from any other day. Sun was shining, bit of good banter between riders, bit of pain in the quads that reminds you that you are doing something worthwhile, a few deep breaths and beating hearts, and the wind in your face as you smoothly descend back to suburbia. Except, one guy decided to try and make today different.
We were descending down the mountain on Mount Nebo Road, on a dead straight section of road with plenty of visibility. At this time a vehicle decides to overtake, and rather than leave plenty of room for safety, this particular driver decides he wants to cut as close to me as possible. Now keeping in mind that, as a frequent Brisbane cyclist, this is nothing new to me and surprises me about as much as the sun rising in the morning. As his car swung back in tightly in front of me, I gave him the universal "what the hell man?" shrug, which I guess looks kinda like this:
At this point, he jams the brakes on his black Toyota Hilux hard enough to leave rubber on the road, and I also have to hit the brakes hard to avoid him. The driver then jumps straight out of the cab screaming his head off at me, and gets straight up in my face. I fully expected him to take a swing at me as I still sat on my bike, feeling a mix of surprise, amusement and concern. I don't particularly want to inflame the situation, so I stood my ground and spoke calmly to the dingus, at least I tried. It was hard to sandwich a word in between his ranting. The driver also threatened me, with words along the lines of "next time I will run you over". Eventually he turned around, got back in his Hilux, and tore off.
Which is where the public service announcement comes in to this post. As part of his rant, this guy told me he lived on Mount Nebo, and regularly drives that road. I have also heard of previous altercations with the driver of a black Toyota Hilux, and I would bet my left nut that it's the same guy. So, people of Brisbane, if you are heading up Mount Nebo way, please keep a close eye out for the Hilux, with registration 358-MSU. The driver clearly has a lot of anger issues, and probably a screw or two loose.
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| The offending vehicle 358-MSU |
I'm going to be reporting this to the police, as I have a feeling it's not the first time this individual has acted so dangerously and aggressively towards other road users. If it happens to you, I encourage you to do the same, and try and keep your cool and not inflame the situation. This guy is behind the wheel of a two tonne weapon, and unfortunately its more likely that we come off second best.
Although this is what I really wanted to do, it's probably best that I didn't.
Be safe out there people.
