Yes, I know, riding needs to be enjoyable, but given I don't get to ride much on weekends, I ride to work. Now that school has started and I drive into a busy Chicago suburban area, I have the opportunity to toast my inner thighs with slow and go traffic. The other day, I tried to find a less congested route home (stupid idea). Well, I ended up in a LONG line going through 3 intersections and a commuter train crossing. My process is to not creep one car length at a time, but to let a space of 2-4 cars develop in front of me, then motor up. At least I get some air on the motor. I did this during a mile long back-up for about 10-15 minutes. Then it happened...the knucklehead behind me in his Toyota mini-van decided I wasn't moving fast enough, so he beeped. I flipped. Rather than get off the bike and ask him about his errant signal, as this would give us all a bad name, I let the flip be my formal response. A few minutes later, we hit an intersection red light. There were about 6 cars ahead, and all of us would make it through the light, but I elected to hold for 5-6 seconds at the light, and as others proceeded, I waited...1-2-3-4-5-6 seconds, and then it happened...BEEP BEEP...he just wanted to go through the intersection....the nerve...so I proceeded, my message received, and he never got close to me again...good thing it was an old dude in a mini-van. I may be able to out run him!!

 

I bet if there is a mini van forum somewhere, they're all reading about how he beat the crap out of some big tuff dude on a Harley.

Mike

 

So are you saying you purposely held back on a green just to **** him off? Or am I misunderstanding your situation at the intersection?

With regards to "bumper to bumper" style traffic. I tend to do as you do and hold back a bit. I think it's a bit easier on the bike than the constant clutching and braking and as you pointed out, not much air flow gettin' to those heads. There's a particular canyon I drive through that regularly backs up. It's one lane in either direction. When I allow too much distance between me and the cage in front of me I will occasionally get a honker. When I do I just shrug my shoulders and continue at my own pace. Let him pass if he wants to but most of that stretch is double yellow (no passing....legally).

 

The first time the old man probably figured you were just zon'in out from the heat and maybe having a few "after work" brews in ya ....... wanted to revive ya a little. Gotta give'em the benifit of the doubt ... .


The second time when you _ucked him at the light .... well, let's say he couldn't shoot left handed.

Good thing it wasn't this guy....
Funny story though

 

I split lanes and never sit still in our LA traffic.