Triathletes getting run off the road (Page 2)

In regards to confrontations, there are at least 2 SUV's that have dings in their doors because of me. 

The first was on LBI (Long Beach Island) I was riding and an SUV decided that they wanted to turn left and get all the way into my lane and make a right.  I was even with her front door panel when she decided to start coming right into me.  I slammed my fist into her door panel and freaked her out.  How she never saw me, I have NO idea.

The second was a lady that came up from behind me, passed me, and then decided to make a right turn into her house.  We're talking just as she came by me.  So she got her rear quarter panel dinged in. 

Both times, I stopped and discussed with them what happenned.  And in lieu of calling the cops and THEM getting a ticket, they chose to say Sorry and continue on.

It's the law of averages out there.  Just be smart and remember that you are legally a vehicle and have the same rights as other vehicles.  But that means you have to follow the same laws too.  Can't have it both ways.

I was riding along once, and a group of kids in a truck drove by and they threw a crumpled fast food bag at me. Hit me square in the face. Luckily it just bounced off my head and didn't cause me to lose control.

 Another time I had a guy yell and curse at me for being on the road and when we came up to a stop light and rolled right next to him and asked him to say that again. He just stayed in his car and flipped the bird. I stopped right by his truck for a bit just to tick him off and then took my time getting into my pedals when the light turned green.

I completely understand this and find no fault - however, with a-holes like that, that kind of action just gets them to dislike cyclists even more, and the next rider can pay the price.  As much as I want to confront them or pay them back, it's probably best to avoid antagonizing jerks.  They just become bigger jerks.  As much as I would love to dent their car or smash a window under those conditions - I have to show restraint.

My action of choice is to make a somewhat theatrical reaction of disgust and/or amazement of there ignorance.  I do that in hopes the OTHER witnessing motorists see how big a jerk the wreckless driver was and how they could have hurt/killed me.  Maybe they will become more aware of cyclist if they notice how other drivers are not.

Gotto disagree here.The laws in most states give cyclists the same rights and duties as those driving motor vehicles, and there are laws pertaining to proper lane usage among motor vehicles.

I'm going to have to disagree with you Aaron.  This was no different than if someone came into my lane and hit my car.  They would get a ticket.  I hit their car because they were about to run me over.  It was either my fist or my head.