Confrontation . . .

For those that know me also know that I am a “meek” and sociable person. I always go out of my way to meet people and share stories and experiences. I am the most approachable person around. If there is anything I can do for you, just ASK, and it shall be done.

I have also learned how NOT to be an aggressive driver. In my earlier days (notice that I choose not to use “younger”), I was one of those that would constantly change lanes and push the pedal to the metal, power shifting in every gear just to be in the front of the line. Sure I have had fast cars/motorcycles but I find that if you have power “on-tap” you tend not to use it. Call it small car syndrome but my 36hp VW beetle back in the 60’s was always being pushed to the limits. I also recently sold my ’67 Firebird Convert muscle car and I don’t think I ever went very fast in it either. I just liked the sounds of the dual “flowmaster” exhausts . You always drive classic cars slowly to make the ride last longer. Around 1980 I purchased a fast bike. It was a Suzuki GS1100, the fastest production bike of that year and I never went especially fast on that bike but it felt nice to have that extra power when you needed it. I think I went faster on my BWS Yamaha scooter. It started out as regular 49cc slow-mo machine that could go nearly 40 km/ltr. When it was de-restricted plus installation of a 70cc cylinder kit, different clutch, belt and muffler, it could fly, and it did fly every time I rode it. You could hardly keep it under the speed limit. Again it was small car syndrome taking over. I don’t know what it is but when you have limited power it seems that you just go faster and when you have the power, then speed just doesn’t matter anymore.


('67 Pontiac Firebird Convert, 1st Gen 326-HO)

Now, I have a long commute to work. For those of you that know the layout of Vancouver you know that there is no fast way to get about town. I live in the heart of the City (no freeways around here), and I have to travel on busy surface roads to get to my destination on the fringes of civilization., approx 25 km each way. (32miles in US talk). When I was younger you could say this was “on the fringe” but due to urban sprawl and congestion, it is just as busy throughout every corner of the Greater Vancouver area.

I have changed my commuting route several times now switching to slower roads. Slower you ask, when many would choose the faster. I found that I was getting drawn into the Indy 500 mentality. Yes, I do know how to drive fast, but I choose not to and I found myself changing lanes often and of course you are going a speed often in excess of what is allowed. I finally realized what I was doing so changed to a much slower route with lots of signal lights to slow you down. I find that my commute is a refuge from the outside world. When you are in a car you are in your cocoon, listening to your thoughts, or the radio, hot line, singing to yourself and just rolling along subconscientiously towards your work destination. Sure I can change lanes and roll with the flow, but that would get my adrenalin up. So I am content to merely just follow the vehicle ahead.

So it was this morning. I was at a stop light with 3 lanes of traffic waiting for the “green” light to start the race. I am usually content to just follow the leader ahead, but today there are two vehicles to my right, in the 3rd lane. Just across the intersection these 3 lanes merge into 2 lanes. I am 3rd in line. The light changes and the race is on. My job is to keep distance from the person ahead while the other two on my right are trying to merge into our lane and their portion of roadway is ending fast. This large silver 4x4 quad cab monster truck starts to move into my lane with ME in the way. I had to swerve left to avoid the “crunch” . I don’t know if this was intentional or whether he just tried to run me off the road. He may just be a driver who doesn’t look into his mirrors. I recognize this truck before on my morning commute. For some reason these big gas guzzlers think they own the road.


(Grey 4X4 Quad Cab pick up truck, that cut me off)

Now I’m following this truck until we get to another light. I pull out my camera and take a few pictures of his license plate. I make sure he sees me taking these photos. I see his face in his mirror and his back up lights come on. He is reversing . . . I immediately think to myself that he is going to RAM me. It is a slight incline so I roll backwards a few feet. I think the car behind sees what’s going on and immediately turns into the left lane which is free of cars. Now I have no one behind me and can roll back further. I think to myself, now what do I do. So I whip out my cell phone and pretend to be talking to someone even thought it is OFF. I’m trying to make him think that I have called 911 or the police.


(4x4 Quad Cab, in front of me at the next signal light)

The light changes, all the traffic is moving, except for this aggressive 4x4 quad cab which is stopped in front of me. I think now that there is going to be a confrontation of some sort, or he thinks that I will change lanes and speed ahead of him. I think the last thing I want is for him to be behind me, so I stand my ground and wait . . . (to be continued)

I finally got to work and was still shaking and looking over my shoulder and in the rear view mirror. I just wanted to get away. I think tomorrow I'm going the slow way, or visit my nearest autobody shop for a colour change . . .


Often when I need a rest from the pressures of life, I turn to Baron's View (<--- Click link) He has an interesting perspective on life and his jokes can keep you amused for hours. In the spirit of Baron's View, here is my contribution for today. And Baron, enjoy . . . and keep up the good work. One day we should take out our Moskva's and take a few pics


Hung Chow calls into work and says, 'Hey, I no come
work today, I really sick. Got headache, stomach ache and legs
hurt, I no come work.'

The boss says, 'You know something, Hung Chow, I
really need you today. When I feel like this, I go to my wife and tell her I want sex. That makes everything better and I go to work. You try
that.'

Two hours later Hung Chow calls again. 'I do what you
say and I feel great. I be at work soon......... You got nice
house.