Don't get me wrong... I'm not suggesting that anything should be started with anyone. I'm a laid back individual that (for the most part) would rather just avoid a confrontation, or reason my way out of one than to actively look for trouble. But if trouble finds me and I have no other recourse I WILL (and have) defend myself, and do it to the point of savagery.
With that said...
If one of these nut jobs felt a need to start crap with me when
I'm all alone
On a road that's 15 miles away from nowhere
I'd like to have a bit of help... and if I was in that situation and the nut job that wanted to start stuff had a gun... ALL the MORE reason I'd like to have one too.
I'm not saying that everyone should carry a gun... I'm not saying ANYONE should carry a gun.... but stories like the one you linked to DO NOT make a very good case for not carrying a gun.
If you get a chance... Follow a riders return to the bike after a 15+ year "offseason" http://theprodigalcyclistca.blogspot.com/