I had a number of people recently take me to task over my behaviour while riding. It turns out, at various times, one or two people peeped or waved at me from cars and were apparently greeted by abuse and an angry expression. Even an expression of rage on some occasions. 
Of course, I wouldn't have known the people hooting were known to me. I'd have just assumed yet another motorist was taking the p**s and responded in my accustomed manner.
The only other roadie who's as bad tempered as me on wheels has to be David Millar. Do you recall the tirade of abuse he let rip two tours back when his chain flew off the ring during a Time Trial? Every time a reporter tried to question Millar, he just reiterated how he believed his mechanic was a useless w****r and stated he was sacked.
Millar grimaced, swore, scowled and moaned like hell. At points he was shouting wildly.
In my case, though, this is getting a bit sad. Those people who know me must think I'm a real misery guts out on the road but what they don't know is how the behaviour of motorists has transformed me over the months.
So many times motorists yell abuse, throw cans, spit from car windows or try and knockl me down, the joke has kind of worn thin. Now it seems the slightest hoot of a car horn is enough to trigger my response - a gesture of the fingers or a scowl.
Is this a common problem or do I need to get a grip?
Of course, I wouldn't have known the people hooting were known to me. I'd have just assumed yet another motorist was taking the p**s and responded in my accustomed manner.
The only other roadie who's as bad tempered as me on wheels has to be David Millar. Do you recall the tirade of abuse he let rip two tours back when his chain flew off the ring during a Time Trial? Every time a reporter tried to question Millar, he just reiterated how he believed his mechanic was a useless w****r and stated he was sacked.
Millar grimaced, swore, scowled and moaned like hell. At points he was shouting wildly.
In my case, though, this is getting a bit sad. Those people who know me must think I'm a real misery guts out on the road but what they don't know is how the behaviour of motorists has transformed me over the months.
So many times motorists yell abuse, throw cans, spit from car windows or try and knockl me down, the joke has kind of worn thin. Now it seems the slightest hoot of a car horn is enough to trigger my response - a gesture of the fingers or a scowl.
Is this a common problem or do I need to get a grip?
