another story (pursuant to the vandalism story)

The other day I was driving in Georgetown near the waterfront and some asxhole cuts me off on his bicycle. He claims that I didn't come to a complete stop at the stop sign. BS. Anyways, this guy has the nerve to start cursing at me so I follow him and we exchange some words and then he says to come meet him in the alley. What a dumbasx. His words were "you like driving daddie's car?" I wanted to say "look dumbasx, just because I"m half your age and I probably make 4 times more than you do, doesn't mean that you have to be jealous of a youngster driving a porsche while you're out on your bicycle." We were in a really nice area of DC and you would think that these ignorant bastards would have more decency than to get angry just because a young guy is driving a porsche. Then he says "I have one of those and I know what it takes to afford it and you couldn't." I was laughing the whole time because frankly it was shocking. He had this red bicycle faggoty outfit on on his gay red mickey mouse bicycle (I don't have anything against homosexuals btw, just using them as adjectives) and ... phew... whatever, before I get too hyped up I'll just stop here. My question to you... I love cars, probably just as much if not more than anyone on this board. I worked my way to where I am now, and now I finally buy two of these fine vehicles. Is it really that annoying to see a young guy driving a porsche?

You shouldn't get into arguments with crazy people. Their "logic" makes sense only on another planet. I live in CA where it's common to see relatively young people drive nice cars. I don't think anyone pay any attention to the age of the person driving the car unless the person happens to be 16 and driving to high school.

Yeah there isnt any point arguing with these types of people. You will never win an argument cos they dont have the braincells to think they are possibly wrong. I sometimes get funny looks but just look away not giving them any acknowledgement... best way really.. save you energy for more positive things...

One of the members has this in his signature....truely words to live by: Don't argue with stupid people, they drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience

Depends how young! Just kidding - I stay away from arguments like that. What's the upside? I will say that I feel like I have become a much more responsible driver as I have "matured" - glad I didn't have a 911 when I was 23 and convinced I was immortal! I bought mine when I was 36.

That's why I have my folks drive when we go to Georgetown (as well as into the District). The rest of the places I will drive to. I usually stay close to home in McLean anyway. You see some of the riff raf that are down by the mass parking lots on the waterfront and they cause you to check your car twice before you venture off. I usually just nod a those people and give a little wave like it was my fault, let them call me whatever they want from their hunk of crap car (or bike) and it usually kills the situation. I call it preventative vandalism

I love these stories. Because our forum members are always so innocent and guilt less, surrounded by a sea of injustice and insensitivity. So, as I read it (1) A guy in a 3000 lbs car almost hits a bicycle. No matter who's fault it is, it probably scared the biker into a state of high anxiety. Swearing ensues. (2) Guy in 3000 lbs car 'follows' the bike. No really, this isn't considered an aggressive or intimidating act at all. I'm 6'2" 200+ lbs and I'm always surprised how jumpy people get when I follow them when they leave the ATM...And your point was? Oh yeah "We were in a really nice area of DC and you would think that these ignorant bastards would have more decency than to get angry just because a young guy is driving a porsche. " It couldn't possibly be because a 'young' guy in a car is following an 'older' biker after a minor cut off at a stop sign, with the intention of...what? And what if you didn't actually stop at the stop sign? We only have your word for it. How about this as a viable alternative. (1) you didn't stop at the sign. The spooked biker yells at you. (2) Startled by the surpise of almost hitting a bike, and now in a defensive 'fight or flight' mode after having been yelled at, you decide to 'show up' this guy and attempt to restore your self image as a masculine alpha male. I mean your 'successful' right? (3) So you, in the more offensive and menacing vehicle (also more protective and cowardly, in case things go bad you can roll-up windows or drive away faster) you decide to follow, and intimidate, the biker. You don't really know what you are doing, but liturature is full of the foolish and fateful antics of young men with wounded pride ('I can believe _I_ got yelled at by a lesser - bike, older, 'gay' outfit - that should have immediately noticed and respected _my_ status as represented by my zuffenhausen cod-piece") (4) a second confrontation occurs. By the way you neglect to mention who started this. Did you taunt the biker from the safety of your car as you followed him. Or did you quietly, but purposefully stalk him and he started yelling at you in an attempt to wave you off? In either case it's obvious he hit a nerve about your insecurity concerning your age and a gap you feel exists between your abilty to perform certain functions - earning and spending money- and the attribution of status and respect that you have witnessed others in society pay to those displaying wealth, but which you did not receive. For you a bike is cheaper and thus lesser than your expensive car. Lesser people should acknowledge and respect better people. The second great offense to your masculinity is when the older man calls you, the supposedly younger, stronger, man out of your protective shell for an actually fight. The Silverback called your bluff little monkey, you went away. So, to answer your question. Is it annoying to see a young guy drive a Porsche? No, as long as he doesn't think people should treat him differently BECAUSE he's driving a Porsche. Ah, I Love these stories.....

As both a P car owner and avid cyclist I feel compelled to comment. 3200 lbs vs. 200 lbs is only going end up one way, and so the guy in the car has to always give a little extra room. Any witness sees the car in the slightest bit aggressive maneuvering that ends up with the cyclist in a ditch and you're looking at assault or worse yet involuntary manslaughter charges. Juries don't kindly on unfair fights. Just not worth it in my book, from either driver or cyclist perspective. And I'll say that when I'm cycling I alway try to be on the defensive, but invariably there is always that time when you slip up, and you hope the drive of that pickup behind you isn't running late and blaming you. And when I'm driving, what's an extra second or two to be extra courteous to a pedestrian or cyclist? We make it up on the open road in a flash.

Yikes! Seen "Falling Down" one too many times? Lighten up there, buddy!

Falling Down? I was going for Burger Royale with Cheese..... (Without the biblical references, of course)

OMFG~~~~.... ROFL..... Fan****ingtastic...... I think you nailed it..

So I'm out riding my bicycle yesterday when some old fart in a silver C4S almost rear ends me because he target fixated on my bike shorts.... J/K!!! Maybe we all need to lighten up a bit. Yes, as drivers we need to respect the rights of smaller vehicles on the road, but the incidence of vandalism has rightfully made some of us wary. Until I catch someone in the act of damaging my vehicle, I try to hold back. Please, hold me back! But I've also lost it from time to time & have engaged in *ahem* inappropriate behaviour. So why don't we chalk it down to this being a forum where we should be able to share our stories without fear of flaming, unlike some other forums I won't mention... A good logical riposte about why it's not appropriate to "follow" a cyclist in a car is ok; posting a nasty note just to be a pr*ck is not. Just my 2c...

"So why don't we chalk it down to this being a forum where we should be able to share our stories without fear of flaming," When did rennlist become an encounter group? The little dude preeningly posts an obvious bully-boy story laced with homophobic epithets, sorry adjectives, expecting to feel the warm embrace of an expected locker-room full of like minded 'bros, and instead I snapped his as$ with my rolled up towel of rightious word mongering. That's the rennlist I know. Morons flick cigarettes at you, we impotently rage on your behalf in solace and empathy. Act like an idiot and boast about it, some one hands you your hat (*** included).

Just be grateful you're not young and black. I think it's safe to say you are not . . . If you were young and black, people would think and say things about you stealing the car, being a drug dealer, etc. b-man

Mmmm... Let me guess... You target-shoot sparrows with a bazooka too, right? You have an entertaining command of the English language - why not save it for when it can really shine?

Alas, one must practice and continually sharpen the rapier wit on the grind stone of repartee, lest ones wicked ***** be dull when called upon.

Freudian slip!

996Gurl - You're the only one of the two of us anywhere near a slip...Freudian, Frederick's or otherwise. Gotta go, we'll jape tomorrow.

This is true. I've heard some nightmare stories from friends of mine. Profiling doesn't just happen with law enforcement.