LexRides

[brokebike]

There's something that's been on my mind ever since I witnessed that little episode at the start of Dave and Dan's race yesterday, and I just wanted to say a few things about it that concerned me, and share a few thoughts. I'm not going to retell the story because pretty much everyone there saw it go down, or at least parts of it - and I can't say with confidence that I saw every single thing that led up to it. I'm also not going to mention anyone's name because I don't personally know all of the people who were involved.

All I know is that an unfortunate thing happened to start it all off; a thing that is not altogether uncommon, but that thing escalated into something worse because of poor human behavior. Some people might just shrug stuff like that off and say that it's none of their business since it did not concern them, but the situation that happened yesterday is different for several reasons - most of all because when something like that happens in front of a crowd of nearly 100 people, and especially when one or more people are harmed or threatened publicly, it makes it everyone's business.

The thing is, many of the things we do in this bike community could be considered risky by some. The alleycats and various events that we help to organize are all very "under the radar", and we've been fortunate up to this point that we haven't had any major incidents or accidents that have brought on any unnecessary, unwanted attention. However, the relative obscurity and good community vibe that we've enjoyed for the past several years could all change quickly if we unintentionally gain a reputation as a bunch of irresponsible human beings who have bad shit go down at our events. All it takes is one stupid, insignificant thing to make it bad for everyone else and I would hate to see that happen.

Another thing about what happened yesterday that bothers me is the impression that it may have had on first time alleycat racers, or people who want to be involved but are a bit shy about coming out and taking part. I saw a large number of new faces show up to race yesterday, and that's always a very cool thing. There was even a younger minor who's parents dropped him off downtown just so he could participate. A lot of out-of-towners, too. Most of the holiday themed races always seem to bring out a lot of new folks and this one was no exception. It would suck to have some of those people get turned off, or never show up again because of what happened.

Anyways, I just wanted to get that off my chest. I don't want to cast a pall over the very well organized and well attended race that Dan and Dave put on. I'm sure most everyone had a great time despite the fact, and cheers to those who stepped in to try to diffuse the situation that erupted, so that everyone could continue having a good time. I just want to ask that everyone try to be cool and act responsibly when we get together for things like this, because hopefully, we're all in this together.
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[roadhouse]

Reading that post I'm not really clear on whether the poster is concerned that more folks didn't step in, or just generally expressing dismay over the whole situation. Like the writer and probably most folks there, I cant say that I caught every piece of the exchange but like most of the bystanders I was watching to see when and if it was going to be prudent to step in. To me it looked as though the dude clearly had some sort of social disorder and was looking for nothing more than to prove how crazy he was. What was even more clear was that the more he felt threatened or even that he was getting the attention he clearly wanted, the more he was going to try to escalate the situation. With most situations like that there is a fairly obvious watershed moment when it can snap from saber rattling to fairly mindless violence and in my estimation it hadn't reached that point. If more folks had stepped in I think it perhaps would have been out of the desire to save face than truly to end the trouble, and have no doubt that it would have gone from a silly and puzzling exchange to a day ender.

[roller]

Roadhouse,

I think brokebike was expressing more dismay about the situation, not a call to plunge into a brawl. The concern is that new folks show up for an "under the radar" event and there's an aggressive dog and a guy with a knife and both want to fight. From an organizational standpoint, if these events get a bad rap (that includes some really spectacularly stupid stoplight blow throughs btw) the city might say these events need a permit, insurance, etc... Now wouldn't that be a bummer for the free-spirited, public, and creative nature of it all.

As these races get larger, more attended events, they'll pull in many different people and these incidents might happen. I think everybody reacted as well could be expected. I'm certain that more folks would have stepped in had a fight broke out, not to save face but save our friends. In the end, it was a minor scuffle and it's fortunate that no one was hurt, except my partner, who was the party bitten. Now I didn't see the bite mark, but it sure didn't stop him from rippin on the bike.

[roadhouse]

It's been a long time since i've seen someone so aggressively unreasonable.
That was something

[rich1]

ok im sorry but the thing with the dog was resolved befor people started to get involved then once people got involved some guy decided to jump in his ladies face and poking her in the chest screamingat her .im sorry but if any of you guys out their wouldnt stand up for your old lady and get some guy out of her face well then mabe im rolling with the wrong crowed. i know half you guys wouldnt put up with that shit and would have jumped in his face too, i would have . dont get me wrong im not condoning what happened, by the way it was a cell phone not a knife i was right their not 30 feet awaylike most that got involved .he and the guy that said he was bit shoke hands and moved on then others started to aproch them but anywasy to thouse who realy care you will be glad to know we both got picked up for nothing happining im mean they did leave but we both got charges for nothing he is looking at over 1 year in jail for nothing and they want me for 6 months for being his buddy . but mine might be droped but his ....come on people.
people know him and his dog they have been at every one of my races and a few others aswell he nor the dog have ever had any problems with anyone untill some stranger steped on her tail or aproched a strange dog in some way that she felt threatened then he felt threatened buy 4 people coming at him threatining his dog and him so he got defencive .

all in all thank you to whoever is pressing these bull sh*t charges
love
rich
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" What makes the grass grow... BLOOD MAKES THE GRASS GROW...KILL KILL KILL "

[Rowbear]

was it Gerald? I wasn't there.
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Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle

[eahirs2]

I am "that guy" and I am NOT the one that got this guy arrested. I have actually thought this couple was not worth my time - but I do have to editorialize, since this event seems to have ramifications that some people think are unwarranted. Although I did not involve the police, there were others in the crowd of 100 that were so uncomfortable that the police were notified, several times. Clearly some in the community think that there should be consequences for behavior witnessed by all and not reiterated here.

The inciting event happened in front of me while I was registering. The accusation of "your dog bit me" was met with "no he didn't"; it escalated from there, but not because people were attacking this couple. I watched the couple dismiss the guy who was bitten, then become belligerent, abuse and ultimately physically threatening him (I did not see a knife or a cell phone). Although the guy did ultimately try to shake hands - I heard that exchange too, and it was not the amicable resolution to the problem as portrayed.

As the guy became more agitated I did approach his girlfriend, trying to explain that no one was interested in persecuting them, as she had been protesting on the side, but that the accusation was serious, and it would be worth her recognizing that the dog could be put down, and it might be wise to reel in the attitude. This girl got right up in my face letting loose a litany of profanities. I never touched her, and was thinking it was going to be the other way around, when BAM! Yes - I became "that guy" who was "assaulted" by the other guy.

By the way, I do not think it is the girl who needs protecting. Her attitude and behavior on that day makes me think it is us that needs protecting from her.

In response, to your being served, Rich, I do not think you did anything, and don't know what charges are being brought against you. Unfortunately, having done nothing may have been as bad as doing something. Being the one only one that knows this guy, you may have been the best equipped to diffuse the situation. At minimum, this guy does not need an advocate.

[mofokuban]

What happened? I'm assuming it was a fight started over something small, yes?