Tonight I went to the Shell Station to get beer and a carton of cigarettes. After paying for my stuff I was brought into a barrage of bicyclists, a dozen or so waiting by the front door. I stood there for a good 2 or 3 minutes hearing the ridicule of "who I am" and "what I am" and to "keep drinking" before I decided to walk away. What they were all saying about me brought me to tears, which I still possess as I write this.
Bags in hand I walked down Beaver two blocks when two of the bicyclists in the group rode by and slashed my bags. My Cigarette packs and the beer I bought spewed as they spilled on the sidewalk. I collected all of them by taking off my shirt and "bagging" them all up on my return to Shell to get new bags.
I have never been more crushed.
Did you call the police?
2:52 am
What time were you at the Shell?
Surveilance cameras at the Shell?
Was there an organized padlling event with over a dozen cyclists? Hope they were cycling during daylight hours.
Sorry to hear about this and its not right.
Keep us posted.
Sounds like a personal attack...Bike Ninjas?
Ugh, something like that would have caused me to get all Charles Bronson on their ass.
Bicyclists in cool max, on $2,000 carbon fiber road bikes?
Sounds like the midnight mass crowd. I saw them leaving Underbelly at about 11:40. There's about 30+ hipsters that meet up and ride around riverside and downtown on Thursday nights. Usually their peaceful, but I heard they are having some special event this weekend, so maybe they brought in some unsavory characters. I'm so sorry that you were treated so poorly. I know a couple of the kids who were in that group, so if you decide to press charges I'll try and help you get to the suspects.
what the hell are wrong with people? This is terrible to hear
I rode midnight mass last night and there were no such incidents. I can't speak for everyone who attends those specific rides, but for the most part, we're not out to cause havoc or hurt anyone at all. After an hour or so, everyone goes off in their own directions and I can't vouch for them once broken off from the pack. For the time I was with the crowd, however, from about 10 pm until 2 am, all was friendly and harmless.
Regardless of whether the mass crowd was responsible or not (like I said, I can't vouch for them all!), I am so sorry for the harm that was caused. What a true shame that this is how we residents treat each other.
Again, SO VERY SORRY! Not all us riders are bad apples, I assure you!
Quote from: sandralark on May 06, 2011, 10:44:05 AM
I rode midnight mass last night and there were no such incidents. I can't speak for everyone who attends those specific rides, but for the most part, we're not out to cause havoc or hurt anyone at all. After an hour or so, everyone goes off in their own directions and I can't vouch for them once broken off from the pack. For the time I was with the crowd, however, from about 10 pm until 2 am, all was friendly and harmless.
Regardless of whether the mass crowd was responsible or not (like I said, I can't vouch for them all!), I am so sorry for the harm that was caused. What a true shame that this is how we residents treat each other.
Again, SO VERY SORRY! Not all us riders are bad apples, I assure you!
Welcome to the forum Sandra! ;)
And I agree, as I know most of the crowd that attends Midnight Mass and couldn't see them doing that. Most of them have the upmost respect for the urban core and those that live within it. This is a very unfortunate situation however, as it only tarnishes previous statements I have made about the young crowd in the core.
Wow--sorry to hear about that Braeburn! What a bunch of a-holes!
I'll echo what Sandra wrote though--I'd (like to) think most bike riders around here are usually cooler than that kind of schoolyard crap.
This is heartbreaking and I'm sorry that it happened to you, braeburn. I'll spread the word and hopefully someone knows who these jerks are. I'm sure the majority of the midnight mass riders would not want to be associated with a-holes like these.
Quote from: Ajax on May 06, 2011, 12:10:50 PM
This is heartbreaking and I'm sorry that it happened to you, braeburn. I'll spread the word and hopefully someone knows who these jerks are. I'm sure the majority of the midnight mass riders would not want to be associated with a-holes like these.
I for one haven't rode midnight mass in quite some time but I like many others frown upon this behavior. It's pointless and only adds to the negative image most Jacksonvillians have of downtown. First it's the transients and now it's a few misguided youth on bikes. Real bummer >:(
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 06, 2011, 09:49:48 AM
Sounds like the midnight mass crowd. I saw them leaving Underbelly at about 11:40. There's about 30+ hipsters that meet up and ride around riverside and downtown on Thursday nights. Usually their peaceful, but I heard they are having some special event this weekend, so maybe they brought in some unsavory characters. I'm so sorry that you were treated so poorly. I know a couple of the kids who were in that group, so if you decide to press charges I'll try and help you get to the suspects.
+1
It's the Midnight Mass hipster bicycle group for sure. I also saw them last night. 50-100 of them riding in a big pack.
I was getting in my car on North Main last night about 1:30am and they were all whizzing by on the way to Shantytown. I have to say I have a somewhat different experience. Most of them said nothing, or said hello and were very polite. One of them waved at me and said "nice car." I was standing next to it, waiting to open my door so I didn't accidentally whack one of them off their bikes with the door. But it seems unlikely there would be two giant packs of hipster bicyclists roaming about downtown on the same night, so logic dictates it was people in Midnight Mass.
Edited to add:
I need to say to avoid creating the wrong impression, that I'm certainly not disagreeing with you at all Braeburn, and I believe you 100% and as a fellow citizen of this city I am very disappointed something like this happened to you. You know, if I had to guess, from the timing of all this, it would seem that you may have caught a pocket of them right after their visit to Shantytown. Human nature being what it is, when you add a certain degree of alcohol to the equation, otherwise charming people can do some nasty things. Which of course begs us to question the hypocrisy of people leaving a bar and then razzing someone else over buying beer.
Maybe the FBC has started an "alternative" to the Midnight Mass ride by their youth temperance league. ;)
Seriously, it is always an unsettling and helpless feeling to be set on by a group like that. Let's just hope that there were some aching consciences as well as aching heads this morning.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on May 06, 2011, 12:54:19 PM
Which of course begs us to question the hypocrisy of people leaving a bar and then razzing someone else over buying beer.
The thing that's crazy about this is bicyclists have to deal with this kind of harassment all the time from stupid redneck drivers in this town in their big-ass pickups (truck-nuts all a-danglin') that don't believe they need to share the road with non-motorized vehicles. Now a pedestrian gets the same treatment from a gang of roving ninja-bicyclists?
In my best Wallace Shawn impersonation: "Inconceivable!"
Quote from: braeburn on May 06, 2011, 02:52:39 AM
Tonight I went to the Shell Station to get beer and a carton of cigarettes. After paying for my stuff I was brought into a barrage of bicyclists, a dozen or so waiting by the front door. I stood there for a good 2 or 3 minutes hearing the ridicule of "who I am" and "what I am" and to "keep drinking" before I decided to walk away. What they were all saying about me brought me to tears, which I still possess as I write this.
Bags in hand I walked down Beaver two blocks when two of the bicyclists in the group rode by and slashed my bags. My Cigarette packs and the beer I bought spewed as they spilled on the sidewalk. I collected all of them by taking off my shirt and "bagging" them all up on my return to Shell to get new bags.
I have never been more crushed.
Those are the kind of people that should get hit by cars. However, thoes types never do.
Sandra - Cool Avatar! Welcome to the board, I hope to see more of your posts!
+2
braeburn, I live 5 blocks from that station. What did you expect? When I walk by it, even if it's at lunch time, I always go armed. I'm sorry what happened to you, but that's not a 'safe' area whether it's thugs at noon or bikers at midnight.
That Shell isn't for 'us.'
Gee, braeburn. Good thing I caught screen shots of this forum before you decided to manipulate it.
You don't know me in the slightest, and you accuse me of being a part of an unrelated attack while I was merely vouching for the whereabouts and deeds of good friends, just as anyone else would do. My friends were in no way a part of your attack and I am still sorry it happened. A term I used WAS taken out of context and emphasized needlessly for your own argument's gain. I was also misquoted by you several times, but I never came to my own defense, as I knew you were upset and rightly so.
As I said, your incident upsets me. No one deserves such treatment, absolutely no one. My original post mentioned how much a shame it was to see residents treat each other poorly, and my sentiment can only echo, however, this time directed at you.
I am just a resident like yourself. I've lived in the urban core literally my entire life. I've encountered the joys and dangers first hand on many, many occasions. I work for a local non-profit full time and attend school full time in the evenings. My friends and I like to ride bikes, including our participation in a bike collective. Same time, same place, every week. JSO is aware and passes us regularly on these rides, reminding some to turn their bike lights on. Simple things. Said friends were wrongly accused of your deplorable attack. I stood up for them, but offered my help in finding the real culprits at hand. I was attacked.
It is a SHAME that you would treat a fellow resident in such a manner. A real shame. Regardless, good luck in seeking justice. I hope the culprits are found.
It is a shame that I am speaking of an unknown to me group and you suddenly speak up. I do adore you, and would love to chat sometime.
holy revisionism, batman!
Did something just go whizzing by me? And I don't mean a bicyclist.
I am so confused...... Maybe we should blame FBC?
Quote from: stephendare on May 07, 2011, 01:03:01 PM
Quote from: danno on May 07, 2011, 12:26:11 PM
I am so confused...... Maybe we should blame FBC?
They are nearby,.....those villainous scoundrels!
That was one of the nicer descriptions I would have for them
This is all shocking to me. It is really bad for something like this to happen to someone. Tell you what, they are gonna try the wrong person one night and it's not gonna be pretty!
they'll get what's coming. karma, karma, karma ;)
That place makes Scotty's look like Ritz-Carlton
Last night I had a horrible run in with the midnight mass crowd.
It was The Loft's 1st anniversary party, so I tried to stop by for a PBR and some Sweet Petes. There were a bunch of people there, many who were not part of the usual crowd. There were a few people there that I had seen on their way to midnight mass last week.
In 3 different instances, people came up to me unprompted and started verbally abusing me. It's sad, because I have been one of the biggest proponents of the Loft since before it opened. I went by the usual meet up spot on my way home and it was empty. I assume they were all at The Loft berating customers.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 20, 2011, 12:20:54 PM
Last night I had a horrible run in with the midnight mass crowd.
It was The Loft's 1st anniversary party, so I tried to stop by for a PBR and some Sweet Petes. There were a bunch of people there, many who were not part of the usual crowd. There were a few people there that I had seen on their way to midnight mass last week.
In 3 different instances, people came up to me unprompted and started verbally abusing me. It's sad, because I have been one of the biggest proponents of the Loft since before it opened. I went by the usual meet up spot on my way home and it was empty. I assume they were all at The Loft berating customers.
Where are the Lofts? Are they residential units?
He means the bar called the Loft, in Riverside.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 20, 2011, 12:20:54 PM
Last night I had a horrible run in with the midnight mass crowd.
It was The Loft's 1st anniversary party, so I tried to stop by for a PBR and some Sweet Petes. There were a bunch of people there, many who were not part of the usual crowd. There were a few people there that I had seen on their way to midnight mass last week.
In 3 different instances, people came up to me unprompted and started verbally abusing me. It's sad, because I have been one of the biggest proponents of the Loft since before it opened. I went by the usual meet up spot on my way home and it was empty. I assume they were all at The Loft berating customers.
Seriously? You guys are scaring me. Who are these roving gangs of bastards? Hipsters with a vendetta?
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on May 20, 2011, 12:24:55 PM
He means the bar called the Loft, in Riverside.
Oh ok, the one on King st, across the street from Kickbacks?
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 20, 2011, 12:20:54 PM
In 3 different instances, people came up to me unprompted and started verbally abusing me.
I realize there's not going to be a satisfactory answer to this question, but do you have
any idea why they started picking on you? Were you wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt or something? Do you just put off a vibe that says "I want to (or I don't want to) fight"? I guess more to the point, what can the average person (me) do to make sure that some random assholes don't start this shit with me the next time I'm trying to enjoy a cool refreshing beverage at my favorite bar?
If this is becoming a regular thing, hopefully the Midnight Mass crowd will start weeding these dickheads out.
Quote from: Ajax on May 20, 2011, 02:56:07 PM
Were you wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt or something?
Wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt should make someone be admired and rewarded, not harrassed or beaten it. It just shows good taste. :)
Honestly I looked not too dissimilar from them. I rode up on a bike, dressed in jeans and a Great Divide Brewery tshirt and flip flops. I parked my bike, looked it to a tree next to another bike, got some Sweet Pete's and sat down on the curb to eat it.
The most mind boggling confrontation was from 3 girls who looked about 18 and were markedly unattractive and dressed like the girls from Little House on the Prairie. They were criticizing how I was locking up my bike. I ignored them for about 30 seconds then had to say something. I said something to the effect of "is your life so pathetic that you have to resort to criticizing how a perfect stranger locks up his bike?" They walked off.
That is mind boggling. What sort of things does one say when mocking someone's bike locking skills?
I don't mean to make light of your situation, I just can't think of anything that would warrant a nasty comment.
"Oh, he didn't even go through his front tire"
"That's the Kryptonite 2500, soooo last year"
"He didn't even lock his bike, just pulled up, and dropped his lock on the ground"
Quote from: Ajax on May 20, 2011, 02:56:07 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 20, 2011, 12:20:54 PM
In 3 different instances, people came up to me unprompted and started verbally abusing me.
I realize there's not going to be a satisfactory answer to this question, but do you have any idea why they started picking on you? Were you wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt or something? Do you just put off a vibe that says "I want to (or I don't want to) fight"? I guess more to the point, what can the average person (me) do to make sure that some random assholes don't start this shit with me the next time I'm trying to enjoy a cool refreshing beverage at my favorite bar?
If this is becoming a regular thing, hopefully the Midnight Mass crowd will start weeding these dickheads out.
Well, if you're in a car, just run them over! That's allowed here in jax. As long as those you hit are walking or on a bike. But whatever you do, DO NOT hit another car! That will get you put in jail! You cannot hit one of their precious cars.
Quote from: Lucasjj on May 20, 2011, 03:03:31 PM
Quote from: Ajax on May 20, 2011, 02:56:07 PM
Were you wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt or something?
Wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt should make someone be admired and rewarded, not harrassed or beaten it. It just shows good taste. :)
Incorrect. These shirts are actually horrendous. I believe the vast majority of them were last dropped over poverty stricken lands by plane to people in need of clothing. Said people then became nudists. :-)
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 20, 2011, 03:04:42 PM
The most mind boggling confrontation was from 3 girls who looked about 18 and were markedly unattractive and dressed like the girls from Little House on the Prairie. They were criticizing how I was locking up my bike. I ignored them for about 30 seconds then had to say something. I said something to the effect of "is your life so pathetic that you have to resort to criticizing how a perfect stranger locks up his bike?" They walked off.
WTF? Aggro-Amish?!?
Maybe it's a spillover from all of the "Amish Love" romance novels that are popular now.
Weird, Doctor, just weird.
Quote from: L.P. Hovercraft on May 20, 2011, 03:45:05 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 20, 2011, 03:04:42 PM
The most mind boggling confrontation was from 3 girls who looked about 18 and were markedly unattractive and dressed like the girls from Little House on the Prairie. They were criticizing how I was locking up my bike. I ignored them for about 30 seconds then had to say something. I said something to the effect of "is your life so pathetic that you have to resort to criticizing how a perfect stranger locks up his bike?" They walked off.
WTF? Aggro-Amish?!?
You haven't heard... The Little House on the Prairie/Amish look is all the rage with the up and comming hipster doofus crowd. Before you know it they will be replacing the bikes with buggys. You and your showy buttons.
Watch out, here come the MEANnonites!
Gingham Girlzzz
don't f**k with thee
I've been laughing over the Meannonites for a solid five minutes.
I betcha they're the same n'er-do-wells that stole the windchimes offa my back porch a couple months ago. Those Amish bastards just couldn't resist the gentle tinkling of my 'chimes!
Dazzle them with electric light.... Always works.
Quote from: danno on May 20, 2011, 08:16:45 PM
Dazzle them with electric light.... Always works.
I've heard that alternately flashing blue and whites, sometimes red, really get people's attention fast.
I find this funny. Two reports now of a pedestrian and a bicylist getting harrassed. Meanwhile, whenever I see the midnight mass group when I'm driving or even standing next to a car, they're very polite. I find it absolutely hilarious that this group of bicycle badasses still is forced to understand their natural pecking order. After all, it doesn't take much to knock someone off a bike when they have a car. We should start an anti-midnight mass car club. Maybe get one of those railroad-scoop cow catcher things for the front of the car. Can take care of this problem right quick. LMAO
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on May 20, 2011, 10:51:43 PM
I find this funny. Two reports now of a pedestrian and a bicylist getting harrassed. Meanwhile, whenever I see the midnight mass group when I'm driving or even standing next to a car, they're very polite. I find it absolutely hilarious that this group of bicycle badasses still is forced to understand their natural pecking order. After all, it doesn't take much to knock someone off a bike when they have a car. We should start an anti-midnight mass car club. Maybe get one of those railroad-scoop cow catcher things for the front of the car. Can take care of this problem right quick. LMAO
It'd be even more hilarious if it was pickup trucks, SUVs, and hummers!
I'm thinking this should cover it...
(http://www.barryboys.co.uk/photos18/fe5412af5b702fd50978e42802217ffe.jpg)
Yeh that'll work :)
Like I said, it's perfectly legal to run over pedestrians in JAX. It's just unfortunate that it's never any asshole that get hit. It's always a college student just trying to make a good life, or some one riding for a good cause(remember last Memorial Day at Kent campus?) Maybe it's a mother and her young children that can't get across fast enough because of the lack of time allowed to cross. (That's why I couldn't vote for Jim Robertson, He bragged about being responsible for SS traffic grid and traffic lights, road building for the past 30 years or so) But it's never a bad person that gets it, NEVER!