Dr. Christopher Thompson goes down in my book as the biggest asshole the world has ever known. I’m bringing his name up because I don’t think it should ever go away. We should always remember who this jerk is. For everyone with a short memory, let me remind you of what this character did. This doctor, by the way, took an oath to save humans in any way possible. What did he do to make himself the world’s biggest jerk? He went out of his way to hit two cyclists on Mandeville Canyon in Brentwood, California. I’ve descended this hill at least one billion times in my life. I can tell you that it’s anywhere from two to six percent, which basically allows a cyclist to move at a rate up to or greater than 40 miles per hour. As it were, the good doctor didn’t like people riding bikes on a street near his home. So he took it upon himself to speed ahead of two cyclists, slam on his brakes and cause them to smash into his bumper, eject from their bikes and fly through his back window, critically injuring both. I told you that to tell you this. About 28 months later and 10 miles away as the crow flies, tragedy struck again. This time, much worse. James Laing, 46, died when he was struck by a car in Agoura Hills, California over the weekend. He was riding in a designated bike lane. I will be the first to say that accidents happen. They are unfortunate, but human error cannot be avoided. I can live knowing that. What I have trouble with is people like S.D. Whitmansegal. This woman was allegedly driving intoxicated at around 3:30 p.m., which generally leads me to think that this waste of a human being was probably drinking in the morning. At that time, it’s not 5 o’clock somewhere, at least not on this continent. What makes matters worse is reportedly Whitemansegal fled the scene. Witnesses apparently chased her down and held her until authorities arrived. Do I think this woman needs help? Absolutely. I also feel she should spend the rest of her life in prison. If you think my views are too tough, think about Mrs. Laing. Ask Lulu Laing how she feels. Her husband left for a bike ride and never came home. If you’re asking yourself why I made reference to the incident in 2008 and connected it to the one last week, it’s simple. These are both roads that I frequent on almost a daily basis on my bike rides. I guess sometimes it hits a little to close to home.
