2010-05-23 - Rider Down, South Lambeth Road

I'm glad the OP got his bike back (again), and showed the compassion you'd expect from a decent human being.

I also hope the opportunist thief makes a full recovery, feels some remorse (which is not unlikely, as painful repercussions – at your own hand – have a way of tempering one's behaviour), and also ends up in a situation where he can acquire a bicycle by lawful means, and enjoy riding it.

It's not that ridiculous to think that people at odds with each other might become friends one day. I was on the first forum ride to Brighton, and vividly remember Object ranting about how this 50/14 bloke who'd turned up on an inappropriate bike that he couldn't control - causing injuries and bike damage to others as well as himself thanks to a reckless and irresponsible attitude - was a complete cunt. Object hoped 50/14 (who'd been carted off in an ambulance) was going to recover from his own injuries, but initially wanted nothing further to do with the bloke. He was spitting feathers for weeks. Absolutely no love lost.

Most people know the rest: they became great friends, and Object spent many hours offering 50/14 comfort and support on his deathbed a few years later.

Different. They both worked, earned the money and bought their own without inflicting pain on anyone else in the process. Fiddy was actually a forum member- there's a little credit/benefit of the doubt almost given to fellow members. If it were just a passing stupid dangerous nodder he'd still be spitting feathers. The thief, whom I do not wish permanent injury to, must face and accept the consequence of his actions.

My preferred version had him ok and talking.