i might check i on this later to see if it gets any more ridiculous.
I think the uber troll has just got himself a lifetime ban so the potential for the thread to degenerate has probably dropped quite significantly.
You never know how to handle these situations until it actually happens. I've had the same: coming along the canal about dusk, lights on and there a big gang of kids under a bridge near the local Tescos. I'm nervous about it but there's no other option than for me to ride right past them.
Got closer and one of the kids yells "Oi Sharon, watch out yer dizzy tart, there's a bike coming!" Cue laughter, screams and a bunch of kids scampering out the way and one guy said as I passed "Sorry about that mate! Cool light!"
Yet 5 miles away from there on the (same canal), someone was mugged for their bike by a gang of kids a year or so ago. Could go either way and you need to keep your wits about you and react according to the situation which sounds like what the OP did.