tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post2231793763409066948..comments2024-03-29T10:52:55.716-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: In PassingVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23627387734343141842015-10-17T09:27:39.325-04:002015-10-17T09:27:39.325-04:00He may have intended to shelter you from the wind ...He may have intended to shelter you from the wind for a while, to repay the shelter he enjoyed while riding behind you.Francisco de Almeidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14147944912098034703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70278201993909647492015-09-27T13:13:10.828-04:002015-09-27T13:13:10.828-04:00I always enjoyed being passed coming home on a ver...I always enjoyed being passed coming home on a very proper Dawes ladies bike, overloaded with bags, definitely not in lycra, by desperate, panting men going purple in the face and risking their health just because they could not bear the humiliation of being left behind by a middle aged woman :-) very funny :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14927189656775403036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10720576143834371812015-09-16T05:44:54.454-04:002015-09-16T05:44:54.454-04:00When it comes I usually slow down a little and giv...When it comes I usually slow down a little and give myself some clear space in the front. But sometimes inner child wins.constpetrovhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613662621191764743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4960655089955568572015-09-15T23:15:39.533-04:002015-09-15T23:15:39.533-04:00Your little wheel rubs are just as dangerous and i...Your little wheel rubs are just as dangerous and inconsiderate as the unintentional mistakes these other riders make. Worse if anything, as you're going out of your way to cause trouble. A little word in the ear is all that's needed, not this aggressive "passive-aggressive" wheel rubbing.Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07352066702581072497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28426847312036093352015-09-14T03:15:16.217-04:002015-09-14T03:15:16.217-04:00"I don't like to drive fast. I just need..."I don't like to drive fast. I just need to be ahead of YOU."<br />I saw that mentality so often when my job involved lots of cross country driving years ago, I thought about having a bumper sticker made up with that slogan. After awhile I learned to ignore the drivers who'd pass me, then loaf in front of me at around 0.5 mph slower than I'd been driving before they passed me. It's just a weird quirk of human behavior, and infects all demographics.<br /><br />Regarding the response, I was tickled by Velouria's and might have tried that when I was younger. Mostly, I don't care how other folks ride as long as they're not outrageously dangerous or parking in the middle of the road (saw the latter on a bike trail this weekend - a couple inexplicably stopped and blocking the entire bike/pedestrian path. I just slowed down and passed 'em on the grass without comment or looking toward them).<br /><br />Regarding the etiquette of riding together, I can't even imagine worrying about club rides that involve riding close enough together to give a hang about how the next guy or gal rides. But I never cared for the whole club mentality. The only bicycling club I ever enjoyed was a group of like-minded loafers and socializers whose only goal was to get together at predetermined cantinas in Mexico for food and beer. If anyone was riding within 10 yards of me I assumed it was because they wanted to chat. Which suits me fine.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01426789505315245048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74874283825516228462015-09-14T02:40:18.161-04:002015-09-14T02:40:18.161-04:00I NEVER do this sort of thing! Though that probabl...I NEVER do this sort of thing! Though that probably has less to do with my sunny, easy going nature than the fact that I can't pass anyone unless they're stopped on the side of the road fixing a flat... nowherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12125582590094636085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85190658298478232422015-09-13T10:51:55.011-04:002015-09-13T10:51:55.011-04:00Road rage on a bike, come on children, we have eno...Road rage on a bike, come on children, we have enough trouble with cars let us play together and enjoy our own style of riding. When you have to conform to others rules freedom goes out the door. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70355380095821605852015-09-13T05:34:51.794-04:002015-09-13T05:34:51.794-04:00So what? Sometimes there is only room left in the ...So what? Sometimes there is only room left in the front if you want to get up to the ASL. We all have a place to be and I prefer not to sit behind a car inhaling diesel just so "stronger riders" like yourself can feel entitled to go first when the lights change. I really don't care if you pass me again. In traffic there really isn't much use in being very fast, except to your ego. Not trying to be mean but maybe just think about it from a different perspective.theleisuristhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01755169844394752633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44531605763862875442015-09-12T23:01:50.683-04:002015-09-12T23:01:50.683-04:00Wow. Lots of critical comments. Tons of cyclists...Wow. Lots of critical comments. Tons of cyclists have been motivated to pass other cyclists up the road since the beginning of cycling. It's just a benign form of interval training. msrwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16405671873250914126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-64286561170933667242015-09-12T21:45:06.542-04:002015-09-12T21:45:06.542-04:00I tend to drag wheel suckers over storm grates, po...I tend to drag wheel suckers over storm grates, potholes and any brush on the road if they don't get the hint to take a turn at the front (I'll pull over and start coasting so they can assume the pace making). They get the hint and back off after it becomes apparent I intend to drag them over every single obstacle.The guys who pass me for the "thrill" of blowing past a relaxed rider on a steel bike and then promptly slow down are the ones I chase down, pass and drop like a sack of bricks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-90344828398038938312015-09-12T16:50:04.916-04:002015-09-12T16:50:04.916-04:00This is totally a guy thing to do. You can be goin...This is totally a guy thing to do. You can be going at a clip, or pedaling up a main street, and some not-so-fast guy will pass just for the sake of passing. Especially when you're in a skirt or dress and he reads that as "not-fast."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82281024059592219502015-09-11T22:05:24.310-04:002015-09-11T22:05:24.310-04:00My perspective on this is entirely from commuting ...My perspective on this is entirely from commuting in a hurry. Drafting's not too good an idea, because who knows when you might need to stop in a hurry? Passing, my game is to figure out if I will indeed be fast enough to stay ahead of the person in front of me, and if not, don't.<br /><br />The two main mismatches I see between me and other riders is that I hit it pretty hard off the line, so there are riders who will eventually be faster than me who don't stay ahead of me if we both leave the intersection at the same time. On the other hand, shoalers aren't that much of a problem -- they're usually slow off the line. The other mismatch is that I know that if I am in a hurry, I should work hard climbing hills and rest on the descent, and most people don't do that, so I end up wanting to pass on the climbs.<br /><br />The main thing that ticks me off is people who *COAST* towards a light where the pedestrian countdown timer indicates an impending red. Bonus irritation if they're kitted out with lycra and cleats.<br /><br />I don't mind people drafting me, as long as they're prepared for me to stop fast (longtail, there's a lot of bike to hit). If I want to go fast, I have to breathe hard, but I'm completely comfortable doing that for 30 minutes at a stretch.dr2chasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16320828055999939449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57984757889777155412015-09-11T18:36:03.228-04:002015-09-11T18:36:03.228-04:00This happens to me occasionally on my daily ride. ...This happens to me occasionally on my daily ride. I usually slide up behind them and maintain about 20 feet of distance, even if they speed up. They generally either turn off of that route, or stop and "look over their bike" within a few miles. Heehee!! :) David Brazellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2102074284429195092015-09-10T15:36:05.549-04:002015-09-10T15:36:05.549-04:00Perfectly justified to slipstream I think especial...Perfectly justified to slipstream I think especially if overtaker slows down a bit. Also can be an opportunity to take a rest. :-) If pace too slow just speed up and overtake. Agree one should be able to put in a good +5-10% more speed before overtaking. Nothing wrong with a friendly word of communication in warning or in case of pausing together at junction. My regular commute home has a steady rise from Dublin city centre and I find there is quite a variety in pace with a good few slower cyclists, some of similar pace and the odd few extremely fast people.<br /><br />When catching up with someone of similar speed I find you cannot do anything but latch on. It is that or go for overtake. If latching on then do so loosely watching well ahead of other rider, riding defensively. I would ride in line a little outside other rider protecting from overtaking traffic but move back in if front rider has to negotiate hazard ahead or someone faster comes up behind. I would be reluctant to overtake and cause inconvenience unless I could be confident of getting well away and relieving the overtakee of the sight of my rear end!<br /><br />I'm quite Zen I think (and modest about it too ;)) if being overtaken or with cycling and driving generally. Car, bike or motorbike. But got to admit there's something nice and warm smugly satisfying about leaving someone (safely!) for dust if they have impinged on ettiquette. I ride a MTB no pedal clips so I don't look the fastest if not moving. Half the time in mad shorts instead of cycling gear. So beware ;-). MTB tyres so I can bash over potholes cracks cobbles manholes up down bike lanes of course. I'm much faster on my wife's slick tyres - on the straight! But I have found you have to reduce speed more to take corners! These discoveries keep us somewhat humble. But not too humble. I hope.<br /><br />One thing I find with communication is maybe we could do a bit more. A lot of cycling catching up, cycling behind, passing is done without a word. With defensive driving we read others intentions by body language of other vehicle and car. But with encountering other cyclists - especially if they look like they are less confident - I think it helps if you can vocalise intentions sometimes. e.g. "*ahum* I'm - er - just going to come up on your right there." when you have space to move out but want to not scare someone. Also at junctions I would give way to pedestrians. ESPECIALLY if they have the right of way! :-) I find signalling this with showing palm forward arm out bent at elbow (like garda stop traffic signal - not the closer to body I intend going straight signal) leaves pedestrians know you are stopping also leaves bikes and traffic behind know you are giving way. Pedestrians less hesitant and happier and clear junction faster and safer leaving way clear. Yay. Win win. Making eye contact is great for defensive driving and riding and played like the kids sweet/sour game is good fun. Most people pedestrians cyclists drivers all turning out to be sweet :O)<br />James Colemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08172569025139311808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42006009162516910402015-09-10T09:41:37.333-04:002015-09-10T09:41:37.333-04:00I may be more of an ASS than I realized. It's ...I may be more of an ASS than I realized. It's easy to think were justified in our response to some stuff and then something happens to make us say, "well, maybe not..." <br /><br />SpinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63731227717170658122015-09-10T04:12:46.905-04:002015-09-10T04:12:46.905-04:00Likewise - I am also non-competitive - I don't...Likewise - I am also non-competitive - I don't ride a bike to put stress on myself or anyone else and after reading some of the posts here I am very glad I ride alone - it seems bad manners and aggressive/competitive behaviour is part and parcel of group rides.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26776140839596726452015-09-09T17:57:55.718-04:002015-09-09T17:57:55.718-04:00Funny ... the specific person this story made me ...Funny ... the specific person this story made me think of has already responded. I always think it's silly when folks race with other folks who don't realize they are racing. :-) I thought your comment was witty and perfect, particularly since it was impliedly self-effacing. The comment that came to mind for me is, "Hi, are we racing?" Wrinkled Linenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13673190444631102318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40690553583280645382015-09-09T15:03:55.504-04:002015-09-09T15:03:55.504-04:00there is always just that little bit of competitiv...there is always just that little bit of competitiveness in all of us that comes out in these situations. I would've done exactly the same thing. besides, it is a game and most games are fun and cycling should be fun. no doubt this inspired the other rider to push a little harder on their rides so as not to get dropped so easily. win-win. <br /><br />also, not all views of semi-transparent cycling shorts are enjoyable. some are, but many aren't in my experience.spericnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41081361621071592842015-09-09T13:15:25.523-04:002015-09-09T13:15:25.523-04:00That's not passive aggressive, that's full...That's not passive aggressive, that's full on aggressive. Yeesh. Don't play bumper cars with your bikes! Dangerous.JPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15098889320808703090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47171912691095080852015-09-09T12:23:37.280-04:002015-09-09T12:23:37.280-04:00Should have pulled along side with a smile. Then H...Should have pulled along side with a smile. Then Half wheeled him till he couldn't take any more .Would have prevented him turning off. People like that deserve all they get. Too many unfriendly people on the road hiding behind dark wraparounds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-35681674712082682652015-09-09T11:48:07.550-04:002015-09-09T11:48:07.550-04:00One of the problems I have with riding a fixed gea...One of the problems I have with riding a fixed geared bike is that it puts me out of sync with geared bicycle riders. I'm working to maintain my momentum, while their shifting to maintain their cadence, this is most apparent when climbing hills. I'll get ahead, it's not my intension to show off, it's just the nature of the beast. Conversely, going down hill, I may spin out my gear and have to brake. For this reason, I don't go on club rides.Bicyclists Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14030040110748907211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2863512439090316002015-09-09T11:17:55.734-04:002015-09-09T11:17:55.734-04:00My 7th grade homeroom had a study hall in the libr...My 7th grade homeroom had a study hall in the library. When the teacher caught my buddy and me arm wrestling instead of reading he asked: “What difference does it make which one of those two skinny arms is stronger?”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70212522810376754072015-09-09T10:04:48.286-04:002015-09-09T10:04:48.286-04:00Sometimes I slow down a bit, so they get farther a...Sometimes I slow down a bit, so they get farther ahead. Sometimes I don't worry about it. I wouldn't sit on the wheel of a rider I didn't know, outside of a group ride; it's too easy for things to go wrong.Jon Webbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02944939117507730995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78664414618218747662015-09-09T09:13:48.160-04:002015-09-09T09:13:48.160-04:00I quite enjoy latching on to the rear wheel of mop...I quite enjoy latching on to the rear wheel of moped riders that are allowed to use the cycle paths, watching the rider furiously checking me in their mirrors as they are giving it full throttle and are unable to pull away, and then rubbing salt in the wound by swinging out and overtaking them before dropping them on a downhill stretch. All on a 20-year-old Peugeot. <br />I should add the caveat that the mopeds that are allowed use the cycle paths over here in Denmark are restricted to 30kph :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87973531760582176312015-09-09T09:11:00.473-04:002015-09-09T09:11:00.473-04:00Hi Leisurist,
You are absolutely right about it n...Hi Leisurist,<br /><br />You are absolutely right about it not being very nice of me to scrub the tire in front of me like that, BUT(and I always have a big "but"), I want to assure you that both of the people I've done it to are indeed my friends (one has a key to my house) and it's not really anger I'm taking out on them as much as frustration that they ride in a group as though they were out by themselves. They have both knocked other riders down or put them in the ditch doing things like this and as is typical in those situations they stayed up and were thus able to claim it must have been the other persons fault because they over-reacted.<br /><br />There is a real set of rules and expectations we agree to when we ride in groups like this and if you are a habitual Dope you add a little more risk to the activity than there needs to be, if you don't respond to casual remarks and gentle reminders someone will eventually poke you in the eye. Like when I fell into the habit for a while of Half-wheeling my friend Ben, He just started easing me into the middle of the road every time I did it till I realized what I was doing and snapped out of it. I wouldn't do anything like this to a stranger.<br /><br />In a car? On the road there is never an excuse for letting yourself get emotional, ever. On the racetrack? Rubbing is Racing.<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com