I warn you in advance- this is definitely a vent!~
Dear ghost rider pack that passed our group today driving two of our off the shoulder and into the ditch.
I realize that we are lowly riders who dare to attempt the same rides at 18 mph that you complete at 22 mph. I apologize for the fact that since we ride for pleasure, that our jerseys don't always match our shorts, helmet, socks, shoes and bikes. I accept that it is presumptuous that mere mortals like us should even think that since we don't stop at rest stops until we have ridden 30 miles or more and so have the temerity to end up in front of you on occassion, that we should expect an occasional shout out of "on your left" or some sort of warning as you streak by , glaring and swearing as you pass on our left close enough to drive us off the 6 foot shoulder and into the gravel. I understand that we should feel honored and proud if individuals from your pack deign to suck our wheels in recovery mode without so much as a "may I draft," or" hi there, I'm on your wheel " for a number of miles before you pull out leaving us in your dust once again without so much as a "thank you" or an offer to actually do your turn pulling us.
In many states, it is not unmanly to let a rider ahead of you know that you are passing. Nor is it a "chick" thing to share the ride politely and courteously with other riders who are not as nattily attired, rude or delusional as you seem to be.
In fact many of us manage to ride several hundred miles a week solo and in small groups , self supported and independent of team affiliations, fashion coordinated clothing and the latest greates bike and bike gee , in a timely and organized fashion,without running people off the road, yelling and swearing at other riders we pass, spitting and spraying our water bottles all over the sidewalk in front of the local convenience store, leaving our energy gel packs and wrappers along the road,and being rude and impatient with the locals and their "dumb" questions.
Yes I know you and I know who you are because I have encountered you on every organized ride I have done. I also enjoy the rather dubious pleasure of having you hammer by me on weekend rides. I may not go as fast as you, but as a cross country and long distance rider, as are most to the ladies in the group I was riding with today, I can guarantee that I can ride your little fashion clad latex butt into the ground over time and distance and I can do it without raising my voice, swearing, leaving a mess or alienating the locals.
The next time you pull that cute little trick of passing on the left without warning and riding close enough to elbow me or any member of my group into the gravel, I fear my left foot might just accidentally unclip. Even if I go down with you, it would be so worth it.
Marni, survivor of yet another charity ride with the requisite number of idiot hammerheads doing their usual ride.
Sugar Land
texas
