"Signature wave???"
Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."
Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever. :rolleyes:
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"Signature wave???"
Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."
Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever. :rolleyes:
LOL. You have to remember this is coming from a man who started riding in the 50's. His "newest" bike is a BSA manufactured about 35 years ago. He's REALLY old school.Quote:
Originally Posted by OakLeaf
You do know we're invisible, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by Muirenn
You could build an entire thesis on that :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Muirenn
On the levee path (10' wide), most cyclists will at least raise a couple of fingers up off their hoods as they pass me. I've had faster riders say something in greeting as they've passed me, when I've been riding alone ("morning", "nice tail wind", "brutal side wind"). So maybe it's the proximity, or southern hospitality, but I haven't noticed specifically whether or not age or sex makes a difference on greeting.
The male cyclists in our area have become more friendly. I get more waves on the road than I used to. I don't know if they have started to recognize me or I "look like I know what I'm doing"--which, yes, would be snobbery.
On the trail, I just say hello.
I've had motorcycles wave or cut closer than cars--so that's a toss up.
I don't have a signature wave--Contador's pistol would be too cheesy, right?
Interesting thread.
What I have noticed around here is that I get acknowledged by just about everyone, spandex racer-types (even in small groups), pre-teen boys, joggers, tattooed tough guys on MTBs - you name it. Now I wonder why.
My theory is that I am completely unthreatening and I ride an unusual bike a lot so I have wormed my way into people's minds. I also smile a lot on the bike. Maybe they are just trying to encourage that fat old broad who obviously loves her heavy faired recumbent bike.
I also nod first. Not much, just eye contact and a nod. Maybe some people are missing the acknowledgements? They can be pretty subtle.
It could also be that I live in a friendly part of the country.
Also, if conditions are right (tailwind, downhill, bad attitude on either party's part) I can toast their cookies, so they'd better be nice.
In my experience there is a good amount of male cyclists that are "snobs." But there are quite a few who wave and nod too. In my experience its 50/50.
But I have to say that some of the most rude behavior I've experienced has been from other women cyclists (roadies).
The snobbish tendency isn't gender-specific.
I don't think it is regional. My DH is an avid motorcyclist and has biked all over the country, and they all wave. Each make of motorcycle has a different kind of wave.Quote:
Originally Posted by BikeHN
I gotta figure this out then.
I just got a little Honda commuter that I'm loving. My bigger bikes are a Yamaha up north and a Suzuki down south. Now I have to have a different wave for each one?! Somebody tell me what they are!
I swear I have never heard of this. DH has not only been riding as long as I mentioned, but he covered motorcycle racing for a long time, and we still follow it avidly, and he's always waved the same way whether he was on his Ducati, his Honda, or the Yamaha he rides now.
And he's lived and ridden in New Jersey, Arizona, Florida and Ohio, so if it's regional it must be one-a those really regional things.
[QUOTE=limewave;524570
But I have to say that some of the most rude behavior I've experienced has been from other women cyclists (roadies).
The snobbish tendency isn't gender-specific.[/QUOTE]
This is very true! NONE of the women acknowledge me on the road (they do on the trail). I've struck up a few conversations at organized ride rest stops with other women--primarily about their bikes.
Again, in my industry, women try so hard to fit into the male-centric world, that they don't acknowledge other women. Much has also been written about how women don't help women in the business world. Another thesis here!
We have Yamaha Star Motorcycles, and wave to anyone on a cruiser, and they all "wave" back, give a peace sign, a high five, whatever - unless they're on a Harley, then those "snobs" often just wave to other Harleys :)Quote:
Originally Posted by OakLeaf
As for cyclists, I don't think men are snobs. It's rare I encounter a rude cyclist, and here in Colorado, if I waved to everyone I wouldn't get any riding done. There are so many people out here, it would be like a dang receiving line if you waved or nodded to everyone. I think some women are just more social than men (and other women), so they expect people to be "friendly" and welcoming - the hostess with the most-est! I don't think it's snobbery or rudeness if people don't wave or nod. I know that when I'm riding alone, it's usually for a workout, so I'm really focused and not looking to socialize. If I'm going through a crowded area, riding with a group of people, happen upon a family with kids or whatnot, I do give a nod and a "how ya doin?" just like I do if I'm at a stop light with another cyclist - that's when I chat. I always ask a person on the side of the road if they need help, and when I've been stopped, I must say, men are the only ones who've ever asked me if I need help.
Just like if I'm in the gym running on the tread mill, I'm wearing my iPod for a reason - so I can focus and not have to talk to people!! I'm not being rude, I'm not a snob, I'm just focused. I'm there to workout. And running here on our trails, if I happen to make eye contact with someone, then I nod - I'm not going to ignore them if our eyes meet, or quickly look away; but I'm not out waving to everyone, either. Again, there are SOOOOOOOO many people out there, one would get whiplash!
So you're some of those snobs who don't wave to anyone on sportbikes then? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by JennK13
There's definitely a helmet/no helmet thing that goes on with motorcyclists (vs. bikers). I kind of wish it were the same with bicyclists...
I don't offer a wave or greeting, but will return one. I get irrationally angry if I get ignored if I do offer a greeting first, so no longer bother. I am also a little paranoid about looking at women on cycles in case they think I am ogling them.
Around here (NW England), cyclist and motorbikers ignore one another. Not in a rude way, there's just no interaction. But it's fun to see that Sidi do make nice motorbike boots... The bike are either cruisers mosying along, or sportbikes screaming at 8000 revs...
You know, now that I think about it, women rarely initiate a wave or nod to me. In fact, some of them just put their head down.
I actually rarely initiate a nod or greeting to any passing cyclist.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crankin
And roadie gals about 90% time just really don't respond to me..probably because I ride a hybrid. If they only knew how long I've been cycling or how old I am.
On bike, with my sunglasses and helmet, I probably look alot younger than what I really am, simply because of my petite build.
OK, here is my *very* unofficial poll of who responded to my wave or nod.
I did a 15 mile ride on one of my regular loops (Lowell Rd.- Monument St., back by the North Bridge). This is an extremely popular route for cyclists from all over eastern MA, commuters, clubs, etc. Since I went out at 9 AM, on a weekday, I guess the participants in my poll are not well distributed.
I observed for about 13 miles, basically the loop part of the ride. I either waved very slightly, not a vigorous, obnoxious thing, or nodded my head once. All of the men either waved back or nodded. None of the women waved, but one did smile at me. All of these riders were on road bikes, although it is not unusual to see plenty of people on hybrids or mountain/comfort bikes on this route.
Maybe because I was wearing my black and yellow helmet with my red shoes and bike :D?
OK, gotta go do my work.
haha! well, more or less! Not that sport bikes wave at us, either :)Quote:
Originally Posted by OakLeaf
As for helmets, I ALWAYS wear one on a motorcycle or snowboard (fell getting of the lift this season and whacked my head - fortunately, had a helmet), and almost always on a bicycle - after I clean and lube my bike, I don't when I ride up and down the street to check everything, or if I'm chillin' on my cruiser on the bike path. But I always do if I'm commuting or road riding in the street - any kind of "aggressive" riding.
Nice morning ride around the reservoir with my usual Wednesday morning group - lots of cyclists are there at any time of day. I think we had one person give a "how ya doing?" as HE passed us on a hill.
That's about it.
In terms of biker friendliness, I notice cultural differences far more than gender differences.
I wouldn't go into much detail in an online discussion -- too much potential for misunderstanding.
But several neighborhoods that I pass through are friendlier and more fun than a strictly white, American neighborhood.
Ok, now I thought it was because my dad was old school but check this out:Quote:
Originally Posted by OakLeaf
http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showth...otorcycle-wave
an 8-page discussion on motorcycle waving :p. Some people DO have a signature wave, and they're not 70 years old.
Thanks trista, I knew I wasn't imagining things.
Trista, that's hilarious.
HA! My husband has a BMW, but he says it's the midwest, so everybody waves.
Hilarious.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trek420
It's just a miracle that I made it through the post without spilling coffee all over the keyboard.
Have to remind myself to never drink and read TE posts at the same time...
:D
I read a really interesting article about waving on the moto - something to the effect of how Europeans never wave because they are focused on safe riding and think you should put all your attention to riding instead of waving.
I wave when I am on the Ducati, most of the time. Not when I need that hand for the clutch or whatever. And I haven't noticed any difference in sport bikes v. cruisers waving or not. I had a guy on a bicycle give me a wave when I was on the moto this weekend, which was funny.
Oh, the moto forums will go on and on and on about it. That never happens on bici forums. Whoops. :rolleyes:
At least we don't have engine oil, and seem to be able to restrain ourselves on chain lube, most of the time.
To wave or not to wave, yeah. Exactly how someone's hand or fingers come off different types of handlebars to wave, been discussed to death. Different wave for Hondas and Yamahas? :confused:
Well, and on the Ducati it is tricky because you have to keep your pinkie finger up as if sipping a cappuccino....
I have yet to see someone wave from ape hangers. I would like to see that.
I just HATE those things. They are NOT legal, and I wish people would be ticketed/pushed off the bike.
What are 'ape hangers'? :confused:
I noticed that two finger "wave" thing between Gold Wing riders when we were in Big Sur and thought it was the coolest! I was really excited to get a huge *** cruiser motorcycle when I got older so I could do that too! hehe
I am currently so obsessed with cycling that I want to wave to people on their bikes when I am driving :o
Has anyone else here worked retail? I think all the conditioning to greet people (customers) makes it so I smile or nod at everyone I see on the trail. Not one of my most favorite characteristics about myself :P
Even a little taller than usual:Quote:
Originally Posted by Librarygirl
[dangit still no YouTube embedding]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdmfD1bMhVU