cycling snobs

why is it that whenever i wave at a fellow cyclist, some of them don't even look in my direction? i was out this morning, and a guy in a bright orange pro kit (not wearing a helmet), just kept pedaling and didn't return my wave. i hate that!!!! i think it is such a snobby thing to do.

same thing happened when i was out at the lake. i waved and said good morning, and he said nothing.under my breath, i called him a not so nice name, and when he came back around the loop, he smiled big and said hello. maybe he heard me.

or the time i was pedaling my heart out, and this guy comes up on my left and passes me without letting me know he is there!! i could have knocked him into traffic, the shoulder is not that wide. i don't get it!! a little courtesy isn't going to hurt anyone. and, in some instances, it is safer to do so.

I've found that in the UK most people on bikes will smile back or say hi, unless they're in "team" lycra. I think it's something to do with taking it all too seriously... I just assume that they're missing what I think is the whole point of being on your bike - having fun! I have to admit that I've been more than tempted to get a t-shirt with "smile" printed across the front to wear on my bike ;)

I don't know that people who don't wave or say hello should be considered 'snobs' or those wearing team jerseys are missing the point of cycling. I think everyone is just out doing what they love on the bike and for different people that means different things--for some it means enjoying the scenery and for others it means going fast. I know when I am out for a leisurely ride I am the first to wave at my fellow cyclists, but there are also times when I'm out trianing and I am working/concentrating so hard that I am oblivious to what is going on around me--someone could be waving their hands right in front of my face and I'd hardly notice because I'm so focused on something else. I love both aspects of cycling (casual and competitive), and maybe since I do both I can understand and appreciate both perspectives...rock on, ride on, and wave on...

oh yeah, I think competitive cycling--focusing, giving it my all, and sprinting for the finish (or even the next road side) is 'fun'...so is racing the kids down the block or enjoying the flowers along a wooded path....they're different kinds of fun!!

I would have to agree that some people may just not be in the mood to wave. Maybe they went for a ride because the boss yelled at them at work, or a mean customer threatened a lawsuit, or they just had a fight with their boyfriend or girlfriend, and they just kind of wanted to be by themselves and get the "bad stuff" out of their systems. Don't take it personally.

I wave at everyone I see on a bike. And if they wave back great and if not .... oh well. It just makes me feel good to wave. My hubby, who is my riding partner seldom waves. He says I do enough for the both of us! :D

Now that I'm riding again--hooray!--it's back to my usual nod and smile to fellow cyclists. Yeah, it can suck when folks don't share the love, but as you wise womyn said here, it could be lots of reasons. Definitely sing out when you're passing at short range, though. I mean, that's the least you can do to be safe. Goddess, that would've pissed me right off.

I keep the extra-big grins (and an occasional blown kiss) for the charming motorists who honk and scream. Yeah, you've got the power, you scared the daylights out of a cyclist. Good on you. And try learning the road rules before you tell me to "get on the f*cking sidewalk." :rolleyes: :mad: So I give 'em a big, toothy, insincere grin, "friendly" wave, a kiss if it feels right. I always feel like flipping 'em off or bashing their windows with my Krypto, but who needs more road rage? (disclaimer: no, I've never taken any windows out. I just feel the urge sometimes with the really dangerous, rude drivers.)

i certainly like the idea of smiling and blowing kisses to nasty motorists. good one!!!

I am going to confess to being an unfriendly cyclist at times... mainly it's when I am annoyed.

hikers with unleashed dogs who are not at a 100% concrete heel... on shared trails. I find it very unnerving to have to worry about whether the dog is going to run up to me, in front of me or whatever. The folks who either call their dogs and hold their collar, or obviously have control over them get a "hi, thanks", the others do not ( espeically in leash required areas) ( and yes I am a dog owner)

The other is mountain bikers who don't know how to control their bikes, yield or ride gently so they aren't tearing up the trials by being "skidiots". ( and yes I am a mountain biker)

Other than that I try to have a hi for everyone.

Irulan

Elevenpointfive--I'm going to adopt the kiss blowing technique. It may even work when I'm driving.

Exellent - I too will be adding a kiss to me greetings.

I'm a firm believer in giving a massive grin and wave to angry/aggressive drivers, especially if they're expecting me to stick 2 fingers up and them - just to see the confussion on their face, but from now on I might be adding a kiss as well, just to see their faces. (LOL)

If I have an impatient driver trying to get passed my standard argument is 'If you're in that much of a hurry maybe you should have felt earlier!' Never had to use it yet though.


PS I always wear my team kit and I always try to wave!

I've had a recent cycle snob story, but it goes back to one of those threads from spring about women being rude to other women in the sport...

So, there were bunch of local cyclist, all levels, ages, enjoying coffee at a local hangout that is inbetween the mountains and road riding...a cross roads for cyclist. There was two-women teams on tandums, myself, a few others, an older couple talking about riding shorts...we all enjoying the morning when SHE shows up with the guy on road bikes. She looks over the area where we were all sitting, got off her bike, and taking her gloves off like the little rich girl in the movie smacking the riding crop, walks through the tables, announce in a loud voice "All I want are those FATTENING brownies they have"...as she passed the table where the over-weight tandum riders sat...she put her nose in the air when I looked at her...I wanted to do one of those fake coughs that the kids do and say "POSER!" at the same time...she was so arrogant, loud; I supposed she wanted everyone to admire her ablity to eat brownies and stay thin. What was the purpose her her announcing what she was ordering/having to eat after riding? I never heard the guy she was with ask her what she wanted/was anywhere near her when she made her announcement. I doubt if it was about her real "hunger", the desire to be noticed...

I really hate that kind of mean-spirited, intentionally katty, and bullying-type behavior from someone who poses as an
"athelete".

Vent over...
Terry

They may just not see you if they're focused on their ride. Or they could be like me -- brand new -- and afraid to let go of the handlebars. LOL I just nod my head and smile for right now. :D

I agree!! It's all I can do right now to signal and slow down at the same time - it means letting go of the death grip I have on the handle bars!! I have to shake my hands out every few seconds to remind myself not to grab so tightly - hey maybe I can wave at people then!

I do try to smile and even say hi if I can though. I ride in the country with lots of duelly driving rednecks! I'd be afraid to blow them a kiss - they might turn around!! But I'm going to start waving to them - just for fun!!

LOL, Grasshopper! I know all about those rednecks! :D I'm from South Carolina. Actually, it's been about 2 months now & I can let go of my handlebars & even use my water bladder now without crashing. It gets better with time. I still just nod my head at people though & smile.

I generally keep my gaze straight ahead when I'm riding (or glancing at the ground, keeping on the lookout for broken glass -- grrrr!), but that's mostly because I'm kind of shy. If another biker waves at me, I sometimes don't notice or I notice too late to wave back! Many times people who come up on my left and pass me say a friendly, "Good morning!" or "Hello!" -- this sometimes catches me by surprise, and I'm usually late in getting out a weak reply. I have to say it's nice, though, when other riders are friendly. I don't mean to appear unfriendly -- I'll try not to be so uptight! ;)

I'm a beginner too and i find it hard to take my hands off the handlebars! I can actually take one off at a time now, and feel pretty comfortable. But... it's impossible for me to remove my water bottle, take a drink, and put it back in its holder, all while riding! Will I ever get this?!? I know it's probably just a time thing, but it is difficult! :D

I've never had a problem drinking from my waterbottles, but I know some people who've been riding for years and still can't do it. Practice, practice, practice. If that doesn't work, try a Camelbak.

Lori -- it's definitely a confidence thing. When I was in high school and rode my 10 speed everywhere, I could easily let go of my handlebars altogether, get water, etc. Now, I've been at this almost 2 and a half months & I'm not reaching for that bottle either. :D I am to the point where I can let one hand go rather easily now. I'm sure this talent will come soon. . . LOL

I do have a hydration system, but I only take it on longer rides. On my other rides, I just stop -- get a drink -- stretch -- and off I go. :)

I have trouble putting the water bottle away...I've actually missed the slip ONCE. I am extra cautious now. On my first group ride - the sweaper was trying to show me how it's done and she did the same thing!! :)

I can ride without my right hand but for some reason I get more nervous when my left hand if removed from the bars. (I'm left handed) - although getting the new stem improved that a lot!!

Yeah, I'll be glad when we can all ride with no hands :) !!

Here's something that might help anyone who's having trouble drinking out of a waterbottle while riding.

Whichever hand you keep on the bar, place that hand right in the middle, next to the stem. It gives you more control over the steering. Then reach down with the other hand for the waterbottle. Go ahead and glance down first, so you know you are grabbing in the right place. You can keep pedaling, or, if it's easier at first, just coast and get that drink, then take another quick glance down at the cage and put the bottle back in. Sounds complicated and time-consuming, but it's not and it'll only take a few seconds. You need to stay hydrated while riding so it's important to become comfortable with drinking. That way you will do it more often. Eventually, you'll be able to reach down, drink, replace the bottle, and never even look at what you are doing. It takes practice, but it will happen and you'll be so smooth!

I used to be intimidated by those hard core local 'team jersey' guys until I met a REAL pro cyclist. He was the sweetest most humble person you can imagine. NOw when I see those types with $5000 bikes and 5 cent personalities I just laugh.