Some Riders are Snobby

[Veronica]

I commute on a mountain bike with fenders, ride the same route every day. I ride in street clothes and regular shoes.

Every couple of days, a male rider crosses onto the bike path, right in front of me. He never says anything. He is hauling butt and I am stopped waiting for my light to change... so I figure he's just working hard.

Yesterday either I was early or he was late, as we crossed paths while I was still on the bike trail. He slowed down, looked at my jacket and said good morning. Apparently wearing a triple crown jacket gets you into the "club", even if you're on an old lugged steel mountain bike with flat pedals and carrying a huge bag of books on a rack.

Of course maybe he has just never really registered my presence before.

I hope I never become one of those snobby riders. I like to think that even when I'm riding hard, I still manage to choke out a hello or a wave if someone waves to me.

V.

[Cassandra_Cain]

I doubt you will become one of those riders Veronica. Else we wouldn't have you on the board ya know?

Ah, we hinted at this stuff in other posts. I still don't get the how or why, but I have just come to accept that vast majority of people (at least those I encounter) riding are basically oblivious to everyone. These are predominantly men admittedly, though that isn't exactly an attempt to rationalize it.

Places where I ride hard are usually more isolated (ie...mountains) and away from the most popular routes. When I do see someone in these spots I always wave, smile, or say hi just as a courtesy. Some people respond, others never even look. So be it.

We aren't worried about you becoming a crusty rider

[salsabike]

Veronica, something like that happened to Mr. Salsa. The local club does some "high performance" rides that involve difficult hills and a fast pace. The first time he went on one, with his 30-year-old steel Raleigh International, he got pretty well snubbed---until they noticed he'd gotten up the hill just as quickly as they did on their carbon fiber whatevers. Then, all of a sudden, he got looked at and talked to.

[Trek420]

V,

just in case he thinks you're wearing your hubbys jacket next time we want you to turn and chase down that rider, in your street clothes, flat pedals, mountain bike with fenders and books

Don't forget to say a cheery "on your left"

Do it for the TE gals

[SouthernBelle]

V,

just in case he thinks you're wearing your hubbys jacket next time we want you to turn and chase down that rider, in your street clothes, flat pedals, mountain bike with fenders and books

Don't forget to say a cheery "on your left"

Do it for the TE gals

Can't you get someone to follow you with a video camera when you do this?

[Trek420]

SouthernBelle "Can't you get someone to follow you with a video camera when you do this?"

I'm thinking one of those helmet-cams should do it.

[Geonz]

I'm feeling sorry for that guy. Guess he did the wrong thing saying good mornign to you! Until then he was just working hard <<rest removed by author, who should have chewed out her bagel instead !)

[SouthernBelle]

But on the other hand, you weren't there. She was. She was the only person to observe his behavior. So she is the only person in a position to make the assessment.

[Squeaky]

I think that was a little harsh. Veronica already admitted that it was likely he just never noticed her before (rather than him being a snob). I think her comment was more of a general observation. I know I say good morning to a lot of people and never get a response. Which doesn't necessarily mean they're snobs, but with some people you just get a sense and it can feel that they are.

Another definition of snob for me? People zipping along on the bike path, dodging pedestrians and cyclists, totally disregarding the safety of others because they think they have the right of way since they're faster. Do I judge those people? Of course!

[Veronica]

We aren't worried about you becoming a crusty rider

Ha... you haven't seen me after a hard ride. My helmet is certainly crusty. I don't even want to think about the rest of me.

V.