Wow, roadies are a-holes...who knew?

[emily_in_nc]

Ok now, I think we all need to take a step back and look at why we are riding in the first place. Cycling is an indivdual sport, yes there are teams and groups, but it is mainly individual. I, personally, don't ride for anyone except myself, for my own well being and because it's great exercise and I really love being out on the road. So who really cares if there are other people out there that don't wave back? Who really cares what other people think of your equipment? I could care less that some roadie jerk out there thinks I'm less of a rider because I don't wear a team jersey. It's great when other cyclists are friendly and you can meet some really nice people while out on the road. But there are a lot of jerks out there. I have been on the recieving end of some condsecending and rude comments from other cyclists, but why should I care? Why should anyone care what anyone else thinks, as long as they're having a good time.

Good questions all. I guess for me, it comes down to the sense of community I feel with other cyclists. Like we're in our own little sub-culture, and it's kinda us against the big, bad cars and truck. I know that since we're both riding, we share at least some values, be it staying active/healthy, enjoyment of the outdoors, environmental/eco concerns, or whatever. Because I feel that sense of having at least something in common with every other cyclist on the road, from newbies riding hybrids on bike paths to racers in full-zoot kit in pacelines, I like to wave and/or say hello when I can (not if there's approaching traffic or I need both hands on handebars for whatever reason), and it's kinda nice if they do the same. I don't take it too personally if they don't, but it always gives me a good feeling when they do, like we share a little secret.

It's kinda like I feel a sense of camraderie with other Honda Element drivers...hard to put into words, but definitely there. I'd be more likely to let an Element cut in front of me in traffic than, say, a Hummer.

Emily

[Aggie_Ama]

My theory with waving to everyone I see is to welcome them into our sport. I remember being a nervous newbie and I just imagine anyone I see might be trying this for the first time. It is about making everyone I see feel welcome and know that they couldn't have picked a better thing to be doing.

Every morning I am so happy to see this elderly gentleman who lives near me riding his hybrid. He gets out there at 6:30 in the morning with his lights and helmet and rides the same route. Honestly it warms my heart to see him because he looks like he is enjoying himself.

[donnambr]

I don't expect roadies (or any other cyclists) to smile, wave, or offer me verbal greetings as I pass them. My only wish is to not be sneered at as I ride by. That's all.

[Bad JuJu]

Good questions all. I guess for me, it comes down to the sense of community I feel with other cyclists. Like we're in our own little sub-culture, and it's kinda us against the big, bad cars and truck.

This pretty well sums up my take on the "to wave or not to wave" issue. I don't necessarily feel slighted if another cyclist doesn't wave--sometimes they're working too hard or just zeroed in on what they're doing, and that's OK. But I try to wave as much as possible, even if by "wave" I just mean lifting my fingers off the handlebar in a subtle, mute greeting--doesn't have to be a big old "howdy neighbor" love-fest. Just a tiny little gesture that says "We're all in this together, and isn't it great?"

As a not-so-svelte, slightly-past-middle-aged woman cyclist, I've had to get over being bugged by others who wonder what the heck I think I'm doing on a bike. Still, it's nice to see someone else acknowledge with their subtle wave that I am in fact "in the club," by which I mean the community of cyclists everywhere.

[littlegrasshopp]

To wave or not to wave doesn't bother me so much. I take it as they are in training mindset and don't want to be brought out of it. Some of you guys ride pretty close to each other's wheels!! BUT I do get offended when I'm showing up for my first beginner, no drop ride and no one welcomes me, talks to me AFTER I'VE said hello, bothered to listen when I say my name, and they LEAVE me on the first hill of a NO DROP ride. We have a lot of LBS that play host to group rides here and it is VERY hard to get people to let you into their inner circle...even the beginner rides. I never felt like I was in a friendly group showing up for these rides. I felt like it was a big competition to see who we could all drop first.

Having said that - I now have many friends that are roadies and don't participate in the LBS rides and are wonderful, no matter what bike they are on. I assumed it was part of group riding culture. I hope I'm wrong...

[KnottedYet]

BUT I do get offended when I'm showing up for my first beginner, no drop ride and no one welcomes me, talks to me AFTER I'VE said hello, bothered to listen when I say my name, and they LEAVE me on the first hill of a NO DROP ride. We have a lot of LBS that play host to group rides here and it is VERY hard to get people to let you into their inner circle...even the beginner rides. I never felt like I was in a friendly group showing up for these rides. I felt like it was a big competition to see who we could all drop first.

What about starting a TE ride where you are? Now that you know how the road-riding works, you could organize a few fun rides for the TE'ers in your area.

[Bad JuJu]

Littlegrasshopp, that's a great idea that Knotted suggested. And even if you can't find any or many TE'ers in your area, you could start your own little group.

In my area, there's a sort of branch of the local club, called the "Sweet Sixteens" because they're a no-drop group who try never to exceed a max no-hill, no-wind speed of 16mph. You could try organizing such a group yourself, by posting flyers at LBSs, gyms, even grocery stores. You could make the max speed anything you want; the idea is to appeal to people who would otherwise hesitate out of fear of being treated as you have been. So you can all enjoy your rides and even work on improving together.

Gee, I sound like such an expert, with my grand total of 4 club rides. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

[pyxichick]

I find that I got more waves when I was riding early season, before a ton of people were out, and whenever I ride in inclement weather.

On a warm summer day, with the trails and roads clogged with cyclists of all sorts, I think it just becomes tedious for people to try to acknowledge everyone.

I just smile at everyone and if they say hi then I say hi back.

[pkq]

I've had people from both genders say and so ugly things to me. Of the two, women have been the most unkind to me. That's one reason I am wary of women. For some reason, they just don't like me very much, which is OK. We are all human and trying to get through life without receiving or causing too much damage.