Some Riders are Snobby

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think I always ride with a funny look on my face - my husband pointed it out last week - he thought I was suffering - but I was just totally focused - which is what I tend to do - and I try to say hello to everybody - but sometimes I just can't get it out!! and when others say hello first - by the time I realize they've greeted me and I go to respond - they're long gone

And they probably think you're a snob!

[SouthernBelle]

In this area we have large groups of both bi- and motor- cyclists who ride out on Saturdays in large groups. So we frequently meet up. Most of them wave or nod, at least to me. Maybe it's because I'm a girl. I do think I often get treated better because of that.

[inatree]

i live in a very bike friendly town, and there are always LOTS of different bikes and riders around town.

when i nod, smile, wave, whatever, it is a special day when i get a positive response.

i just got a new road bike and i've noticed i am treated very differently...i thought i would get more respect from riders for having a nicer bike, but its the opposite.

i dont have my cool little oufit yet, or my gear yet. some of them actually look at me in disgust.

this is only one more aspect of life that directly mirrors the high school experience, tho. all that talk about people growing up and not worrying about looks or coolness is just not true. such a shame.

[SouthernBelle]

I think the only real snobby-ness I have noted is from the group I call the "fast boys". They tend to be young, fast and overly competitive. They also don't quite realize that no matter how hard they work, it ain't gonna last forever. They are going to slow down. Things are going to start to ache. Life is going to get in the way.

Is it wrong that I want to be available for snickering when it does?

[mimitabby]

I think the only real snobby-ness I have noted is from the group I call the "fast boys". They tend to be young, fast and overly competitive. They also don't quite realize that no matter how hard they work, it ain't gonna last forever. They are going to slow down. Things are going to start to ache. Life is going to get in the way.

Is it wrong that I want to be available for snickering when it does?

Hey Susan, I ride with some of these guys, only they are in their 60's and 70's

they are truly amazing riders. Some of them walk like little old men, can't see well at night; wear thick glasses or dentures, but they DO ride like bats out of hell STILL! but the main thing about these old men, If they can see you, they are very friendly!

[Eden]

I think the only real snobby-ness I have noted is from the group I call the "fast boys". They tend to be young, fast and overly competitive. They also don't quite realize that no matter how hard they work, it ain't gonna last forever. They are going to slow down. Things are going to start to ache. Life is going to get in the way.

Is it wrong that I want to be available for snickering when it does?

At the risk of stirring something up. Yes, I think it is just as wrong as someone who sneers at you for you to want to sneer at them. It seems like what they've done wrong is to be young and fast and it annoys you because you aren't one or the other. Besides than riding a bike, what do you have in common with these guys that would make them talk to you or be your friend?

It's OK to be annoyed at people who ride dangerously, but not all fast riders are dangerous and yeah I have come across people who think that every rider who passes them is the devil incarnate and riding too fast, just because you've gone by them, no matter how much room you give them or how much "on your left" notice you give.

So I say live and let live. Accept that while we are a cycling "community" we also have different motivations for riding and off the bike we are probably all as different as any other group of people. Any reason to ride is a valid reason to ride and no one should sneer at anyone else for their gear (too plain or too fancy) or their speed (too fast or too slow), but neither should one expect all other cyclists to automatically love one another.

[SouthernBelle]

At the risk of stirring something up. Yes, I think it is just as wrong as someone who sneers at you for you to want to sneer at them. It seems like what they've done wrong is to be young and fast and it annoys you because you aren't one or the other. Besides than riding a bike, what do you have in common with these guys that would make them talk to you or be your friend?

And I say you are mistaken and assuming a lot yourself.

OK, I'm editing because that response really p****d me off. My post was intended to be humorous. I have neighbors and friends who fit in that group.

I'm assuming we don't have a sense of humor in common even though we both ride bikes.

Shoot. I'm still angry.

[Squeaky]

Wow, some of us need to lighten up. I think SouthernBelles comment was made tongue-in-cheek.