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

[Aggie_Ama]

Sometimes I don't look up because I'm shy. And afraid of mean looks.

And then there are heterosexual couples. As a single young female, a friendly hello is almost impossible to pull off. The male will avoid eye contact at all costs because he's afraid his significant other will think he was checking me out, and the female is too busy making sure her significant other isn't looking anywhere near me. Even elderly couples. If I do look up and smile, I try to make contact with the female first to lessen that look shot at me like I'm some sort of evil temptress on wheels. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I get a genuine smile back from one or both parties. But all too often it's just.. awkward.

I am not some sort of evil temptress on wheels! I'm not a homewrecker! The sport demands spandex! That's it! Why won't you accept my friendly smile?!

Wow the women you ride around must not have much self confidence. On the other hand I KNOW I am the most beautiful woman in spadex around these parts- at least in my DH's eyes. I wouldn't care if a beautiful woman was friendly with DH as long as she was friendly to me. So we would both accept your friendly smile, some people are just not friendly.

[BeeLady]

When I ride my beater bike to the grocery store I see a few "roadies" in their full gear and nice bikes, but they, like me, are pretty absorbed in not getting run down in traffic. I don't wave or expect a wave; I guess I would try to respond to a wave or a nod tho.

As in any arena, knitting clubs, cycle clubs, or about anywhere, there are going to be snobs, extremely shy people and those who are completely dense. Hard for me to tell in 15 seconds while passing someone who is who and what their motives are.

Being older, if not a tad wiser, I go out of my way to try and be nice and encouraging to any riders who may be new to riding. Life is tough and being a bit friendly doesn't cost much.

If I was in distress on the side of the road or stuck I would not hesitate to flag down the first rider or pick-up truck and ask for help, stopping short only of tossing out a tire punture line. I think it's expecting a bit much to have someone "know" I need help and stop on their own. My DH and I can't even read each other's minds to know when one of us needs something, kinda tough to expect a complete stranger to do the same.

I'm still new to cycling and in love with all on two wheels. I'm sure I'll become jaded and critical of other cyclists -- just give me time

[run it, ride it]

Oh, they're never people on bicycles. I'm the only one who seems to ride around here. It's always couples walking.

It's worse when I run. And when they have dogs. I thank them if they hold their dogs while I run by. This doesn't usually result in anything like a smile or a 'you're welcome.' Just this look like I've inconvenienced their entire existence. Apparently I'm the only one who runs around here, too.

I've bicycled and run in other places and received nothing but friendly looks. Maybe it's just this area.

And the shyness. Oh, the shyness. It's rooted in a childhood friend who took away my voice and self-confidence. Well, and in being even the slightest bit different in a small town. Hell, I'm in university now and -still- 'different.'

From an abstract point of view, I don't care what people think of me. It's the one-on-one confrontation I can't handle. It's not my choice to be shy. It's not a rational thing. Fight or flight kicks in and that's the end of it. And usually people I'm shy of are people I don't end up getting along with anyway.

I don't understand the female social code at all. The manipulation, the passive-aggresivity, the intent to emotionally destroy. I can't handle it and won't take part.

What was that line by Jewel? "I'm sensitive and I'd like to stay that way."

Let's just take it outside in a friendly race or spar!

[Bikingmomof3]

Oh, they're never people on bicycles. I'm the only one who seems to ride around here. It's always couples walking.

It's worse when I run. And when they have dogs. I thank them if they hold their dogs while I run by. This doesn't usually result in anything like a smile or a 'you're welcome.' Just this look like I've inconvenienced their entire existence. Apparently I'm the only one who runs around here, too.

I am in the same boat, so to speak. Different area, but the same. When I run I smile, wave, say 'hi' and I just get the same annoyed looks. It is rare, in my area, to see other runners or cyclists. Now if I drive to the beautiful trails it is completely different.

I have had my neighbours comment on my "fancy racing helmet". Ummm, it was the least expensive Giro, and it is to protect my skull. And those are the friendly neighbours.

[SouthernBelle]

My elderly (90s) neighbor is fascinated by my riding.

This morning on my ride, I passed LOTS of cyclists going the other way, and I think everybody spoke! I think it was because it was a beautiful morning, but very cold and we all respected anybody dumb enough to be out in that cold wind.

I also said Good Morning to people working in their yards, drives, etc. Some look surprised. Some smile and reply. I like to watch for their reactions. I enjoy it when I get the happy reply.