Creepiness? Or just friendly?

[Grog]

Quite creepy. Lots of cyclists on the road here, and once in a while I end up drafting off someone, or the other way around. Don't mind the chat. However I've had one creepy event (just a gut feeling) and told the guy I didn't want anyone drafting off me.

I suggest doing the same thing, telling the guy to either drop back or pass you, you're not wanting anyone on your wheel.

There's always snot rockets, also.

I like to imagine that a guy with bad intentions wouldn't find a likely victim in a woman who performs good snot rockets... !!!

[KnottedYet]

I've run into creepy white-bearded bike guy on the Burke Gilman Trail, so he obviously uses the whole of Sammamish and Burke.

His MO seems to be hanging on a woman's wheel until she stops her bike. Then he tries to chat or just hangs around until she starts riding again. (I could NOT get rid of him until I caught up with my group and made them all stop so he went by.)

He is creepy.

Next time I see him I'll yell at him not to draft and to go around.

[lauraelmore1033]

gotta learn how ta make me some of them snot rockets. Priceless suggestion!

[Grog]

Maybe next time someone has a "chat" with the guy, it would be worth mentioning that many women have reported having trouble with him and that if he doesn't stop being annoying he's going to be reported to the authorities?

Can't help fantasize imagining the "conversation":
"Nice weather hey?
- Do you know that there's a lot of women in town who are really tired of having you suck their wheel?
- Uh..?
- If you don't leave me alone right now I'll have to report your behaviour."
[Creepy Bearded Man rides away.]

Obviously I'd make sure I strike conversation in a populated area.

And I would be tempted to drop an email to the trail authorities, if I was in Seattle...

[teigyr]

you know, I think this is the guy. We've (my DH and I) have been talking about it and it sounds like the same person. He did what he did to me but when he passed my husband, he passed quickly and said nothing. I had to pretty much stop (as knottedyet did) to make him Go Away.

I think all the advice you gave is wonderful. I should've been more assertive instead of passive-aggressive (ie just willing him to go away instead of saying it). My DH did ride ahead but that's ok. He's new to his bike and cycling and I would like him to learn his limitations and when you want to sprint, heck, it's fun! I was sore and tired and was simply not riding well. We did decide after this to each carry a cell phone instead of just one of us for those "just in case" situations.

I wonder if this guy's just lonely? I know when I pass people I try to say things like "hi" or compliment them on their bike or something. I still don't like it when people stay too close. I kind of started riding with the assumption that drafting is an invasion that you don't do without permission. I am also very aware about my personal space and like to keep a pretty good buffer between me and other people.

I will say this guy, while not being the fastest rider, seemed to vary his speed as it suited him. I think I had the gears to outride him but I didn't have the conditioning or the strength at the time.

While I like to think we're all equal in gender, I think men sometimes have less to worry about than we do. Even if it's just random scamming on the womenfolk, it's not appreciated and it's somewhat invasive. If the person wants to talk to us, why not just pass by, say hi, and let it go?

We did decide, also, that if/when we see this guy again, my DH will ride right behind me. Let the games begin! (DH saw the situation as when the cats play power games...hereby known as Kitty Games.)

[teigyr]

Got to practice the snot rockets! Normally I try to discreetly and demurely do it into my glove. I think, however, he is well deserving!

[Derf]

I've run into creepy white-bearded bike guy on the Burke Gilman Trail, so he obviously uses the whole of Sammamish and Burke.

His MO seems to be hanging on a woman's wheel until she stops her bike. Then he tries to chat or just hangs around until she starts riding again. (I could NOT get rid of him until I caught up with my group and made them all stop so he went by.)

He is creepy.

Next time I see him I'll yell at him not to draft and to go around.

Ugh. You are all seeing the same creepy guy? Please carry mace or something and be careful. Men that do things like this drive me crazy. It's harassing.