My querry is something like "how's everything?" I hope this is more neutral than asking "are you okay?" The latter assumes you are in trouble.

Might help others to rephrase the question a bit. And to biker hen, would a comment of how's everything be more pallatable? I'm asking because I don't want to be a downer on your good day of riding. And its really wonderful that you could climb the hills and have enough air to talk. best revenge is to start talking back until they run out of breath. .

How's the climb?
Don't you think its a lovely day out and oh look over there. A squirrel. How cute...
Wow this hill is really long. How much longer do we have to climb?...
Hill seems to be getting steeper or is it just me?
Oh good you are slowing down too I thought I have to ride by myself to the top.
It's getting really hot. I hope I don't run out of my water. How are you doing with your water...

I've been known to pull stunt like this to an unfriendly Fred & Barnys on a long climb. Sometimes, they realize I'm in better shape. If they get unfriendly, I'll drop them and say a parting word, "Its nice riding with you boys but gotta go" and take off. If the hill isn't too bad I'll shift gears into my 53 chainring and make enough of a racket doing so and take off.

BTW, I've learned not to help the guys out with their flats and other bike problem. A woman helping is just too much for the macho guys... Shheeesh, I've been riding bike way before some of these boys were even born...

meow meow
Smilingcat