Some Riders are Snobby

[Veronica]

I commute on a mountain bike with fenders, ride the same route every day. I ride in street clothes and regular shoes.

Every couple of days, a male rider crosses onto the bike path, right in front of me. He never says anything. He is hauling butt and I am stopped waiting for my light to change... so I figure he's just working hard.

Yesterday either I was early or he was late, as we crossed paths while I was still on the bike trail. He slowed down, looked at my jacket and said good morning. Apparently wearing a triple crown jacket gets you into the "club", even if you're on an old lugged steel mountain bike with flat pedals and carrying a huge bag of books on a rack.

Of course maybe he has just never really registered my presence before.

I hope I never become one of those snobby riders. I like to think that even when I'm riding hard, I still manage to choke out a hello or a wave if someone waves to me.

V.

[Cassandra_Cain]

I doubt you will become one of those riders Veronica. Else we wouldn't have you on the board ya know?

Ah, we hinted at this stuff in other posts. I still don't get the how or why, but I have just come to accept that vast majority of people (at least those I encounter) riding are basically oblivious to everyone. These are predominantly men admittedly, though that isn't exactly an attempt to rationalize it.

Places where I ride hard are usually more isolated (ie...mountains) and away from the most popular routes. When I do see someone in these spots I always wave, smile, or say hi just as a courtesy. Some people respond, others never even look. So be it.

We aren't worried about you becoming a crusty rider

[salsabike]

Veronica, something like that happened to Mr. Salsa. The local club does some "high performance" rides that involve difficult hills and a fast pace. The first time he went on one, with his 30-year-old steel Raleigh International, he got pretty well snubbed---until they noticed he'd gotten up the hill just as quickly as they did on their carbon fiber whatevers. Then, all of a sudden, he got looked at and talked to.

[Trek420]

V,

just in case he thinks you're wearing your hubbys jacket next time we want you to turn and chase down that rider, in your street clothes, flat pedals, mountain bike with fenders and books

Don't forget to say a cheery "on your left"

Do it for the TE gals

[SouthernBelle]

V,

just in case he thinks you're wearing your hubbys jacket next time we want you to turn and chase down that rider, in your street clothes, flat pedals, mountain bike with fenders and books

Don't forget to say a cheery "on your left"

Do it for the TE gals

Can't you get someone to follow you with a video camera when you do this?

[Geonz]

I'm feeling sorry for that guy. Guess he did the wrong thing saying good mornign to you! Until then he was just working hard <<rest removed by author, who should have chewed out her bagel instead !)

[Trek420]

SouthernBelle "Can't you get someone to follow you with a video camera when you do this?"

I'm thinking one of those helmet-cams should do it.

[SouthernBelle]

But on the other hand, you weren't there. She was. She was the only person to observe his behavior. So she is the only person in a position to make the assessment.

[Squeaky]

I think that was a little harsh. Veronica already admitted that it was likely he just never noticed her before (rather than him being a snob). I think her comment was more of a general observation. I know I say good morning to a lot of people and never get a response. Which doesn't necessarily mean they're snobs, but with some people you just get a sense and it can feel that they are.

Another definition of snob for me? People zipping along on the bike path, dodging pedestrians and cyclists, totally disregarding the safety of others because they think they have the right of way since they're faster. Do I judge those people? Of course!

[Veronica]

We aren't worried about you becoming a crusty rider

Ha... you haven't seen me after a hard ride. My helmet is certainly crusty. I don't even want to think about the rest of me.

V.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Another definition of snob for me? People zipping along on the bike path, dodging pedestrians and cyclists, totally disregarding the safety of others because they think they have the right of way since they're faster.

Those aren't snobs- those are jerks!

I myself tend to not put people into the snob category until they've really proven that they are. Lots of people are distracted when they ride, or so deep into their riding so they don't notice others much. They often have intense strained looks on their faces while they're training (poor things!). Sometimes we assume someone hunkered down with that kind of facial expression is unpleasant in some way, when really they are just concentrating. Others just are not extroverts who smile or wave at everyone they pass. That's ok, they are not me. I wave or smile at almost everyone. I do find that most intense "roadies" I pass WILL smile or wave at me once I make the initial nod or bell ring or wave.

[KnottedYet]

I have one of these unfortunate faces that looks intensely angry/upset when I'm perfectly happy and relaxed. (so does my mom)

It's frustrating, because I get crap about it all the time.

I wonder how many bikers think I'm scowling at them as I cruise along happy as a lark and at peace with the universe?

[Xrayted]

SouthernBelle "Can't you get someone to follow you with a video camera when you do this?"

I'm thinking one of those helmet-cams should do it.

Ya know, I don't really ever watch tv, but I'd watch that. Go get 'em V!!

On the paths around here, everyone seems pretty friendly so far. There is the occassional one who you can tell is just out there hammering and doesn't know anyone else exists. On the road, I've found that I get more waves/nods from people on Harleys then I get from roadies. Strange... Just goes to prove that it's got nothing to do with the bike and a lot to do with the person riding it.

Ok, I don't normally ever do this and I apologize, but... ==>> Not cool at all. Geonz, that was pretty quick and harsh judgement from someone who claims to not do such things. **And yeah, I guess I'd qualify as one of those "fragile" people that you seem to think deserve your pity. I believe you may need it more. (Sorry, I don't often get upset, but that comment got to me.)

Peace to you all
-X.

[Geonz]

Pardon my pre-caffeine (naw, just snarky, no real excuse) harshness... that was a little much Should have cutt off after the first lines... geez, who put sand in *my* chamois this morning? Apologizing... editing... hoping the other 900 more positive posts will support my "I"m not usually like that!" whine...

I'd have stronger words than snob for the reckless ones... that's kinda my definition of an a*h* .

And the solution (to the original situation ) *is* to chase him down and blow by him :-)

[Squeaky]

I have one of these unfortunate faces that looks intensely angry/upset when I'm perfectly happy and relaxed. (so does my mom)

It's frustrating, because I get crap about it all the time.

I wonder how many bikers think I'm scowling at them as I cruise along happy as a lark and at peace with the universe?

Ah yes, I inherited that face from my father, I know your pain....

Lisa, you're right, they're jerks not snobs.

Some of the people that I've said good morning to are standing at a stop light with me. And they just look at me like I'm a freak for saying it. Maybe I'm just oversensitive.