Ladies--I really appreciate all your replies and I seemed to have struck a chord with many of you.
Biciclista - Your point is well taken about the law, and upon reflection, you are quite correct. I did break the law by passing in the oncoming traffic lane because the line was a double yellow at that point, indicating a "no passing" zone. I will keep this in mind during future rides and I appreciate your making me think about this.
To all, I do my weekly training rides and also inline skate on a multi-use trail. That's a whole different ball game to me. Due to the unpredictability of others using those trails, I always ride with a very defensive and cautious approach. Kids, dogs, and adults never react the way I expect when I call out to them. I frequently use the "bicycle coming up behind you" or just "hello, I'm behind you" on the trail because it often gets a more useful reaction.
On road rallies, I also try to judge the experience of the rider I'm passing in order to get an educated guess on whether they know the "rules of the road." The guys in question clearly knew what I meant when I called out to them. You all are right--they were just a couple of jerks.
I'm really interested to read the opinions on whether "on your left" means please give way or whether it means I'm just letting you know I'm here. I never expect another rider to give way if it's not safe for them to do so. I've had way too many experiences with pace lines that try to force me over into roadway that I'm not comfortable riding on.
So, I guess my bottom line is that I don't mind waiting for people to react in the safest manner possible, but I don't appreciate people who intentionally continue to block passing riders and force the passing rider to either sit up or make a potentially unsafe pass.
To my fellow DFW rider--there is one well-known area cyclist who rides directly on the yellow line. Whole groups of riders can come up behind him and politely ask him to move over so others can get around and he steadfastly ignores everyone who speaks to him. He has a reputation! If you're riding the Tour de Paris tomorrow, you will encounter him. He typically can be found in east side rides.
Anyway, my thanks to everyone for your comments. It's very helpful to hear the perspectives of others.
Be careful out there!
Susan in Dallas
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming, 'Wow, what a ride!!!'"