In awe of "Real Cyclists"

**SunnyHazel** · 09-08-2006, 09:28 AM

Last evening I went for a ride on my favorite bike trail. I was whizzing along (okay, my "whizzing" isn't all that fast) when I hear this faint roar and someone shout "cyclist," followed shortly by an increase in roar and "on your left!" I almost had to stop and watch as the 12 or more riders flew by me (I swear they were really truly flying!)and into the distance. I was left in such awe that I almost wobbled into the path of the riders racing to catch up with the group.

I applaud every one of you who can ride like that!

**li10up** · 09-08-2006, 10:48 AM

I usually only ride in a group of 3 to 4 people, so when I see a "peloton" go by I also think it is very cool. Saw a group of about 20 riders on my way home from the gym last night. I drove really slow as I approached just so I could watch them. And see how many of them I knew. Funny...the ones I knew where at the back or just off the back trying to catch up.

**eclectic** · 09-08-2006, 11:01 AM

I love watching this too, and hearing the hum of the tires on the road

On the tours I was on this summer our little group left earlier, then would keep an eye out for "the peloton" - they sat and drank coffee longer but would catch up and go whizzing past us everyday - we would catch up at the rest stops and watch it all again

A couple of weeks ago on the club ride about 14 of us formed a double pace line. I was able to keep up for 15 miles (they weren't going their normal zoom pace but only about 17 mph) It was AWESOME - I just wish there had been someone to pass and impress

**eclectic** · 09-08-2006, 11:03 AM

And BTW - WE are "REAL" cyclists too,

just a little slower

**Cassandra_Cain** · 09-08-2006, 11:05 AM

I'm with eclectic - we are real cyclists!

Granted most of us don't have 19 close friends to ride with - all at once in a group! Some of us are real fast, some of us are not fast (that's me!).

I do think it is neat to see a large group of riders on the road - very cool

**kaybee** · 09-08-2006, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by eclectic

And BTW - WE are "REAL" cyclists too,

just a little slower

You are absolutely right! It took my a long time to believe that I was a "real" runner (I'm not fast, I don't run long distances, etc.), and because of that, I wasn't allowing myself to really enjoy the sport and all that it has to offer. Please dont make that mistake. If you're out there on a bike, riding regularly, you're a real cyclist.

KB

**KSH** · 09-08-2006, 11:21 AM

Well, they are cool to watch... and admire. I can only dream of going that fast someday.

But I truly hate when they zoom past me... within inches of me... and they startle me because they never say anything when they come up on me. I call them piranha packs.

**spokewench** · 09-08-2006, 12:03 PM

I usually and almost always say on your left or passing or hi, or whatever when i am on a path riding my bike and want to pass, but HELLO, what is wrong with some people?

Just this morning, I was riding to work - I was in a hurry so I was movin right along but this incident happened on a slight uphill so I wasn't goin that fast! This fit looking girl with long blond hair is walking up the hill on the FUTS trail near the community college. As I come up on her a little ways behind her, I say "On your left" in a pleasant but to be heard voice. She looks over her shoulder to her left looks right at me and jumps as fast as she can into the left hand side of the trail!

I shook my head and thought maybe she really is a true blond! (Sorry for the blond joke, but I couldn't resist thinking it).

For that matter, I've been a blond before too, actually a real one as I was growing up!

Anyway, you can understand why riders going fast don't want to say anything - and have the person they are trying to pass jump in front of them

**Bluetree** · 09-08-2006, 12:22 PM

I honestly think they don't notice much else when they're flying along in a group like that. I've seen guys blow past me in a pack, and then I've seen the same guys waving and saying hello to me in the mornings when they're coasting alone.
Where I live, there are a lot of pros who train so I'm getting used to it. Plus, I can always hear that rumble-hum when they're approaching.
(KSH... Pirahna Packs, that's a good one.)

On the good side, they give me a VERY nice view to look at as they speed away!

Joy

**SunnyHazel** · 09-08-2006, 12:22 PM

I really consider all of you real cyclists, I just don't consider myself one. Yet! I really do love it, even though I've only logged about 20 miles since I got my bike.

I too get really nervous when I'm passed by more than one person. I tend to freak out a bit when anyone gets close to me. I'm always afraid I'm going to wobble and cause someone to crash. I would feel so horrible.

And talking about the woman jumping into the left lane - I can totally see my daughter doing that. She's 8, and when we all ride, I ride behind her and remind her to stay to her side of the path when people come along. If someone were to say "on your left" to her, she'd probably think she was supposed to move there. Perhaps I need to make sure she understands the difference between me telling her to stay to the right, and other people speaking when passing.

**recycle613** · 09-08-2006, 12:25 PM

I had that happen to me once. On a local paved trail, about 20 roadies flew by. It was the coolest sound and beautiful. I was really struck by the blur of gorgeous colored jerseys. They were beautiful sailing along!

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 09-08-2006, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by spokewench

Just this morning, I was riding to work - I was in a hurry so I was movin right along but this incident happened on a slight uphill so I wasn't goin that fast! This fit looking girl with long blond hair is walking up the hill on the FUTS trail near the community college. As I come up on her a little ways behind her, I say "On your left" in a pleasant but to be heard voice. She looks over her shoulder to her left looks right at me and jumps as fast as she can into the left hand side of the trail!

I shook my head and thought maybe she really is a true blond! (Sorry for the blond joke, but I couldn't resist thinking it).

I am not hard of hearing, but lots of times when people come up behind me and shout out something, I will only hear the last part of what they said. This girl sounds like she heard you say "(mumble mumble)..LEFT!"
I am sure this is what happens a LOT when we come up behind people to pass them. I have a classic sounding bike bell (brring-brring!!) and I use it well ahead of when I'm coming up behind people either walking or on bikes. Because it's a classic bike sound, they instantly know there is a bike coming, they look back and step out of the way in a logical direction. No confusion, and I'm not seeming to give them weird instructions on what direction to move to.

**SunnyHazel** · 09-08-2006, 12:52 PM

I kinda like the bell idea. It would be very helpful for me not because I'm fast and passing people, but because there are a lot of families out wandering on the trails and it would be nice to grab their attention before I get to them.

**spokewench** · 09-08-2006, 01:06 PM

Hi Sunny Hazel

With an 8 year old, it would be expected that she go the wrong way - I'm always super careful with kids! I'll stop and talk to them. The jump into the left hand lady this morning was quite old enough to know better - and not too old to be confused!

And, I'm sure you are a real cyclist - anyone who rides a bike is!

**SunnyHazel** · 09-08-2006, 01:16 PM

Thanks, SpokeWench!

I find myself saying, "what is wrong with people" more and more. I can't imagine blocking a bike on purpose. What kind of unhappy would I have to be to treat people the way some folks do?

Luckily, seems like everyone here is great!

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