Commuting - The dead giveaway

So you're zooming down the road on your bike-commute. You encounter a fellow biker. Ah, but is (s)he really a bike-commuter or is she some kind of intruder?

Maybe (s)he's a triathlete training for an upcoming event and using the time to train. Once the event comes and goes ... poof! ... they're gone.

There's something about these intruders. You just know they're not really bike-commuters.

But what is it that gives them away? Why is it you can tell they're not "the real thing"?

lack of panniers/backpack/messenger bag i think is the first giveaway

the second is riding style. i think many people who don't ride very often can't really ride in a straight line.

They're the nuts in the "Lance" outfit on the bike paths thrying to get their HR up to 125bpm. Otherwise they're inside in the AC with their trainer, cause you don't wanna get that Trek 5200 all sweaty...

Originally posted by fore
lack of panniers/backpack/messenger bag i think is the first giveaway

That's one thing to look for. Another thing to look for is the fact that they won't be there if it's raining.

Their bikes are suspiciously clean.

I guess that means that most people will think I am not a commuter because at this point I am not out when it rains (I take the train those days and they become rest days) as soon as I get my under-the-seat bag, I will stop carrying my camelback. I also keep my bike somewhat clean...

A commuter in disguise?

I look for the clues above, yes, but also a certain hesitancy in their approach to driving in traffic. They look to me a little skittish.

It's funny, Andy. I see other bikers, but there are few I see who actually travel "my route" every week. In fact, none.

That's not to say I haven't met any cyclists who are serious about commuting, just that I don't see them when I ride.

I kind of like being the "regular guy" who is there summer or winter, year after year.

Makes me feel like a "patron." :D

Originally posted by LittleBigMan
...I kind of like being the "regular guy" who is there summer or winter, year after year...
Yes, I agree. I picture myself as the two-wheeled [fill-in-the-blank] that is out there at all times, consistent as can be. I'm the guy who kids point out "there he is again" as their parents shuttle them off the school. I know I am oftentimes the talk of my kids' schools because I'm the one dismounting the bike off the rack, dressed in my "bike queer gear" (oops, did I say that?). The people I know are very used to me; the people on the road are probably equally so.

As for the others ... they're temporary it seems. I see them come and go. Some I see come and go repeatedly. I think bike-commuters are the two-percenters; that others are the zero-percenters. We're the ones that stick with it.

They are the ones who take my spot on the bus bike rack never a problem in January always a problem in July. or the ones who don't look when they enter my lane. Its bad enough we have to watch out for the ocasional nutty driver, but it really ticks me off when it is one of our own. :confused:

I can usually spot them in pairs taking up both lanes of the path. Or just taking up sidewalk space when a perfectly good street is available. I tell you though, the most hardcore bike commuters out there are the non-english speaking guys riding to their restraunt jobs everyday. In their Wendy's and Tim Horton's uniforms pedaling away on those Wal_Mart full suspension bikes. These guys get a get nod and smile from me every morning. At an older job I always passed the same two nice folks on a non-tandem cruiser riding to work at Nong's (best phad-thai in the state, btw). Even in the winter, with the lady riding side saddle on the rack. Maybe not safe and far from ideal... but I do salute thee, bike commuters of necessity.

I can always tell when the STP is about 2 weeks away; the "commuter" volume suddenly quadruples. Then for about a week afterward, the ones that got really excited about biking are still there. Then it's back to normal. For 3 weeks every year, me an' my Schwinn based commuter bike are surrounded by lycra, Litespeeds, Colnagos and nearly spokeless wheels. Then they disappear back to wherever it is they come from. I am entertained.

My LBS is located in the same building as my company. No one can be sure where I am actually going.

Carl

I accept my shame as a recreational commuter. That means I commute when the weathers nice on a clean bike on days I feel like riding bike to work. My double shame is that I drive most days. Triple shame, I ride after work with my wife and take up double width while occasionally riding on the sidewalk. I must live with my shame, it's a burden I must bear.

Maybe I should keep the bike rack on my SUV to help cover my shame:)

Carl

Originally posted by es_seattle
For 3 weeks every year, me an' my Schwinn based commuter bike are surrounded by lycra, Litespeeds, Colnagos and nearly spokeless wheels. Then they disappear back to wherever it is they come from. I am entertained.

I like it when my 20 year old Bianchi passes a Lance want to be on the trail. It warms the middle aged mans heart. Don'at wory grey skies are around the corner and then I will get my spot on the bus back. :beer:

but I do salute thee, bike commuters of necessity

I started on this morning's commute - As of today, I will give a short wave to all possible bike commuters I cross paths with. If they wave back, I'll assume they're fellow commuters. If they don't wave back, that will be one of the giveaways that they are not.
(I assume that most of the riders I see around 6:00am are not out for a recreational spin)