Road Cycling - Driver attitudes

I've noticed this before, but figured it was just my over-active imagination...

It seems like some days, every car on the road is out to get me. Other days, everyone is patient, passes when it's safe and only when there is ample clearance (some even wave when they go by!). What's weird about it is, I'd expect some of each, every ride, but it just doesn't seem to happen that way.

This evening, everyone was super-courteous. Maybe it's the phase of the moon, maybe it's the day of the week. Maybe it's the way I'm riding, or the color of my jersey. I dunno.

Anybody else noticed this, or have I inhaled one too many hallucinagenic gnats that have migrated north from Mexico?

Yep, you never can tell what the motorist will be like. It may be the weather, their schedules or anything else. It is just another mystery of life.

I've noticed a big difference based on the time of day. At 6am, I get cheers and whoops when a couple of guys in a jeep see me plugging away. At 8pm, they're just as likely to throw a beer on me.

I also find a time of the day thing, too. Additionally, the time of the year is also a factor. Summer seems to be much worse, it might be the tourist season (which triples the population here), or the heat might just fry their brains!

Chris

Any observations are worth studying. We cyclists can be very observant compared to sleeping motorists.

Although I know there are specific reasons for changes in attitudes of drivers (such as things you've already mentioned, the moon, etc.), my gut feeling is that there is a pack mentality. If enough motorists exhibit forebearance, the pecking order might work in our favor.
Let's hope to keep it that way!

I've noticed the time-of-day factor, too. People tend to be much better drivers in the morning. Once I mentioned it to someone who had been a traffic reporter on a helicopter. They said (paraphrasing, here) "Absolutely!, there are lots more wrecks, fender-benders and tickets given out in the afternoon / evening."