*RANT* Rich, Trek riding Mommie & Son Posers weaving over the road

[cudak888]

The setting is a wide two lane road in an established neighborhood of old money, and recently, rich BMW trendyboppers.
A golf course on my right, large, million-dollar houses on the left.
I'm enjoying my ride on a '61 Schwinn Paramount. The cagers are even smiling and sometimes waving as they pass.

Enter - a pair of cyclists approaching from ahead.
Mother and son on a '90s Trek Multitrack and '06 Specialized MTB, respectively.
Knobbies on both, guess they think slicks are dangerous.
Mom's in full spandex kit, looking like a neon-colored alien from the planet of Peach Pit Helmets.
Jr. is about 11-13 years old, and outfitted with lycra jersey, baggy shorts, helmet, knee pads, arm pads, shoulder pads, stomach pads, butt pads, foot pads, protective cup, etc...
And yet, with all of these techno wonders, Mr. Sir Silver Spoon Jr. The Third is still sitting with his saddle set as low as possible...in his 15" frame MTB.
No wonder he needs the protective cup.

I approach. They near.
Mom is glancing back, keeping an eye on Jr., who's pedaling like a mad mechanical monkey on a basketball behind her.
My side-road exit to the left of me (to their right) is ahead. I will be turning shortly. We will meet just before I must make my turn, but they will pass me before I must make the turn.
Ms. Rich Mom glances foward. She sees me ahead.
I take my lane, and signal a left turn to clarify my movement to the left.
Ms. Rich Mom is not concerned with the cyclist on the funny, skinny tired bike making a left turn. No - she's concerned about Little Silver Spoon pedaling behind her, keeping a nice, uniform 2' distance from the kerb.
Ms. Rich Mom? She's weaving everywhere. In fact, she was weaving ever since I saw her.
She's not just taking her lane.
She's taking my lane too.
And she knows it.
And doesn't give a damn.
Who cares if that guy on the road bike is in the left edge of his lane?
Who cares if I'm heading straight for him, and into his lane of travel?
Who cares? I'm wearing the full kit! I'm riding a TREK! My son is riding a NEW SPECIALIZED! We have over $1,000 in cycling clothes and padding on! Screw the guy in the polo shirt and slacks riding a 46-year-old bike!

I dart quickly to the right, and avoid her wrath. I nearly take out a cyclist passing on my right.
There's no time for dirty looks or a complaint. The monkey on a basketball passes a second later, but it all seems a blur.
I make my left turn.
I continue on my way.

-Kurt

P.S.: Send your poetry complaints to (fill in your favorite cycling avocacy idiot here, e.g. Forester's) School of Cycling, 1234 Wrong-Way Lane, Anywhere USA, 10002.

[sbhikes]

Uh oh. You're in for it now. Awful elitist of YOU don't you think? Are you better than them or just jealous they have more money than you?

[roughrider504]

They should be jealous of you on that nice Paramount. Some people just dont care about anybody else. You did the right thing by not screaming at them, just let them think they are best.

[cudak888]

Awful elitist of YOU don't you think?

The commentary, of course - but you wouldn't have a good story without it.

My base complaint is that there's no excuse NOT to follow road rules - and if you can't follow the road rules, and ride safely, you shouldn't be out there.

There was no excuse for her to knowingly come into the opposite lane of travel (particularly when you know there's a cyclist there, about to make a left turn) and nearly cause a head-on collision.

-Kurt

[dobber]

Mom didn't breast feed you, huh?

[cudak888]

They should be jealous of you on that nice Paramount. Some people just dont care about anybody else. You did the right thing by not screaming at them, just let them think they are best.

I don't care what anybody thinks of me on my Paramount, so long as they treat me with equal respect as a vehicle on the road, no more.

I don't scream unless the incedent was almost definitely life-threatining, had it happened - and usually when it is cager-related. I usually do give stern, but levelheaded warnings to do-do birds like these two - but I do not yell.

-Kurt

[cudak888]

Mom didn't breast feed you, huh?

I don't quite get that one, unless it has to do with helping her son along in the cycling hobby - in which case, I have nothing against it - except for the fact that she's not presenting herself as a good example, that's for sure :roflmao:

-Kurt

[fordfasterr]

..........

My base complaint is that there's no excuse NOT to follow road rules - and if you can't follow the road rules, and ride safely, you shouldn't be out there.

..........

-Kurt


I disagree. I am a scofflaw, and so are hundreds of other forum members.

Here is >> THE PROOF << (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=254731)

LOL

[AndrewP]

The obviously bought their stuff off the net or a poor quality shop that was only interested in making a quick buck. A decent bike shop would have sold them the equipment needed for the type of riding they do and set the seat height for efficient pedaling. Their riding may get better with experience, but if she was concerned about her son, she should have been riding behind him, which would have cut down on the swerving.

[jjvw]

Don't fear. Those expensive bikes will find a permanent home in the 5 car garage in no time. Watch their trash for bikes in 5-7 years when they sell that house for a tremendous profit.

[SingingSabre]

Turn them into soup!

Make sure to heat the pot over a 400 watt burner.

[jjvw]

400WATTS!

[Dchiefransom]

Hmmmm, those don't sound like expensive bikes, and my fancy cycling clothes cost less than my Sidi shoes. They must have been visiting that rich neighborhood, and were weaving around from gawking at all the big houses. They were probably out looking to hook up with some rich dude riding his classic steel road bike, in his polo shirt and slacks, after he locked up his clubs in the country club locker room and started pedaling home.

[Bekologist]

is the OP old money or a nuevo riche BMW trendybopper?

Couldn't avoid a mom and her kid approaching slowly, albiet like a mom and her kid on a bike, without becomming a threat to a bicyclist behind you? Who's the , really?

[Gee3]

Well, I say the next time you run into the obvious inexperienced riders you should give them a wide birth. Not everyone knows the rules of the road and you shouldn't expect them to. So do yourself a favor and take the initiative and be the safe one.

Good luck next time!

[LCI_Brian]

If the OP wrote about a mom in an SUV deliberately being inconsiderate, I'm sure you'd all be siding with the OP. But the mom was being inconsiderate on a bike, not an SUV, so that makes it OK?

[UmneyDurak]

Reading your post it doesn't sound like you had time to make that left turn, and should have yielded to them. Since incomming traffic has the right of way. Just seems like you are jealous. Not very healthy attitude.

[SSP]

Reading your post it doesn't sound like you had time to make that left turn, and should have yielded to them. Since incoming traffic has the right of way. Just seems like you are jelous. Not very healthy attitude.

+1.

Sounds like the OP was equally at fault (and clearly full of envy and elitist attitude).

[CommuterRun]

Yeah, you have to watch out for the incompetent, easily among some of the most dangerous people around.

Some points I took from the OP:
1. Be wary of the incompetent.
2. Left turn yields to on-coming.
3. Shoulder check before changing your line.
4. Don't pass on the right.

[wethepeople]

400WATTS!

I smiled.

[rodrigaj]

Next to dogs, the most unpredictable wildcard out on the road is a mom and young kid out for a leisurely ride. Whether in a neighborhood, or on a bike trail, I always slow down and give them enough room to make the mistakes, illegal turns, and impolite use of the road.

[PaulH]

You should be glad that people are riding with their kids. Seems like a smile and a wave would have been appropriate, rather than bitterness. If I wanted to be a poseur, I don't think that a Trek Multitrack would be a good choice.

What's wrong with elitism, anyway? Isn't it OK to be good at something anymore?

Paul

[I-Like-To-Bike]

The commentary, of course - but you wouldn't have a good story without it.
What makes you think your verbose commentary about the other cyclists' attire and equipment makes your http://www.orangemane.com/BB/images/smilies/cry2smilie.gifrant a "good story?"

[cudak888]

Reading your post it doesn't sound like you had time to make that left turn, and should have yielded to them. Since incomming traffic has the right of way. Just seems like you are jealous. Not very healthy attitude.

I did yield to them - my intentions were to make the left turn after they had cleared (does anybody actually read all the lines here?). No, I am not jealous - just trying to get it off my chest.

Well, I say the next time you run into the obvious inexperienced riders you should give them a wide birth. Not everyone knows the rules of the road and you shouldn't expect them to. So do yourself a favor and take the initiative and be the safe one.

I gave them a wide enough berth considering her weaving was no more then 3-4 feet previous to our encounter.

What I wasn't expecting is for her to come at a 30 degree angle, more or less, straight into my lane. This is on a two-lane street that is about TWENTY-FIVE FEET wide, mind you. Any idiot who can't hold their course over a 12 foot single lane shouldn't be on the road.

-Kurt

[sbhikes]

What's wrong with elitism, anyway? Isn't it OK to be good at something anymore?


What's wrong with mediocrity? Isn't it OK to suck at something and enjoy yourself anyway?

[cudak888]

You should be glad that people are riding with their kids. Seems like a smile and a wave would have been appropriate, rather than bitterness. If I wanted to be a poseur, I don't think that a Trek Multitrack would be a good choice.

What's wrong with elitism, anyway? Isn't it OK to be good at something anymore?

Paul

There was no time for bitterness, much less a smile and a wave (which I generally do, and would have done had I not had to manuver quickly.

I was also a bit mystified by the Trek as well. Didn't seem to fit the picture, particularly with the child riding a nearly new mid-range Specialized MTB.

What's wrong with elitism? When it gets to be elitisim for the sake of looking like an elitist, without being good at whatever/whoever you're trying to look like.

And for the benifit of everyone's critisism, I have included a .jpg of the incedent. I've cut off the lines at the point in where I couldn't see the riders anymore. Green is the rider that came up on my right, dark red is Jr., bright red is the mother, and I am represented by blue (and have also shown my signaling).

Mind you, as I said before, this street is roughly 25 feet wide. It is commonly used by cyclists of both experience and inexperience, joggers, and folks walking their dogs (with their leash out slack 15 feet).

All the cyclists shown in the diagram (excluding the son, traveling about 20 feet behind his mom) pretty much reached that swerve point in the middle at the same time.

Take care,

-Kurt

[slowandsteady]

The setting is a wide two lane road in an established neighborhood of old money, and recently, rich BMW trendyboppers.
A golf course on my right, large, million-dollar houses on the left.
I'm enjoying my ride on a '61 Schwinn Paramount. The cagers are even smiling and sometimes waving as they pass.

Enter - a pair of cyclists approaching from ahead.
Mother and son on a '90s Trek Multitrack and '06 Specialized MTB, respectively.
Knobbies on both, guess they think slicks are dangerous.
Not everyone knows about slicks for MTBs. If you are only out for a leisurely ride, you don't need to change your tires.

Mom's in full spandex kit, looking like a neon-colored alien from the planet of Peach Pit Helmets.So now spandex is inapropriate for bike riding?
Jr. is about 11-13 years old, and outfitted with lycra jersey, baggy shorts, helmet, knee pads, arm pads, shoulder pads, stomach pads, butt pads, foot pads, protective cup, etc...
And yet, with all of these techno wonders, Mr. Sir Silver Spoon Jr. The Third is still sitting with his saddle set as low as possible...in his 15" frame MTB.
Just like people don't know that slicks exist, they don't know where to set the saddle. If they can touch the ground, it is set right. The kid was only 11 or so. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 11. I am sure I had my saddle(banana seat) too low too.


I approach. They near.
Mom is glancing back, keeping an eye on Jr., who's pedaling like a mad mechanical monkey on a basketball behind her.
My side-road exit to the left of me (to their right) is ahead. I will be turning shortly. We will meet just before I must make my turn, but there will be enough time for me to clear them and make the turn safely.
In other words, they have the right of way.
Ms. Rich Mom glances foward. She sees me ahead.
I signal a left turn and take my lane.
Ms. Rich Mom is not concerned with the cyclist on the funny, skinny tired bike making a left turn. No - she's concerned about Little Silver Spoon pedaling behind her, keeping a nice, uniform 2' distance from the kerb.
In other words, they have the right of way.
Ms. Rich Mom? She's weaving everywhere. In fact, she was weaving ever since I saw her.
She's not just taking her lane.
She's taking my lane too.
And she knows it.
And doesn't give a damn.
Who cares if that guy on the road bike is making a left turn?
Who cares if I'm heading straight for him, and into his lane of travel?
Who cares? I'm wearing the full kit! I'm riding a TREK! My son is riding a NEW SPECIALIZED! We have over $1,000 in cycling clothes and padding on! Screw the guy in the polo shirt and slacks riding a 46-year-old bike!
In other words, they have the right of way.


I dart quickly to the right, and avoid her wrath. I nearly take out a cyclist passing on my right.
There's no time for dirty looks or a complaint. The monkey on a basketball passes a second later, but it all seems a blur.
I make my left turn.
I continue on my way.
In other words, they had the right of way, you tried to make a left turn in front of them with not enough clearance or time and because of your poor decision almost wiped out three other cyclists. You justify your behavior by bashing people who clearly have more money than you.

Maybe you don't know this, but most people who have money, got it by working hard, making good decisions, and not making excuses or blaming others for any of their failings. Maybe you should try it.

[cudak888]

In other words, they had the right of way, you tried to make a left turn in front of them with not enough clearance or time and because of your poor decision almost wiped out three other cyclists.

I've been trying to restrain myself, but this time I'll make the exception:

I said it in my original post, I've clarified it two times before, now I'll try to make it clear to you - my intentions all along were to make my turn AFTER they had cleared, that is, behind them after they had passed.

Not once did I attempt (or even think about) cutting in front of them, which, I most certainly concur, would have been a most rude and improper manuver.

As for the sarcasm in the original post, I was ridiculing their use of excessive (and for that matter, expensive) cycling garb while still riding with their saddles at rock bottom. Are they out for the mere reason of showing off to the neighbors, or to enjoy riding? That was why I called them posers.

Take care,

-Kurt

[chipcom]

Welcome to A&S Kurt, where nobody has a sense of humor, let alone the ability to both read AND comprehend....you elitist b@stard! ;)

[LittleBigMan]

Welcome to A&S Kurt, where nobody has a sense of humor, let alone the ability to both read AND comprehend....you elitist b@stard! ;)
Shut up, you moron.

:)

[Bekologist]

looks like the mom was 'blocking' for her kid. common technique I've used on rides many times, just blocking cars and not other bikes. in th OP, your intent was to clear the turn before the riders approaching, and mom put the kibosh on that by 'blocking' the intersection. are you SURE she didn't know how to ride? most Moms tend to be quite protective of their kids....

the elitist snob is YOU, cudak. sorry to have to burst your bubble like this.

[cudak888]

Welcome to A&S Kurt, where nobody has a sense of humor, let alone the ability to both read AND comprehend....you elitist b@stard! ;)

:roflmao: Thanks for the laugh, Chip.

-Kurt

[chipcom]

Shut up, you moron.

:)

Oh yeah? :p

[cudak888]

looks like the mom was 'blocking' for her kid. common technique I've used on rides many times, just blocking cars and not other bikes. in th OP, your intent was to clear the turn before the riders approaching, and mom put the kibosh on that by 'blocking' the intersection.

Just re-read my original post and clarified it. I can see where it might have been misleading in its original wording.

However, if you see my diagram in a few posts before, you will see where she had no excuse for such a manuver.

-Kurt

[sgtsmile]

Read your post once again a tad closer, and see who is doing some generalizing themselves.

And where did you get the idea that I have anything against their machines? I simply wished to describe the setting. Why don't we hear your commentation on the golf course as well?

-Kurt


Oh please.

If you had wished to simply describe the setting you would have done something like this:

I was riding down a residential street about 25 feet wide. Coming towards me was a mother and a son. They were weaving. My intention was to turn left across their path of travel. As I approached the turn taking a typical left turn position and slowing, the mother wove towards me, causing me to violently swerve out of her path to avoid a collision. This put me in conflict with a bike overtaking me on my right. Her actions almost caused a pile up.

But no....

instead, you put a great deal of effort into "describing" in less than flattering terms the neighbourhood, the bikes, the gear, and everything else about them. Hell, you even take them to task for having the nerve to use knobby tires on a mountain bike! *shock* *boggles* *faints*

[sgtsmile]

and furthermore, I KNOW i was generalizing, but I was talking about you, not me.


silly A.S.S. *giggles*


sgt

[SSP]

What a whuss and a whiner....you should have held your line.

The worst that would happen would be a low speed collision with mommie, since she was going slowly and you were presumably nearly stopped waiting for them to clear. If you were lucky, maybe you'd have even gotten her phone number (if she managed to overlook your antique bike).

As it was, your fear and lack of situational awareness caused you to nearly take out another cyclist.

BTW - a shouted "Hey!" might have warned her that she was off line...did that not occur to you?

[slowandsteady]

I will be turning shortly. We will meet just before I must make my turn, but there will be enough time for me to clear them and make the turn safely.
Who cares if that guy on the road bike is making a left turn?
Who cares if I'm heading straight for him, and into his lane of travel? Ms. Rich Mom is not concerned with the cyclist on the funny, skinny tired bike making a left turn. No - she's concerned about Little Silver Spoon pedaling behind her, keeping a nice, uniform 2' distance from the kerb.
I dart quickly to the right, and avoid her wrath. I nearly take out a cyclist passing on my right.


If you were going to turn after they pass, why would they have to do anything at all in regards to you? Why would it matter to them if you are turning? Not everyone is born with your god like cycling skills. You really need to lighten up, if a mother and son riding their bikes irks you so much. And who cares how much their cycling attire costs. I doubt it was $1,000, but even if it was why not if they have the money for it?

[I-Like-To-Bike]

As it was, your fear and lack of situational awareness caused you to nearly take out another cyclist.
But the OP was very aware of the situation that took priority as he turned into a family on bikes whom had the ROW - the clothing and equipment and tire treads and seat height, and blah-blah of total strangers. Too bad he couldn't have given a full report on their headgear and its (im)proper fit and how it almost caused him to crash. Thank goodness his own skill and "proper" gear saved his life.:rolleyes:

[JohnBrooking]

P.S.: Send your poetry complaints to (fill in your favorite cycling avocacy idiot here, e.g. Forester's) School of Cycling, 1234 Wrong-Way Lane, Anywhere USA, 10002.
That was poetry? :D

Just thought I'd knock you for something different than what everyone else is knocking you for, despite your blatant invitation...

FWIW, I agree that there was no call for that woman to "block" all the way into the opposing lane. What if you'd been a car?

Unfortunately, if we were all to complain every time someone rode a bike badly, BikeForums would have to immediately buy 100 new servers... :rolleyes:

[CommuterRun]

Any idiot who can't hold their course over a 12 foot single lane shouldn't be on the road.
+1

[cat4ever]

Screw the guy in the polo shirt and slacks riding a 46-year-old bike!
.




lol

[rule]

Heres' my poem.


Blah, blah, blah, blah...I wish I had money.

Blah, blah, blah, blah...I don't know how to share the road.

Sad.

[alanfleisig]

Next to dogs, the most unpredictable wildcard out on the road is a mom and young kid out for a leisurely ride. Whether in a neighborhood, or on a bike trail, I always slow down and give them enough room to make the mistakes, illegal turns, and impolite use of the road.

+1

Don't we all understand the world just stops for mommies, and none of the normal rules apply. Especially if they're pushing a triple-wide up-armored stroller right smack down the middle of the MUP, listening to books on tape on their iPod.

[ME.Alex]

Next to dogs, the most unpredictable wildcard out on the road is a mom and young kid out for a leisurely ride. Whether in a neighborhood, or on a bike trail, I always slow down and give them enough room to make the mistakes, illegal turns, and impolite use of the road.

You said it. That and elderly viet cong.... six of em walking on the bike path IN LINE taking both lanes and not even caring that a maniac on a titanium road bike is barelling down towards them at 40kph. Oh, and can't forget their progeny's prigeny inevitably 3 years old gravitating around them in random directions... making it feel like i'm navigating a minefield, all this at 6am

[slowandsteady]

+1

Don't we all understand the world just stops for mommies, and none of the normal rules apply. Especially if they're pushing a triple-wide up-armored stroller right smack down the middle of the MUP, listening to books on tape on their iPod.


So now this is an anti-mother rant? Down with MOMS!!!!

[cooker]

Careful, you're making me start to side with I-Like-To-Bike. You don't want that, do you?

[jimmuter]

I don't begrudge kids wearing fancy gear. My kids do it because it makes their ride more fun for them. Your sarcasm smacks of bitterness too. Envy, bitterness and hatred aren't all that healthy for the person that harbors those feelings. They don't hurt the people you direct those feelings toward at all, so what's the point?

[cooker]

Send your poetry complaints to...

Said an irritable cyclist called Kurt:
“Those rich folks, they treat me like dirt!”
So blame he distributes,
And motives attributes,
But really, it’s just his hair shirt.

[rule]

One word...Pulitzer.