Crazy comments you hear?

[Gojohnnygo.]

I was just wondering what are people saying to you. When you pull into a store or arrive at work and anything along the way.

I had stuff like this.

1. Nice day for a bike ride, as he looks at me sarcastically. (Temp 10F and snowing) I guess he just doesn't get it.

2. You must be homeless. I say no I have a 2 bedroom house!

3. You are one crazy M____Frr it's -20 below zero. I say It's not that bad I think your a softy with that big puffy down jacket on!

4.This is a good one.(-26 below zero and wind chill near -45F below) I went into this small store and the person at the register says. You are a better man than I. You must have antifreeze in your veins. That was cool.

So what are the crazy comments you hear when riding in the winter?

[Mtn Mike]

My favorite comment this season came from an angry motorist a few weeks ago. The lady was driving a compact station wagon on an icy side street (not crowded), and from the looks of it, was in a panic state and barely in control of her vehicle. When she caught eye of me happily pedaling through the snow, she took the time to stop her car, roll down the window, and yell angrily, "What the hell are you doing? This is NO time to be riding a bicycle! ". I was shocked and didn't have time to respond before she pulled away. Once I though about what had just happened I was LMAO! :roflmao:

I get the range of comments. Most people that know me don't say anything anymore, but I do like hearing the input of strangers from time to time :D

[Zin]

Well, other than the crazy looks. The one that really got me was:

"Its a good thing your so fat, you won't freeze to death." (followed by giggles) :(

Man, 224lbs and I'm still a target!

[Mtn Mike]

Well, other than the crazy looks. The one that really got me was:

"Its a good thing your so fat, you won't freeze to death." (followed by giggles) :(

Man, 224lbs and I'm still a target!

I'm also ~225lbs. The comforting thing is that most likely the people that say these things are in nowhere near the shape you are in, fat or not.

[Trsnrtr]

When she caught eye of me happily pedaling through the snow, she took the time to stop her car, roll down the window, and yell angrily, "What the hell are you doing? This is NO time to be riding a bicycle! ".

I've got this one, too. In fact, I get honked and yelled at more in the winter than in the summer. I've decided that motorists must feel that they have tolerated bicycles all summer, but now cyclists should get the heck off of the road! :)

[Zin]

I'm also ~225lbs. The comforting thing is that most likely the people that say these things are in nowhere near the shape you are in, fat or not.

I suppose that may be true now. Its amazing how the same old feelings come back. I felt just like I did when I was 340lbs and got made fun of. I was a fat kid my whole life and now am smaller than when I was in 9th grade.

I am comforted by your words and the thought that these folks have probably never achieved such personal goals.

Thanks Mike! You are officially invited to come over for a ride any time. :D

[mike]

I suppose that may be true now. Its amazing how the same old feelings come back. I felt just like I did when I was 340lbs and got made fun of. I was a fat kid my whole life and now am smaller than when I was in 9th grade.

I am comforted by your words and the thought that these folks have probably never achieved such personal goals.

Thanks Mike! You are officially invited to come over for a ride any time. :D

Wow, you went from 340 lbs to 225. That is incredible. I don't know how tall you are, but 225 isn't what I would call 'fat' for an average man especially if you are of average height or better. If excersize was a component of your losing 115 lbs, then you must have had an exchange of fat weight for muscle mass. A 225 lb man who bicycles regularly is a POWERFULLY strong human being. Only an idiot would attempt to insult such a man.

Keep on biking, my friend.

[mike]

Anyway, back on track for the topic about the silly peope things say when you winter bicycle.

I just tell them that there are a lot of people who pay nearly $100.00 per day to ski outside in winter. Bicycling outdoors in winter has a lot in common with skiing and snowmobiling; all outdoor activities done in snow/winter.

People call you nuts, but if you are consistant with your commitment to winter bicycling and bicycle commuting, you eventually earn their respect.

Tell people that you are committed to your passion of bicycle. These days, words like "commitment" and "passion" are very popular - especially at work.

[jeff williams]

BIKES SUCK..fat guys in an auto (was going to 'test his metal'..yes misspelt) @ the light- was so upset I hit the front before the rear and had to hand slam the saddle to ground it, Guys had a good laugh, I learned to calm down about comments. :rolleyes:
and hardcore for biking in the snow to work.
HARDCORE! YEA!

[landrover]

One of my favorite comments came from a motorist.

I had my bike over my shoulder because my rear rim was warped--In a true Tony Soprano delivery.."hey, ain't you suppose to RIDE that thing?.

[brent_dube]

Well I had a well deserved comment once
I was riding through my town and someone who was outside for a smoke said to me "beautiful day for a bike ride, isnt it?". I said "hell yeah!"

I think the temp was below 10F, and the roads were snow/ice covered, (light snow falling too), and it was dark and windy.

[mike]

Well I had a well deserved comment once
I was riding through my town and someone who was outside for a smoke said to me "beautiful day for a bike ride, isnt it?". I said "hell yeah!"

I think the temp was below 10F, and the roads were snow/ice covered, (light snow falling too), and it was dark and windy.

That IS kind of funny. Ironically, in places like Houghton Michigan where the weather is so terrible, smokers probably spend more time outside getting fresh air than anybody else.

At last, we have found our cousins in outdoor appreciation. Oddly, those cousins are the smokers-banned by the indoor people.

[iceratt]

When I'm in the checkout line at the grocery store, the clerk asks if I want "paper or plastic". If I'm using paniers, I sometimes will say "Plastic. I'm on a bike." That way I can slide the bags of food easily into the bike bags. The clerk, who doesn't know this, inevitably reels, thinking that I'm going to cary up to 30 lbs. on my handle bars. Usually, after he or she gives me the look, I give a short explanation.

At work, when I arrive on a very cold, rainy, or snowy day, I can expect several coworkers to ask, " Did you bike?" If I haven't, they don't say anything outloud, but I sense a loud," You're human, like me after all."

Lastly, when I'm driving, I must admit that I've been tempted to yell out something cute, like" thanks for sharing the road!" but I think the comment might be taken as sarcastic, rather than ironic. One of these days when I'm driving and it's convenient, I plan to thank a bicylist who is braver, tougher, or just has a shorter trip than I, by giving five dollars "for doing the right thing." Of course the effect will be diminished if they recognize me from the bike path.

[Juha]

A week ago I was riding home, having spent a nice evening with some friends. It was not particularly cold, but it was snowing heavily. I had cycled come 6-7kms and was already close to home when I decided I would like a snack at a local gas station. I went in and ordered my food. The lady at the counter looked at me sympathetically (all my helmet vents were packed with snow, now slowly melting) and asked, "Are we having fun yet?" :D

--J

[Zin]

That IS kind of funny. Ironically, in places like Houghton Michigan where the weather is so terrible, smokers probably spend more time outside getting fresh air than anybody else.

At last, we have found our cousins in outdoor appreciation. Oddly, those cousins are the smokers-banned by the indoor people.
:roflmao:

[Gojohnnygo.]

Wow, you went from 340 lbs to 225. That is incredible. I don't know how tall you are, but 225 isn't what I would call 'fat' for an average man especially if you are of average height or better. If excersize was a component of your losing 115 lbs, then you must have had an exchange of fat weight for muscle mass. A 225 lb man who bicycles regularly is a POWERFULLY strong human being. Only an idiot would attempt to insult such a man.

I have to agree only an idiot would attempt to insult him.

N7CZinMT, Did you ride when you were at 340lbs? If you did you must have some mighty powerful legs :eek:

[Zin]

I have to agree only an idiot would attempt to insult him.

N7CZinMT, Did you ride when you were at 340lbs? If you did you must have some mighty powerful legs :eek:

Hey John!

I did ride at my max weight. I have bad knees, so it was only short level distances. Did more walking than anything else. I started riding more "hardcore" this past June at 260lbs with the kids. Now, I out pace and distance them. :roflmao:

I didn't mean to hijack this thread.... :(

[Gojohnnygo.]

Anyway, back on track for the topic about the silly peope things say when you winter bicycle.

I just tell them that there are a lot of people who pay nearly $100.00 per day to ski outside in winter. Bicycling outdoors in winter has a lot in common with skiing and snowmobiling; all outdoor activities done in snow/winter.

People call you nuts, but if you are consistant with your commitment to winter bicycling and bicycle commuting, you eventually earn their respect.

Tell people that you are committed to your passion of bicycle. These days, words like "commitment" and "passion" are very popular - especially at work.

I have been telling my coworkers this for years. It has not worked until recently and now I have some of them defending me. Saying stuff like winter cycling is an art-form, Have you ever seen John with frostbite no, The boss is even getting into this with where were you during that 28"+ snow storm in dec. John rode his bike and beat all of us work he kept the place up and running until I could get here.(Maybe I should asked for big raise)

[Gojohnnygo.]

I didn't mean to hijack this thread.... :(

Not a problem, I started back riding when I was 235lbs down to 179lbs at 5'11. Stuff like this reminds me to never go there again. ;) Keep losing the pounds you only get faster! But I don't need to tell you that.

[iceratt]

Keep losing the pounds you only get faster!

The more I bike and the more I loose weight, the slower I get, because I tend to carry more and more stuff with me. Got to be prepared for any contingency, no matter how remote( though I might decide to loose the tuxedo).

[Zin]

The more I bike and the more I loose weight, the slower I get, because I tend to carry more and more stuff with me. Got to be prepared for any contingency, no matter how remote( though I might decide to loose the tuxedo).

Yea I hear ya, icerat! Perhaps I should loose the "sawzall"... :p

[Gojohnnygo.]

The more I bike and the more I loose weight, the slower I get, because I tend to carry more and more stuff with me. Got to be prepared for any contingency, no matter how remote( though I might decide to loose the tuxedo).
I no the feeling but when spring comes and all that cold weather gear we wear comes off it's a bonus and just think of the handling skill we have learned.
But their is something that worries me about you are you part penguin. ;) :D

[Coda1]

One comment was something like "Its -5 deg. and 11:00 pm. What in F*** are you doing."

[mtessmer]

I've had a number of interesting comments but what I enjoy the most is the blank stares that I get.

[Gojohnnygo.]

I've had a number of interesting comments but what I enjoy the most is the blank stares that I get.

I get the blank stares also, I was on my way home in -30F to -50F wind chills and pulled up to a fast changing red light I had to stop. I look over at a car that now has the green light. Everyone in the car is just staring at me in shock an aw! I had to wave at them and point up to the red light to get them moving.
That was one brutal ride!
Maybe it was all the ice and frost that had built up on my face mask and collar of my jacket?

Winter Cyclist everywhere have are own version of "Shock an aw!" :D

[pinerider]

I don't get a lot of comments on my ride (I seldom listen and don't have a clue what they're saying anyways), but I especially enjoy the blank stares of the poor chilled to the bone sods at the bus stops. They look at you like you are totally insane, because they are standing there freezing to death.

Johnny & Iceratt: We'll all be in great shape in the spring. I think riding thru snow with panniers full of stuff has to be equivelent to riding up a fairly steep hill all the time!

[caloso]

"You're not going to ride in the rain, are you? Your bike will rust." Uh, it's aluminum mostly and rust doesn't form on moving parts....

This NorCal boy has nothing to compare to you hardcore, severe weather types. But the non-cyclists are even more wimpy. I came in to the office one day when it was foggy and cool (45F) but not particularly cold. I was sweaty from a hard ride and the guys at the Xray machine were bundled up in wool coats and scarves. Inside the building!

[mtessmer]

I don't get a lot of comments on my ride (I seldom listen and don't have a clue what they're saying anyways), but I especially enjoy the blank stares of the poor chilled to the bone sods at the bus stops. They look at you like you are totally insane, because they are standing there freezing to death.

Johnny & Iceratt: We'll all be in great shape in the spring. I think riding thru snow with panniers full of stuff has to be equivelent to riding up a fairly steep hill all the time!

You hit the nail right on the head, my thoughts exactly.
:)

[Gojohnnygo.]

"You're not going to ride in the rain, are you? Your bike will rust." Uh, it's aluminum mostly and rust doesn't form on moving parts....

This NorCal boy has nothing to compare to you hardcore, severe weather types.
It's great to hear something like that from a californian(sp?). I could not stand the heat that some of you endure in the summer yuk! But if you want to send some of that heat north this winter feel free to. :D

[Gojohnnygo.]

You hit the nail right on the head, my thoughts exactly.
:)
I'm betting on it! I hope to really beat the hell out of some roadies :) this year in an early spring Team triathlon this year. (With me riding the bike leg of the race) I'm getting tired of finishing way back in the pack. :mad:

[caloso]

It's great to hear something like that from a californian(sp?). I could not stand the heat that some of you endure in the summer yuk! But if you want to send some of that heat north this winter feel free to. :D

Well, the people around here that question my riding in the rain are the same people, come July, who'll question my riding in the 100F heat. What can you do?

By the way, I really appreciate this thread and the Winter Cycling group in general. It really inspires me on the days when it's damp and crappy out.

[Red Baron]

I just like the look on the faces.

[pinerider]

By the way, I really appreciate this thread and the Winter Cycling group in general. It really inspires me on the days when it's damp and crappy out.

There are days in the summer when I might think it's too hot to ride. I just remember how I longed for warm weather while riding through snow storms and cold windy weather. Then it's not too hot to ride.

[pinerider]

The setting:
I'm commuting home along the deserted bike trail along the beach, first time since New Years that the temperature is above freezing. I've got my vest on, LED flashing, etc. as I ride quietely on the bike trail.
Two attractive teenage girls are walking towards me, having a conversation with each other. I have a quick glance and continue on.
One says "CanIhaveyourautograph?" as I pass by. By the time I realized she was talking to me, I replied the same way any balding paunchy, close to 50 year old male cyclistwould: HUH???

It was another 20 seconds or so before I realized she had asked for my autograph. By then it was too late to come up with a snappy answer.

[mtessmer]

The setting:
I'm commuting home along the deserted bike trail along the beach, first time since New Years that the temperature is above freezing. I've got my vest on, LED flashing, etc. as I ride quietely on the bike trail.
Two attractive teenage girls are walking towards me, having a conversation with each other. I have a quick glance and continue on.
One says "CanIhaveyourautograph?" as I pass by. By the time I realized she was talking to me, I replied the same way any balding paunchy, close to 50 year old male cyclistwould: HUH???

It was another 20 seconds or so before I realized she had asked for my autograph. By then it was too late to come up with a snappy answer.

This reminds me of last summer when I stopped and a store, locked my bike and walked accross the street in bike clothes and my helmet still on. A car full of teenage girls drove by and one of them yelled out the window "Nice @$$!!!". It's funny what cycling clothes and a helmet will cover on a 53 year old man.

[claire]

This morning, as I was starting riding on an icy road, a lady on the sidewalk said :"Now be careful on your bike today!" It was actually kind of nice.