Commuting - How to get more respect on the road.

I commute 12 miles round trip every day in Boone, NC. (that's the northwest corner of the state in the mountains). I've realized that most people who are complete dicks to me on the road are usually the same ones with 10 american flag stickers and the "support our troops" magnet (magnet so they can take it off if it becomes unpopular with everyone else).

I've discovered how to get all the respect I'd need from these winners. I'm getting an american flag jersey! Hey, I love this country just as much as anyone else, the only problems is it's full of stupid people. So I thought, why fight it? I'll tell you how it goes.

Yeah the American flag jersey should give you respect...actually a good idea for where you live! If that fails you could hoster a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum revolver, I think that would give you tons of respect even from idiots!

You know that may work, when we tour we fly a American flag sideways (into traffic) off the rack. Cars do give us more room, and more often then not the honking horn is combined with a thumbs up and not the old "let me show you my IQ"

I will always support our troops, regardless if its popular at the time or not. Whatever they need to get them home safe. My son is In Iraq right now, it was not his choice to be there. But I will not support the fool that sent him there... :mad:

Well I guess I did it now... my name is on some list in Washington... along with a million others.

How about a Nascar jersey?

I will always support our troops, regardless if its popular at the time or not. Whatever they need to get them home safe. My son is In Iraq right now, it was not his choice to be there. But I will not support the fool that sent him there... :mad:

I'm a pretty patriotic person. I know a few people who have been sent to Iraq. I'm proud of my country, our troops and want to continue to be proud of it and them which is why I really don't like our current administration. As far as the jersey goes, I've seen some nice US flag ones. I really like the Primal Wear Iron Eagle (http://www.primalwear.com/www.primalwear.com/2004site/IRON-EAGLE-PERFORMANCE.html).

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/400/10_4467.jpg

I suggest a rifle seat-rack with a 12 gauge and a sign that says, "My other bike is a Chevy." It might also help if you roll a pack of cigarettes up in your jersey sleeve.

how about a WonderBread jersey? :p

Sometimes people suck. It happens everywhere.

Don't forget how great it is to live in Boone with all those lovely college babes! Yow!

Also, you have some of the best cycling (road and mtn) in the USA right outside your door.

why do jeresies cost sooooo much? $70 for some cloth :eek:

why do jeresies cost sooooo much? $70 for some cloth :eek:

Most cycling jerseys are made out of high tech wicking nylon such as Supplex or Coolmax. These can be pretty pricey. Cost to consumer for it in the raw is something like $15/yd. Now factour in the labour, the manufacturing process, the silk-screening for the designs and of course the corporate markup and you'll find most fancy (or at least fancy-looking) jerseys will run between $50 and $80. OTOH, I think that's pretty cheap seeing as my baseball fan friends buy $200 team logo jerseys that they only wear as a fashion statement and not out of any need for their activity. Yes, cycling jerseys are expensive but you can find some cheap deals on them. I've gotten jerseys for $30 before. You can't even find some nice t-shirts for that price anymore. Check for closeout sales (especially in the fall and winter) at your LBS.

why do jeresies cost sooooo much? $70 for some cloth :eek:

'cause they can get it.

As khuon said, you can jersies for about $30, sometimes a bit less if you get plain solid colors from Nashbar or Performance. You may also get some older styles for about that on sale.

I, for one, am always amazed at how people will fork out lots of money to be a billboard for some bike sponsor, sports team, shoe company, etc. To each his own, I guess.

Most cycling jerseys are made out of high tech wicking nylon such as Supplex or Coolmax. These can be pretty pricey. Cost to consumer for it in the raw is something like $15/yd. Now factour in the labour, the manufacturing process, the silk-screening for the designs and of course the corporate markup and you'll find most fancy (or at least fancy-looking) jerseys will run between $50 and $80. OTOH, I think that's pretty cheap seeing as my baseball fan friends buy $200 team logo jerseys that they only wear as a fashion statement and not out of any need for their activity. Yes, cycling jerseys are expensive but you can find some cheap deals on them. I've gotten jerseys for $30 before. You can't even find some nice t-shirts for that price anymore. Check for closeout sales (especially in the fall and winter) at your LBS.

Mark up makes up for a lot of it. I have coolmax/synethetic shirts with all types of geometry in the weave that I got for 20 bucks retail from some no name house brand. It's the same fabric with flat stitching but no fancy logos or anything.

The american flag jersey/panny/rack works well since a lot of people are so blindly patriotic anyway. I see people with american flags taped to their backpacks and drivers give em a lot more room than they do me. Like somehow because they have the flag on they're so much more deserving to live in health and safety than I am.

khuon, that is an awsome jersey!

Sometimes people suck. It happens everywhere.

Don't forget how great it is to live in Boone with all those lovely college babes! Yow!

Also, you have some of the best cycling (road and mtn) in the USA right outside your door.

Man, don't I know it! After I did my 6 mile ride back from school I dropped my gear and did the 1 or 2 mile ride to the Blue Ridge Parkway to ride for an hour or so. I'm going to order that jersey soon, the other primal wear american flag jersey. I'll tell everyone how it goes.

BeTheChange,

How did you get your cat to wear a lime peel?

You must be some master of hypnosis or something.

BeTheChange,

How did you get your cat to wear a lime peel?

You must be some master of hypnosis or something.

Limecat (http://limecat.net/) is not pleased.

Limecat (http://limecat.net/) is not pleased.

1-800-CALL-PETA

I suggest a rifle seat-rack with a 12 gauge and a sign that says, "My other bike is a Chevy." It might also help if you roll a pack of cigarettes up in your jersey sleeve.

How about "My other bike is a Harley-Davidson"?:)

--J

Hey, I love this country just as much as anyone else, the only problems is it's full of stupid people. So I thought, why fight it? I'll tell you how it goes.

The question I'd be asking is whether you really want "respect" from stupid people. I know I don't.

I have a beautiful silk American flag tie that I was given at an inagural dinner. It is a great tie, but the only time I felt it was really suitable to wear was near the 4th of July.

The day after the 9/11 attack, I started wearing it -- wore it every day for about a month. People all waved and gave me a "thumbs up" as I was riding to and from work. (My route takes me by the Pentagon, which was smiking for several days afterwards.)

Don't know whether this is relevant or not. It implicitly reminds people that cycling to work is patriotic, though -- which can't be bad.

Paul

The question I'd be asking is whether you really want "respect" from stupid people. I know I don't.

I don't either, but those stupid people are driving cars...

Forget it,just ride.

Hmm. I have sheets of 3M Scotchlite reflective film in red, white and blue. I may give some thought to fashioning a small flag made from it. 8x10 inches or so.

I suggest a rifle seat-rack with a 12 gauge and a sign that says, "My other bike is a Chevy." It might also help if you roll a pack of cigarettes up in your jersey sleeve.

:roflmao: That's a hoot!!!!

I commute 12 miles round trip every day in Boone, NC. (that's the northwest corner of the state in the mountains). I've realized that most people who are complete dicks to me on the road are usually the same ones with 10 american flag stickers and the "support our troops" magnet (magnet so they can take it off if it becomes unpopular with everyone else).

I've discovered how to get all the respect I'd need from these winners. I'm getting an american flag jersey! Hey, I love this country just as much as anyone else, the only problems is it's full of stupid people. So I thought, why fight it? I'll tell you how it goes.
LOL Ha Ha HA
I'm rite there with you buddy. I've even mensioned this on other threads. I have'nt read all these replies so forgive me if I repeat something but I just had to jump in on this one. Yes the American Red Neck (Americanus Rougus Spinus) A very difficult creature to study and understand. I've lived in many places in this country including New England ,New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana and now Virginia. I find there are different species of Red Necks around the country. In Virginia if your driving a car down the road they all wave at you! It freeked me out the first time I moved here from NE b/c up there if you wave to someone or say hi they think your a freek. But in all places I have found that if your on a bike and they in a automobile then you are nothing but a squirlle or turtle on the road. Some people swerve for these animals some purposely hit them. In either case you get hit it was your fault you don't belong on the road, roads are for cars and trucks get outta my way! I've thought of the American flag Jersey but here are a couple others I'd like to get: Dale Ernhardt, Bush Beer, maby Calvin peeing on a Ford or A Chevy (either one gets respect), NASCAR, White Tail, NRA many others. It's funny too how these imbicile flag waving red necks don't even know who Lance is. You know Lance Armstrong 5 time winner Tour De Freedom!

EDIT: btw Boone is a great place I love it. Next month I'm riding Mt Mitchell

I don't either, but those stupid people are driving cars...

So???

Yeah the American flag jersey should give you respect...actually a good idea for where you live! If that fails you could hoster a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum revolver, I think that would give you tons of respect even from idiots!

Hey I REALLY like the gun idea! honest. Wolud like even better to use it on some of these jerks. But I did the American flag thing today and it did seemed to help till I got into Cleveland, but thats in my post of Cleveland Ohio Blues..... anyhow, told a friend about the American flag idea (and he dosent ride!) and right away he mentions, "What about an Olympic symbol? They would all think you were training for the Olympics"! Hmmm, good idea? I sorta like it. Could print it out on card and put it in a baggie and hang it from the back of the saddle like I did the American flag, or is that going too far?

Huh. I'd think that in NC you'd want a jersey with the Stars and Bars, not the Stars and Stripes.

BeTheChange,

How did you get your cat to wear a lime peel?

You must be some master of hypnosis or something.

I actually found it on some guy's tequilla web page.

The question I'd be asking is whether you really want "respect" from stupid people. I know I don't.

Oh, by "respect" I mean having them give me a little room and not do that almost-hit-something-look-over-the-shoulder-while-driving-to-see-if-i-killed-someone. Peace

Oh, by "respect" I mean having them give me a little room and not do that almost-hit-something-look-over-the-shoulder-while-driving-to-see-if-i-killed-someone. Peace

That one's already sorted. I just take as much room as I feel I need, and let them fight over the scraps.

Huh. I'd think that in NC you'd want a jersey with the Stars and Bars, not the Stars and Stripes.
Now your talkin ;)

If you ever take your bike outside of the country, you would loose lots of respect for wearing that jersey. I live in Ottawa, and we, Canadians, really don't like the blindly patriotic rednecks either. If you're ever going to Canada, leave your jersey at home or you may get treated the same way you did by the rednecks before you had the jersey.

If you ever take your bike outside of the country, you would loose lots of respect for wearing that jersey. I live in Ottawa, and we, Canadians, really don't like the blindly patriotic rednecks either. If you're ever going to Canada, leave your jersey at home or you may get treated the same way you did by the rednecks before you had the jersey.


you're funny....

If you ever take your bike outside of the country, you would loose lots of respect for wearing that jersey. I live in Ottawa, and we, Canadians, really don't like the blindly patriotic rednecks either. If you're ever going to Canada, leave your jersey at home or you may get treated the same way you did by the rednecks before you had the jersey.

Lock up those borders,were full.

Lock up those borders,were full.
Good Idea!

Ladies and gentlemen,

This thread has drifted somewhat from the original discussion topic. Consequently I have just split the thread. The remainder of the posts can be found in this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=49489

Those who wish to continue that particular discussion can do so there.

Cheers,
Chris L
Forum moderator.

If you ever take your bike outside of the country, you would loose lots of respect for wearing that jersey. I live in Ottawa, and we, Canadians, really don't like the blindly patriotic rednecks either. If you're ever going to Canada, leave your jersey at home or you may get treated the same way you did by the rednecks before you had the jersey.

I hate buying something that goes against what I think (I'm completely not a nationalist, more of an anti-nationalist), but if it helps it helps. I hope you don't close the borders, 'cause after grad school I'm trying to find some biochem related work in BC. Hopefully there I'll find some more like-minded people. I'd rather have an anti-flag (the band http://www.anti-flag.com) jersey anyday, but then i think people might run me off the road ha ha ha. Peace.

I hate buying something that goes against what I think (I'm completely not a nationalist, more of an anti-nationalist), but if it helps it helps. I hope you don't close the borders, 'cause after grad school I'm trying to find some biochem related work in BC. Hopefully there I'll find some more like-minded people. I'd rather have an anti-flag (the band http://www.anti-flag.com) jersey anyday, but then i think people might run me off the road ha ha ha. Peace.

I hope the borders aren't closed either, some of my best friends are (non-nationalist) Americans. I'd much rather wear an anti-flag jersey too, but I would definately do what you are doing-- wear the flag so you don't get run off the road by rednecks. Just remember, if you do go to BC and wear your flag jersey, you probably would get run off the road.

What part of BC are you moving to?

wear the flag so you don't get run off the road by rednecks. Just remember, if you do go to BC and wear your flag jersey, you probably would get run off the road.

What part of BC are you moving to?
Nic I think you are amusing.. Having said that wouldn't worry about rednecks.. I would be more concerned about people from a "country" that sleep in the very blanket of freedom that we provide (rednecks included) and then attache a stereotype to someone they don't even know...by the way, I don't think those mint green ships of yours scare anyone.....

by the way, why would we want to ride our bikes in your country anyway? You watch out tv shows, drive in our cars and listen to our music...Stick to figure skating... I work with several Canadian Officers and they do not sport your poor attitude...

I like Canada. A lot of my friends went in the late 60's and early 70's.

I like Canada. A lot of my friends went in the late 60's and early 70's.

mmm I bet they are the ones running flag wearing cyclists off the road that nic is referring to....Shockhead, you solved the mystery!

Nic I think you are amusing.. Having said that wouldn't worry about rednecks.. I would be more concerned about people from a "country" that sleep in the very blanket of freedom that we provide (rednecks included) and then attache a stereotype to someone they don't even know...by the way, I don't think those mint green ships of yours scare anyone.....

by the way, why would we want to ride our bikes in your country anyway? You watch out tv shows, drive in our cars and listen to our music...Stick to figure skating... I work with several Canadian Officers and they do not sport your poor attitude...

And by our cars, he means those FORDs that are made in Canada. Give me one of dem there furrin imports like my good old Toyota, made in Kentucky.

Oh Canada, our home and native land...Whoops, guess I watched too many Islander games back in the 70's. Why is it that so many Americans (and by that I mean citizens of the U.S.A.) are surprised that few people like having a big bully living near them? Sure, when push came to shove we finally jumped into the fray and helped other countries to defeat totalitarianism in Germany, imperialistic military rule in Japan, and helped to rebuild the damage in many countries caused by the war. That should not give us carte blanche to rub everyone's noses in it for over 50 years or expect them to be happy about the US acting as a unilaterial world power. Furthermore, why should you be surprised that the US flag may very well be a symbol of the unilaterial attitude to many people.

Personally, I think Canada is a great country and would love to ride there. Also, proud to be an American, but not always proud of the way the country is run.

mmm I bet they are the ones running flag wearing cyclists off the road that nic is referring to....Shockhead, you solved the mystery!
Could be,never heard of them again. They might have changed their minds or are still playing wide receiver.

Today we took our new bike out for it's first long ride. Drivers gave us all kinds of room! Most of them went completly into the other lane. It was a little freaky. We only had one or two pass us with in 5 feet. And when there was no room to pass they waited untill there was room before they passed. And no angry horns, or things yelled out windows. Lots of waves and smiles. As well as a lot of surprized looks from people in the cars.

No Flag, rifle rack or heat seaking missles on the rear rack. It must be the bike. With our old touring bike we never got treated as good as we did today, so it must be the bike.

Whats so special about this bike? Well nothing really, it is after all just a bike...Well ok, it's a recumbent tandem trike. Maybe they never saw one before and thats why they gave us so much room, or they thought it was a wheelchair, or an excaped Mars lander. I don't know, but it sure was nice. I hope it lasts!

Hmm. I have sheets of 3M Scotchlite reflective film in red, white and blue. I may give some thought to fashioning a small flag made from it. 8x10 inches or so.

Ditto. I'd actually wear that Primal Wear™ Iron Eagle Jersey from Performance bike shop. Of course they don't make anything like that in smaller sizes.

Its just me know but i could'nt was a flag or red,white and blue jersy or i love america or whatever,not even if it was given to me. I can hardly belive i have a flag in the front yard.

Funny you mention the flag. I have a collection of about 30 of those flags they sell to fly on cars that I have "rescued" from the road and gutters while on my rides.

And by our cars, he means those FORDs that are made in Canada. Give me one of dem there furrin imports like my good old Toyota, made in Kentucky.

Oh Canada, our home and native land...Whoops, guess I watched too many Islander games back in the 70's. Why is it that so many Americans (and by that I mean citizens of the U.S.A.) are surprised that few people like having a big bully living near them? Sure, when push came to shove we finally jumped into the fray and helped other countries to defeat totalitarianism in Germany, imperialistic military rule in Japan, and helped to rebuild the damage in many countries caused by the war. That should not give us carte blanche to rub everyone's noses in it for over 50 years or expect them to be happy about the US acting as a unilaterial world power. Furthermore, why should you be surprised that the US flag may very well be a symbol of the unilaterial attitude to many people.

Personally, I think Canada is a great country and would love to ride there. Also, proud to be an American, but not always proud of the way the country is run.

uhm sorry, I refer to the FORDS made 15 miles from where I live, in Chesapeake, Virginia... point well taken though...Anyone not interested in treating our glag with respect may move to another country of their choosing....