Southern California - RANT: AT GMR Junction!!!! I got asked if i need "assistance" from a couple

The guy was commenting that I rode a bike up a mountain. I was going to turn around at the Junction but wanted to take a few photos with my cellphone of the scenery. They were slow to leave the gravel inspite of getting in their cars and positioning themselves to leave. I was looking at them and wondering what the hell they were doing??

Anyways the guy asks if I need help?? LMFAO!!!! They both looked out of shape and I get the feeling they werent too smart either????? How the hell does someone get lost up in the mountains? And who the hell gives up in the middle of the ride like that?????? I thought it was just really stupid of them to even ask. I told them Im fine and I am just trying to take some pictures with my cellphone. The idiot wife of his or girlfriend asks the same question to me again!!!! So I respond "Im FIIINNEEEE THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!" They drive off and she screams out "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" And the unnecessary part was that they had to ask me atleast 5 times if I need help or if I am okay?!?!? Exact words "ARE YOU OKAY???"

I get the feeling they didnt like seeing some guy riding up a mountain on a bike when they would probably never do something like that in their lifetime. They totally went out of their way to ask some really unnecessary stupid questions.

It reminds me of that time when I used to go to the gym. And I would ask these people that look like they never worked out before or just recently started to spot me on the bench press and they would lift the weight off of me prematurely if I force out my last rep. A person that knows how to spot someone would wait it out until I look like I am actually failing instead of taking the weight off my hands when I am slowly moving it up. This tends to happen when I am lifting a weight THEY THINK is too heavy for me. Because I would typically bench press 185lbs for sets and since I only weight about 150lbs they figure I couldnt possibly lift that?!??!

I know where these peoples minds are. They never push themselves so they dont expect others to push themselves either. People like them really annoy the hell out of me and they deserve getting treated rudely in return.

What kind of bike do you ride? I'll have to keep an eye out for you. Maybe I'll run into you on one of my rides up GMR.:D

Im doing atleast one more ride before I go out of state because of my job in less than a week from now. After that I wont be able to ride a bike for atleast 7 months. Its really a shame because I am totally in love with the GMR now. Its the best route ever and I have to credit Mr. Beanz for convincing me that it wont be as difficult as the Mt. Baldy route. Probably the first thing I will do when I get back almost half a year later will be to go on a GMR ride as long as my legs are still able to pedal like they do now. If not I will get myself in shape and tackle the GMR again.

I am kind of self conscious about struggling up the mountain. On my incredible awesome descent, I saw atleast a dozen cyclists climbing and nobody looked to be struggling as much as I was while going up. I even saw a girl on a hybrid riding up that mountain and SMILING?!?!!?! I was grimacing and looking like I was tackling the Mont Ventoux.

Oh my! How terrible. People were nice to you! What were they thinking?

It's better when motorists are trying to kill you. Really!

I think you need to revise your biography. Mellow, you're not. ;)

Meanwhile, on another internet forum (maybe for Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Class Graduates)

"You won't believe what happened to us today.
We went for a drive on a seldom-used mountain road to enjoy the beautiful day. We parked and got out to admire the view and notice a bicyclist, pulled over, by himself. We looked around for his riding partner (hello... ever heard of the buddy system?) and didn't see one.
Then we noticed that he had his cell phone out.

My wife says "maybe his buddy went over the side and he's trying to call for help", so we asked if he needed help. He said no.

We didn't want to just leave him there if he is alone (maybe he's never heard of mountain lions taking down solo cyclists?), so we waited.
My wife says "maybe he just found out that he doesn't have cell reception, or his battery is dead", so we asked him again. He said no.

He's still standing there, looking at his phone. We took our time getting into the car, wondering if his riding partner is going to show up.
I said to my wife "let's just wait a minute more -- I'd hate to read about him tomorrow and regret leaving".

Having hesitated long enough, we're ready to leave, so we asked once more -- I mean, what if he's disorientated from the long ride, or having a silent heart attack -- better safe than sorry.
He got all upset, like we were his parents nagging him and he needed to prove that he can be a big boy. You know, the 'big boy' who thinks he doesn't need a buddy when he goes scuba diving.

He go downright rude, basically telling us to FOD.

We got the hint and left.

In the Wilderness first aid class they told us to always assume the worst might happen and be prepared for it.
They didn't tell us that solo cyclists were such arrogant pricks!

We still hope his okay -- you know how many drunks there are on the road today."

Naw, they were probably just meddlesome porkers with nothing better to do than irritate cyclists.

OP is an ass. I'm glad I don't shred with him.

What kind of bike do you ride? I'll have to keep an eye out for you. Maybe I'll run into you on one of my rides up GMR.:D


Make sure to bring the flip....:D

And?

Make sure to bring the flip....:D

I'll bring it for sure!:D...You know I was doing a hundred mile ride the other day on the trail. At about mile 60 I was wondering where all the other riders were as there was NOBODY around. About a minute later some dude comes blazing by then fades about 30 seconds later. I'm thinking this dude had to come down a ramp or something cause he faded way too fast to think he held that pace for any lenght of time. But it made me think of Hollow's past post about racing around riders and not being able to hold the pace. SO I thought , maybe that's the guy! I started to pull out the Flip knowing that I'd catch back up as the blazing fury was showing serious signs of fading! Just as I was reaching into my jersey pocket for the Flip, the dude pulls over, lifts his leg, then puts the kickstand down and parks his roadbike on the side of the road!:eek:....:roflmao2:.....He stopped so fast I missed the shot!:D

That's when I thought, no, that can't be him!:p

I think I know this guy!
I once asked him if he needed anything while he was fixing his flat.

I think I know this guy!
I once asked him if he needed anything while he was fixing his flat.

Did he flip you off??

The guy was commenting that I rode a bike up a mountain. I was going to turn around at the Junction but wanted to take a few photos with my cellphone of the scenery. They were slow to leave the gravel inspite of getting in their cars and positioning themselves to leave. I was looking at them and wondering what the hell they were doing??

Anyways the guy asks if I need help?? LMFAO!!!! They both looked out of shape and I get the feeling they werent too smart either????? How the hell does someone get lost up in the mountains? And who the hell gives up in the middle of the ride like that?????? I thought it was just really stupid of them to even ask. I told them Im fine and I am just trying to take some pictures with my cellphone. The idiot wife of his or girlfriend asks the same question to me again!!!! So I respond "Im FIIINNEEEE THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!" They drive off and she screams out "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" And the unnecessary part was that they had to ask me atleast 5 times if I need help or if I am okay?!?!? Exact words "ARE YOU OKAY???"

I get the feeling they didnt like seeing some guy riding up a mountain on a bike when they would probably never do something like that in their lifetime. They totally went out of their way to ask some really unnecessary stupid questions.

It reminds me of that time when I used to go to the gym. And I would ask these people that look like they never worked out before or just recently started to spot me on the bench press and they would lift the weight off of me prematurely if I force out my last rep. A person that knows how to spot someone would wait it out until I look like I am actually failing instead of taking the weight off my hands when I am slowly moving it up. This tends to happen when I am lifting a weight THEY THINK is too heavy for me. Because I would typically bench press 185lbs for sets and since I only weight about 150lbs they figure I couldnt possibly lift that?!??!

I know where these peoples minds are. They never push themselves so they dont expect others to push themselves either. People like them really annoy the hell out of me and they deserve getting treated rudely in return.
You said it, and YES YOU NEED HELP!

Too bad they didn't run you ass over before they asked if you are ok. 'Would have saved you a bit of frustration.
:troll::troll:

Ok I admit that today in retrospect maybe they were being nice. Maybe I have a big ego. Maybe they werent such bad people. But they asked repeatedly the same question over and over. That was the part that got really annoying. MAYBE they werent trying to get on my nerves. I will keep this in mind next time something like this happens again. My heart rate was up and they killed my high when I got to fork. I felt like I accomplished something and they totally ruined the moment by acting like I was about to pass out or something.

I reiterate post #6.

Relax, don't worry, have a homebrew.

I think I have ran into the OP before. I was riding Santiago Canyon Road several years ago, and passed a rider who was fixing a flat. I called out "Do you have everything you need?" He replied "**** You!"

Serves me right for offering to help him.

That couple was asking "Are you okay?" Like I'm a child. Not in the way you would ask another adult. The tone of voice was very condescending. And anyone that is condescending automatically makes me size them up. They looked out of shape and my assumption was that they could never ride up GMR as it would probably never happen they would lose 50lbs of their excess blubber. So I figured they shouldnt be condescending towards someone that can actually get up that road on a bike.

No offense to overweight people. That couple had a tone of voice that pushed a button in my head.


If someone offered to help with a flat, I would be grateful. I had to hitch a ride from a stranger one time because I had a flat and didnt have any equipment to fix it. I was extremely grateful to them. I walked atleast two miles before I found a van at an intersection and asked if I could hitch a ride.

It wasnt because they offered help. Its because of their tone of voice. They were talking to me like Im a kid. Maybe I look young but that is no way to talk to a man over 30 years old.

OP is an ass. I'm glad I don't shred with him.

Ding ! My thoughts exactly.

Here's another (unsolicited) offer of help:

"When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."


That couple was asking "Are you okay?" Like I'm a child. Not in the way you would ask another adult. The tone of voice was very condescending. And anyone that is condescending automatically makes me size them up. They looked out of shape and my assumption was that they could never ride up GMR as it would probably never happen they would lose 50lbs of their excess blubber. So I figured they shouldnt be condescending towards someone that can actually get up that road on a bike.

No offense to overweight people. That couple had a tone of voice that pushed a button in my head.


If someone offered to help with a flat, I would be grateful. I had to hitch a ride from a stranger one time because I had a flat and didnt have any equipment to fix it. I was extremely grateful to them. I walked atleast two miles before I found a van at an intersection and asked if I could hitch a ride.

It wasnt because they offered help. Its because of their tone of voice. They were talking to me like Im a kid. Maybe I look young but that is no way to talk to a man over 30 years old.

Here's another (unsolicited) offer of help:

"When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."

how about you quit pretending what the intent is. im not digging a hole here for myself. im digging a hole here for you. lol

how about you quit pretending what the intent is. im not digging a hole here for myself. im digging a hole here for you. lol

Lighten up, Francis.:twitchy:

"Insfferable" comes to mind for some reason when I read Hollow Cyclist's attempts to justify himself. My guess is everyone he knows sounds "condescending" to him.

I'm sure you are much better of a guy than you know.

<-----no longer wonders about the nick "Hollow Cyclist."

This Guy can't be real. I love it when people offer help or encourgment. Now days most motorist see how close they pass you and scare the S*&t out of you. Rude cyclist are making it hard on the rest of us.

This Guy can't be real. I love it when people offer help or encourgment. Now days most motorist see how close they pass you and scare the S*&t out of you. Rude cyclist are making it hard on the rest of us.

Absolutely. I've made many friends by accepting help or just saying "No, I'm cool. So what are you up to?" I love meeting people, but then, that's just me. Nyuk, nyuk.

I hate when condescending a-hole fat people ask me stupid questions during my training. We need a "What Kind Of Firearm Is Best For Cycling on GMR" thread.

It could be in a sub forum of P&R called "Trolling on BF."

I think I have ran into the OP before. I was riding Santiago Canyon Road several years ago, and passed a rider who was fixing a flat. I called out "Do you have everything you need?" He replied "**** You!"

Serves me right for offering to help him.

Funny. I had a similiar experience.

There was an old guy that rode in the Griffith Park area, you have probably seen him, he looked like he was about 90 and he had a significant hunch back. I actually admired the old guy when I saw him. One day I saw him on the side of the road fixing a flat. I thought great, I finally will get to meet this old guy so I pulled over and offered assistance. I got one word out before he started cussing at me like nothing I have experienced before. I had to get out of there for fear that someone would think that I was abusing the old guy. This guy obviously had mental issues but it put me in the mind set whereby someone has to ask me for help. No more volunteering.

I hate when condescending a-hole fat people ask me stupid questions during my training. We need a "What Kind Of Firearm Is Best For Cycling on GMR" thread.

atleast this guy understands where i am coming from... lol although thats going a bit too far.


these sedentary people need to realize most cyclists are type-A personalities. And there is nothing that type-A personalities hate more than someone being condescending.

Hollow, you have missed everything that has been posted on this thread. Amazing.

Absolutely. I've made many friends by accepting help or just saying "No, I'm cool. So what are you up to?" I love meeting people, but then, that's just me. Nyuk, nyuk.

I like this.

On the touring forum people like the ones described are called "road angels". Who cares if they asked more than once? Learn to deal with people and lighten up, or go live in a cave somewhere.

Funny. I had a similiar experience.

There was an old guy that rode in the Griffith Park area, you have probably seen him, he looked like he was about 90 and he had a significant hunch back. I actually admired the old guy when I saw him. One day I saw him on the side of the road fixing a flat. I thought great, I finally will get to meet this old guy so I pulled over and offered assistance. I got one word out before he started cussing at me like nothing I have experienced before. I had to get out of there for fear that someone would think that I was abusing the old guy. This guy obviously had mental issues but it put me in the mind set whereby someone has to ask me for help. No more volunteering. That probably was "Sideways Al" a legend for filthy clothing and a filthy mouth. Believe me he earned the nickname "sideways" Took out many a rider. I haven't seen him in several years. He used to ride with the renegades from CSUN on Sundays but I woud see him all over the Valley. Always wearing the same clothes and dirty jacket.

That probably was "Sideways Al" a legend for filthy clothing and a filthy mouth. Believe me he earned the nickname "sideways" Took out many a rider. I haven't seen him in several years. He used to ride with the renegades from CSUN on Sundays but I woud see him all over the Valley. Always wearing the same clothes and dirty jacket.


Interesting. I have not seen him for a year, maybe two. If I see him again I will yell out "hey sideways how you doin'" Maybe not, if there happened to be young children around they might learn seven or eight new words. I think I learned one or two new ones during our encounter.

I have had people ask me if I was ok, when I had pulled off of the roadway, CAMERA IN HAND, taking photos. Nice is good to have, but there comes a point. Do you think the people waving us through intersections are "nice"? I think they're dangerous and I never go when they wave. They've waved WHILE ROLLING THROUGH the intersection. I've had many cyclists ask me if I was ok along the SART when changing a flat. Told every one, no, but thank you. I'm glad they asked. Trust me, if I need help, I WILL ask. If an emergency, I'll be flagging down anyone possible. I understand where the OP is coming from though. When asked if I need help, and I say no, and they still ask, that is annoying and a bit nosy.

Hey Beanz
I think I saw You and Gina on the trail at Imperial Hwy on Saturday. You looked like you were waiting for someone. Hope you had a good New Years Celebration...John

Hey Beanz
I think I saw You and Gina on the trail at Imperial Hwy on Saturday. You looked like you were waiting for someone. Hope you had a good New Years Celebration...John

More than likley us. We start at Orangewood, ride to Imperial for a warmup then stop and stretch a bit. Then head to the coast.:D...Good new years like the old folks that we are, fell asleep early!:p

What's with these nosy people?! Maybe they just watch too much TV:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/09/national/main592433.shtml

It almost never happens, especially to people in really good physical condition:

http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/lion_attacks_ca.html

http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/lion_attacks_nonca.html



Why can't people just leave us alone? I mean, if they are going to keep asking us "are you okay?", they might as well just say what they are really thinking -- "are you stupid?"

Like the Marine who stopped and helped when I'd been hit by a pickup truck. There I was, laying in the middle of the intersection, minding my own business and he came up and started asking me a bunch of questions. Talk about annoying and nosy. And then the paramedics came and started asking me the same stupid questions! (Yeah, I know my name and what day of the week it is, and... what difference does it make who's president?!)
Just leave us alone unless we ask for help!

But seriously, folks.



I have had people ask me if I was ok, when I had pulled off of the roadway, CAMERA IN HAND, taking photos. Nice is good to have, but there comes a point. Do you think the people waving us through intersections are "nice"? I think they're dangerous and I never go when they wave. They've waved WHILE ROLLING THROUGH the intersection. I've had many cyclists ask me if I was ok along the SART when changing a flat. Told every one, no, but thank you. I'm glad they asked. Trust me, if I need help, I WILL ask. If an emergency, I'll be flagging down anyone possible. I understand where the OP is coming from though. When asked if I need help, and I say no, and they still ask, that is annoying and a bit nosy.

wow...OP..you are steeped in D0uchebaggery.

Serioulsy though i though cycling was supposed to lower your blood pressure.

Having been on a bike the better part of 40 years, I have been asked many questions by folks in cars. I always smile and say "Thanks for asking. How nice of you but I am OK..." smile and wave and that's it. Ever wonder why cyclists get a bad rap? It's because some people get their noses bent out of shape for the wrong reasons. If the people had throw cans out of the car at you, I would understand the need to rant. They only tried to be helpful. Calm down, put yourself in their shoes and be gracious. Motorist need to know not all cyclists are jerks. And Crash is right... no need for this to cause a blood pressure episode!:(

...

No offense to overweight people. That couple had a tone of voice that pushed a button in my head.


It wasnt because they offered help. Its because of their tone of voice. They were talking to me like Im a kid. Maybe I look young but that is no way to talk to a man over 30 years old.

Read this and some questions came to mind - how old are you? 31, 32? Listen I'm 60... you ARE a kid to me!

And is this really about overweight people? So overweight people have some hidden agenda? They drive around looking for fit roadies to annoy planning to ask questions until the roadies' accomplish button is broken?

Do you see how silly this sounds?

Having done a few century rides, I have friends who have no concept of what that means. To them riding 3 miles on a bike path with their kids is alot. If you want to keep your health and sanity, learn to put everything in context. They just don't understand what you did. They thought (because most people would) you might need help. Better to ask than not. I alway asks if someone needs help regardless if they look like they do or not. You just never know and it is the polite and nice thing to do. You should always remember that. Someday you might be old and fat and driving around with your wife and on a mountain top come across some youngster roadie who's stopped...;)

atleast this guy understands where i am coming from... lol although thats going a bit too far.


these sedentary people need to realize most cyclists are type-A personalities. And there is nothing that type-A personalities hate more than someone being condescending.

And sorry I won't let this go... you obviously have hit a button with me... most cyclists are not Type A... only a few... hate to say it, alot of those are a-holes.

And them being condescending? Obviously you have some insecurities to think that. You thought them condescending because somehow you believed your abilities and manhold were questioned. They were just being nice, nothing more. I suggest you learn to lighten up. Type A's tend to die off alot quicker than other types...:innocent:

Evidently dealing with the all on/all off crowd. There are many levels to things, not just extremes. When I'm obviously in trouble (crashed bicycle, injuries; car pulled over, hood up) then yeah, asking if I was ok is a good thing. When I'm taking photos alongside the roadway, especially when it is obvious I am (you know - with a camera), it tends to be nosy. Your example is not a good comparison. The OP's statement was that once asked and said no to any need for help, and they asked again, that is being a bit intrusive. Saying "No" once should be enough. No, I don't need help or Yes, I do need help. Either way, thank you for asking and either move on or help as the case warrants. Helpful people are good to have, I've offered assistance many times, when declined I moved on.

these sedentary people need to realize most cyclists are type-A personalities. And there is nothing that type-A personalities hate more than someone being condescending.

I think you've got the wrong type-A...more like type-A$$hole...STOP digging and start looking for self-improvement books!