Pamestique 

Only a fellow Clyde would understand...

Yesterday did a long road ride (52 miles, 3800' of climbing). While chugging through Santiago Canyon (a road through the Orange County, CA, foothills), a large peloton came racing by... as the last guy passed I saw he looked back at me and in a less than "inside voice" shouts to his fellow riders "Whew! That's a whole lot of love right there!".... After I stopped laughing, got alittle depressed then snapped out of it... he's right, big gal on a bike, but hey, I was out there climbing!

Mark Stone

Ouch! But I guess after all cyclists are just human. I think most people that see "larger" people riding bikes or walking or jogging are actually proud of them. After all, we're out trying to do something positive for our health.

FarHorizon

The peloton folks are young. They have yet to realize the problems (including added weight and lowered energy) that come with age. They also have no clue that one day they will be you, too.

It's also an almost universal trait of young folks that they have little empathy or tolerance for others who are different.

Therefore, when I see a young person make a statement that's less than kind, I merely remember the dolt that I was at that age and then just smile. They'll be lucky to be in as good a shape as I am when they reach my age.

Up North

You should have yelled back- more than all of you can handle! Don't let lesser beings discourage you, keep it up.

indyfabz

Seriously? I will tell my 50, 60, 70 and 80 year old friends in the peloton you said that.

spdracr39

I think it was meant as a complement Keep up the good work and positive attitude !!

Pamestique 

I think it was more "amazement" - like "good grief, really, that old fat chick it riding in the Canyon? ('cause people in these part know that ride is challenging)" And it doesn't discourage me; if so, I would have stopped riding 30 years ago! Just thought it was funny... sometimes, other riders (and this group was fairly young) forget cyclists come in all ages, shapes and sizes, even those who do more than a 1 mile cruise on the bike path.

Up North - "more than all of you can handle!" was exactly what I thought to say as a come back but they were way too far ahead by then... had to stop laughing first!

dr_lha

I did a group 70 mile ride a few months back lead by a guy who basically looks like he was made out of muscle and sinew. We were having a conversation about hill climbing and he told me how much faster he was since he lost 4lbs. I told him, yes, I'm faster up the hills now I lost 20lbs, but I still weighed 270lbs now. He just kind of looked at me aghast, and said "I'm impressed you can get up the hills at all".

TrojanHorse

People... can't live with 'em, can't hit 'em in the head with a brick.

What are you going to do. I'm glad you didn't let it ruin your day.