noglider 

If someone worked that hard to prove himself to me, I would let him pass and slow way down for a couple of minutes to give him a big lead. Either that, or I would leave him in the dust, whichever was more convenient.

savethekudzu

Bells are best! Everybody knows what they mean and - surprise surprise - many people can hear them through headphones.

bconneraz

2) n. a person who has a mishmash of old gear, does't care at all about technology or fashion, didn't race or follow racing, etc. Often identified by chainring marks on white calf socks. Used by "serious" roadies to disparage utility cyclists and touring riders, especially after these totally unfashionable "freds" drop the "serious" roadies on hills because the "serious" guys were really posers. This term is from road touring and, according to popular myth, "Fred" was a well-known grumpy old touring rider, who really was named Fred.

I had such a great ride in today, and all I could think of was this thread...lol-

A little background on me- I'm 45, and have been an avid cyclist since i was 15. I love bikes- all types, shapes, weights....I consider myself a bicycling lifestylist. If I'm not commuting, I'm hitting the dirt on my fatbike, or going to the grocery store with my trailer, or hopping on my road bike for a club ride; I love and do it all. While not car free, I am proud that I use a bike more each week than I use my car.

When I commute, I am absolutely a Fred. Hi vis everything, ankle reflectors, flashing lights everywhere........as much as I feel like a geek, I made a promise to my wife and son that I would always do what I can to be as visible as possible. Here's what I wore today as it hangs behind me...


And my "Fred Sled"- 40 some pounds of pure joy. I absolutely love this bike-


So.....lol
On todays ride to work, I was doing a bridge crossing, and approaching the only sizable climb of my ride. (probably a 1/2 mile, at an average of 6%) I was buzzed by a guy in a full kit, riding a carbon wonder bike. I didn't think much of it until I was buzzed by another guy, and then finally, a third. All in full kits, and two were wearing aero TT helmets. After the 3rd rider passed me, it dawned on me that I had crossed paths with these 3 before, on the same hill, a couple of months ago.

So....you know those riders that pass you, and once you're behind them, you can tell that based on their crappy pedal stroke, bike handling, and beer belly that they probably aren't that fast, despite the 10k of gear they're sporting? Yep, that's the 3 Amigos. Last time they did the same thing; they blew by me on the flat road, and as soon as the road turned up, they appeared to struggle, so I passed them.

Today, was the same scenero, but instead of simply passing them on the hill, I smoked them. I didn't say a word as I passed, however, I did give each individual a friendly ding of my bell as I flashed them a peace sign. When I got to the top of the hill, I did a subtle fist pump, and proceeded to fly down the otherside. I caught the stop light at the bottom; I went straight, and the 3 Amigos made a right, most likely to go ride through the canyon.

Going back to some of the original thoughts and questions that were posed by the OP, why did I do it? I'm a pretty mellow dude; what made me get competitive and make a point to blow past these guys?

I came up with a couple thoughts, but what it all gets down to is this; When I ride my commuter, in hi-vis clothing, and look like a Fred, I generally get no respect from cyclists, unless of course, they are Freds themselves. (If I'm on my Seven, in a kit, it's a different story) My experience, based on where I ride, is that if you're going to be taken "seriously" you need to be in a full kit, on a carbon wonder bike, that costs more than your buddies carbon wonder bike. When such a rider passes me, It gets under my skin, so as a matter of personal pride, and to represent Freds everywhere, I drop the hammer.
I can only imagine what the 3 Amigos chatted about after they made their turn. They may say what they will, but they just got schooled by a dude with fenders....lol.

Can't wait for the mellow ride home this afternoon.

Matariki

Not for me - I have drum brakes.

woodway

Good morning or on your left are both OK with me- I appreciate knowing your coming around me.

If I am yo-yo'ing with someone who is not riding like a jerk I'll sometimes chat. I find pulling up next to them and asking a question about their bike is a good ice breaker.

I could care a less about being passed. I ride my pace and don't care about the pace anybody else rides.

I ride 41 miles RT 5 days/week year round so through sheer repetition my pace is rather brisk. I come across many who obviously don't like to be passed and will either speed up as I come up behind or try to suck my wheel after I go past. Those are really the only two things that annoy me.

bconneraz

Much respect- that's a lot of miles.

Johnny Rebel

Like bconneraz, I am a mellow soul, too. I don't mind a wheel sucker, actually, as long as I know they're there, but the half-wheeling nonsense is what got my goat, at one point I needed to move left and seeing Mr. Cat 6, with his front wheel parallel to my rear wheel, was a surprise

Funny thing is, I saw the same guy on the way home! For a guy who rides like a menace, he sure had a bright set of lights, at least!

mgw4jc

Love it. They may have been too embarrassed to have mentioned it to each other, but they at least had to be thinking to themselves, "Man I gotta workout on hills more."

Dave Cutter

I prefer a simple "bicycle" announcement (instead of a "on your left" or a greeting). I keep telling myself I need a bell.

I sort of enjoy the occasional racer. Generally I just watch and don't actively participate in their imaginary race.

Although... to honest when I've noticed they are young enough to be a grandchild. And feel confidence they realize I am old enough to be their grand father. I have taken the time and [made the] effort to let them know.. old age... has hope.

We were all new and/or young once.

Wanderer

Funny you should mention that ----- frequently, I meet a grandchild age child on the bike trails, trying to carry something home, swinging from the bars, or tangled on their body.....; I usually open my grocery panniers, and offer to have them drop it in for a free ride home, since I'm usually just out for the ride anyway. 99% of the time they take me up on it, and I make a new friend. They never cease to say hi as we pass later.

That's one of the nice things about riding a utility hybrid.................... helping yourself, and helping others.

Leebo

Ahhh, cat 6 commuter racing. Usually do not get involved with that stuff. Someone that close would annoy me and be dangerous. I would drop back and let them pass. I will usually say passing left or good morning when going by someone. I'm not racing, usually the people who pass me are not commuters. They tend to be roadies " training"