Originally Posted by wxmcpo

I am a solo rider and do not usually overtake other riders because I honestly have never caught up to any other riders. I typically see lots of other riders out along the route I typically ride, but usually am going in the opposite direction or just not fast enough to keep up with them. However, yesterday I did manage to catch up with one rider who was going about 4 mph slower than I was. I called out "on your left" and passed him up and as I did he called out "well that's just rude." I was going steady at about an 18 mph pace while he was plodding along going about 13-14 mph and I did not see the need to stay behind him or ride at his pace. I did slow down though and talked to him for about a mile before I felt I was losing my own ride so I said goodbye and went on my way.
So I guess I need to ask what is the accepted norm when coming upon another road cyclist who is going slower than you are? Do you slow down and talk or do you stay behind the slower rider? Is what I did considered rude?

Thanks