I went on a leisurely towpath ride today (40 miles). I came up behind an old man walking with a small boy. As I approached I gave a friendly "ding", no response. A bit louder "DING", no response. Slowing to a walking speed I said in a calm voice "bike passing please".
The guy about jumped out of his socks, gave me a dirty look and said "ya know those damn bikes are too quiet, we cant hear 'em".
"I realize that" says I, "that's why I gave you a ring on my bell(DING), about a hundred feet back and another at fifty feet back."

The man then said "well I'm almost deaf."

:confused: :irritated