I didn’t want to hijack Al’s thread. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...e-Bouncing-Off So, I thought I’d start a new one.

I talked with my father about Al’s thread about learning to bounce off of the riders' tires in front of you (in part, because he was asking what I was thinking about these days). His response caught me quite off guard. After explaining Al's desire to learn a new technique, he said, "That's a lot like wanting to learn to do a 360 degree spin in your car." Before he could finish, I responded that it was probably similar. He then went on to say, "You know if you think driving on public roads requires learning the same skill set as a race car driver, maybe I don't want you on public roads." He then went on to explain that he has no problem with cyclists using roads. In fact he even admires those who use bikes for utility reasons. He even sees the benefit of fitness reasons. And, he even knows the part cycling played in getting roads built. So, I can’t say he’s anti cycling. He did, however, say that he has a problem with riders who think they're in a race every time they're out on the road. Much in the same way he has a problem with drivers who think every red light is the start of a drag race. What he actually said was more humorous in some ways, “I don’t like seeing that – what do you call it when they’re all in a line with each one having his nose up the other one’s a$$?” “Pace line”, I responded. “Yeah, pace line. I can’t stand to see a pace line on a road with traffic. Drafting someone to save energy I get, but not to go faster, not on a public road with other traffic. There’s a reason we have speed limits and other rules of the road. As far as I know, none of them include it being ok to pretend you’re racing.” I’m not saying I condone or even agree with this view or thought process, but it has created a desire to know more about the specific elements of the negative view some hold about cycling.