Originally Posted by
RobbieTunes
When it comes to the OP question, the first thing I assess is whether the rider is doing fine or struggling.
If there's a problem, that comes first, no matter what. Then I assess circumstances.
1-A solo female rider out in the middle of nowhere, either a risk taker, naive, or confident and prepared, self-aware.
2-A solo male rider out in the middle of nowhere, either prefers it that way (as I do) or can't fit a group schedule, etc.
3-Groups of riders, I tend to look at the kit and the bikes and pace, and appreciate what I see-cyclists.
I generally take in the kit, the bike, the cycling form, and then look closer if I'm curious.
Most often, I just wave and ride on. Time is a luxury.
As I'm somewhat of a human, I'll surmise it's just an inventory thing, as a bike goes by with any rider.
Probably prehistoric and Darwinian in nature, or reptilian, per some French anthropologist...
Deep down, a man will check out the "threat level" of any other rider, most likely on an unwitting basis.
If he is a competitive or Mitty-competitive rider, he'll consciously discern the ability of the rider, and then the bike.
At it's core is the fight or flight mechanism.
Same as with a female rider, deep down, it's a reproductive thing, innate determination of a possible quality mate.
At it's core, is the "mate or ignore" mechanism, survival of the species being what it is.
After that, it become somewhat prurient, which is more human nature than reptilian, of course.
Then, there are the married people, for whom many of the reptilian and human nature characteristics have been hopelessly quashed into near oblivion.
For them, it's an exercise in vicarious thought. It may be all they have left, or so they think, having settled so deep into the morass they can't see out.
Me, I just like the way women look in those tight britches, and then I move to the bike.
After all, you can't very well make conversation on a long ride about the britches, and you shouldn't, anyway.
When I come upon a male rider, I assess calves, form, gear, and determine if this guy is going to simply ride away, chat for while, or ride my wheel and annoy me.
I've always liked the kind of women who ride bikes. Says something about them, not sure what, but I like it.
And I never say "ass" to a girl.
Robbie,
I think your post sums up human general daily interaction perfectly. Whether it's getting on an elevator or standing in a line somewhere, we are always evaluating the people around us.
As for being passed, if I hear the grating, angry beehive sound of one of those annoying hubs, then I know what is coming next. I usually notice the bike, then I look at the head/hair to possibly determine gender. That is not a given, unless you see some facial hair. In all honesty, I usually look more at the bike than the person. Looking from the rear, it is sometimes hard to determine the sex. Lycra sometimes makes the rear look the same. The waist/hips and their relationship are the giveaway for me. You go through the checklist and you can't make an ID. Arms have no hair, legs are tanned and shaved. So you look for those child bearing hips. Let's be honest, the typical 5'11 140-150lb man dressed in tight fitting Lycra/spandex does not strike an imposing figure. As my wife says, "Not much there to stir the loins. There has to be some muscle there." My wife is 5'5" and around 120lbs. She said she doesn't want someone with smaller arms and legs than her. She's afraid they will break into pieces in the sack!
As for women and their "donkeys," I am currently training for the Richmond Marathon with about 9 million other people.(slight exaggeration) The training teams meet up for long runs through the city on Saturdays and Sundays. Just on the Sports Backers marathon, 1/2, and 10K teams alone, there are probably 3000-5000 people split up on different teams. Then there are the other teams. They head out to run various routes from a common starting and ending point. So for about 3-4 hours I am passing and getting passed by lots of people. Women's activewear has really evolved in a good way. The ladies have to be extremely skinny or obese to stick out in the crowd. Otherwise it's all good! The rear views look pretty generic. Just some are larger than others. I notice the tight fitting tops, colors and hairstyles more than the donkeys. Also the legs. Headlights are always on. Sweet! Did I mention the tight fitting tops and headlights? And the ladies always seem to be analyzing each other more than the men. They seem to be trying to outdress/outdo each other. The men have it easy. Some form of black running shorts and a shirt. Sleeves are optional. Maybe a hat or visor. If it matches, then that is a positive. We run through the middle of the city. What catches my attention the most and causes my head to snap around are all of the bikes attached to the porches and signs on the street. The best vintage I have seen is a grey Centurion Elite RS and a few Bianchis. Most are lower level beater Schwinn types.