Originally Posted by
indyfabz
I had sort of the opposite experience a few years ago. I was doing a morning ride one Friday in preparation for a Sunday century to Brooklyn. Mr. Flintstone pulled onto the trail a ways in front of me. I kept my pace and started to catch him. When I got somewhat close, I slowed down because I didn't want to draft. The fact that I caught up to him must have triggered 'roid rage because Fred lifted the pace. I stayed with him but kept my distance. He was not happy and lifted the pace even more, trying drop me. I stayed with him, still keeping my distance until I finally turned off the trail to climb a hill and head back home.
You can read all about it here:
Fred Tried to Shake Me on the MUP
I've had similar happen. Most memorable was a guy who was doing everything he could to pass me while I was riding casually. Whatever...I don't care. He was totally safe about the passing so good for him.
But once he burned his legs out trying to pass me he got in front of me and slowed down. And of course we were approaching 9 bazillion pedestrians on the other side of the trail so now I was stuck behind his slowness. Now I cared.
As soon as we passed the pedestrians I went back to cruising speed and blew by him. I looked back and could see him trying to catch up again but within a quarter mile he was long in the dust, never to be seen again.
When riding a trail full of other cyclists, you can't be upset if you're not the fastest rider out there because there is ALWAYS someone faster than you. And you shouldn't feel bad if you're slower than most because there is probably someone slower than you out there too.
You have to be happy with your pace for your own reasons. You can't be concerned with everyone else's speed (except to make sure you are passing safely)