Originally Posted by vinnydelnegro
Anyhow...what's up with this mentality? If these guys want to race, why don't they sign up for a real race instead trying to race other folks that are just riding home or to work? It's pretty annoying. Do other folks in other cities have this problem or is it just Denver?
Adrenaline.
It's a complete chemical reaction that causes a natural reflexive response. The mere sight of a speeding object in your periphial vision will cause your heart rate to rise, and your muscles to twitch.
No matter haw fancy our clothes get, we are still animals underneath it all.
So the next time you are approching someone, if you want to be left alone, give them fair warning. Ring the alarm, strike the bell, yell "to your left!", and let their adrenaline lower before you buzz by them.
When you do pass them, wave or speak a short greeting. This may help lower their prey chase response.
Think of yourself as both the hunter and the hunted, and the city as just another wild landscape, and you will survive.