In no way do I think I'm cool when I'm riding, since I'm sure I don't. I would guess that people would take one look at me, 10 minutes into my commute, and think "He must have been riding all day!"

So, not looking cool and feeling like a schmuck aren't quite the same thing. I don't care that I look cool. Getting passed like I'm standing still on a 5% grade is where the schumyness comes in. It's only happened once so far, but I'm sure it will happen again. I USED to be that guy passing people. I'm going to be that guy again. Give me time!

So do any of you remember your first time getting passed? Or your last time? Or how does it feel to be that guy that passed me?

I get passed all the time. It's not a race.

yeah, the pouser was probably gasp'n for breath before and after.

I get passed on occasion to by hard core speed road bikers in spandex. doesn't bother me.

whats funny though is when I want to pass someone I always try and do it respectfully. I don't want to make them feel like they are going slow nor do I want to invade their space.

girls on cruisers in flip flops pass me... all part of the ride =p

Um, hello? 400 watts?

Last time I was passed, it was by a nice looking chick on a road bike. Anyway, she looked pretty nice from the back. I'm guessing she was crusing at around 25mph, and not really working.

Yeah...I know it's not a race. I know I'm old and fat. No matter how hard I try, there will always be someone passing me. I don't think it's an ego thing. I just want my 37 year old legs and lungs to keep up with my 21 year old brain!

I get passed on the right
I like when ladies pass me. Not a race +1000000000000 , but sure helps your speed after they pass.

One time there was some bad pavement which I saw since I never ride over on the right on this road.
This guy with the carbon bike comes up and boom bang cook, moves over to the gutter more bang cok crap. I was laughing so hard. He even had to go faster since he was passing me how funny.

I don't mind it all but be a man or woman, pass the right err left way.

I got passed by a chick on a folder not too long ago. I have my pace and stick to it. I could go faster, but then they don't let me take naps when I get there.

" I like when ladies pass me. Not a race +1000000000000 , but sure helps your speed after they pass."

I've noticed that too!

If using my normal cycling speed I come across a slower cyclist I will pass him. I will not however see him up the road and put a spurt on just to overtake him for the sake of 'cool'. Neither does the red mist come down if I am passed.. and I feel I must regain my honour.

All to often I am passed by a hard core cyclist and look on in awe as he becomes a hi vis dot in the distance in very short order... no way in hell can I compete with that!

I pass everyone. But then I'm in Holland, it's full of old people, kids, and slowpokes riding bikes at a leisurely pace. Not much challenge there. But at least it makes me feel fast.

I never have encountered a biker who did NOT pass me. I must be the area's designated passee.

A girl with a messenger bag smiled at me when I rode by yesterday... does that count as making a pass?

If two bikes are headed in the same direction...ITS A RACE !!!

I've only been passed twice, once was a girl while climbing a hill.
(most of my commute is busy roads that are avoided by roadies)

I try really hard to "not care", but I hate being reeled in. Naturally, I try to reel in everyone I see. I can dish it out but I can't take it.

But really, I don't "look down" on people I catch and/or pass. I ride every day, give-or-take, so I know I'm an above-average rider in that respect.

Oh yeah, and my fastest commute was one in which I was maxed-out trying to reel in a couple of roadies in full kit. I got within 100 yards before our paths diverged. They kept looking back and dialing it up though, so I was a threat, I guess. :flex:

I pass tons of people on my commute... they're all going into the city and I'm going out! I have a feeling though that if they were heading in the same direction as me, I'd be eating their metaphorical dust.

I enjoy racing. The thing is to not take it seriously. You win some. You loose some.
It's not like you will be getting a lollipop if you win (or any sort of prize).
It breaks up the monotony.

I suppose the first time I was dropped was when I was 6 racing my father.
I ride a touring bike. Loosing is a fact of life.

I love the no-eye-contact races when both cyclists pretend it's not a race

I don't race everyone, but I keep a decent pace. If it's not safe, or convenient to pass/be passed at that spot, I adjust my speed.... even if it's several MPH up.
I generally pass most of the roadies in my area, except the select few keeping a 20ish mph pace or higher. MOST of the time, if I can't keep my pace, I simply stop instead of going slow.

Although, when riding with my girl... she is pretty insecure, and new to biking.... the pace is considerably slower. She goes out for leisurely rides, not fitness/fast/fun rides Atleast she'll do 10miles without complaining... toooooo much.

And you think I call myself............LastPlace...........because?

No no no, you have to turn and say hi because then the guy is like, "OMG he wasn't even TRYING to race?!" It throws your opponent all off guard.

When I'm pulling a kid in a trailer or riding with slower riders I get passed.

If I pass a serious-looking cyclist while pulling the trailer, it usually wakes him up and I get passed back shortly afterwards.

I like smiling at all the girls.