Same here. I commute on a road bike, I pass people on lesser bikes, and I wear the appropriate gear...guess I'm a poser too.

I blew by a guy the other day on his mountain bike. It startled him even though I gave him a warning, so Im not sure how effective that is. Either way I would much rather have a bike buzz me than a car buzz me. Or a bus, or a dumptruck...

I don't know why but the only time I seem to run into people on mountain bikes who try to challenge me I'm always on a recovery ride. They ride past me like they've just won the tour and I have to bite my lip to keep myself from shouting RECOVERY RIDE!

And if I wasn't on a recovery ride and I get passed by a mountain bike then I immediately convert the ride into a recovery ride

So we're agreed - people who ride bikes are all idiots.

You got that right. I would like to add that anyone who does not ride a bike is also an idiot.

When I pass other cyclists on the road while commuting I give them many feet of clearance.* Most often this means passing using adjacent lane or the left track of same lane. I won't pass if it means squeezing between a motor vehicle and them, so in this case I wait for a gap and then as there is a gap I can use the full lane width.

I wouldn't ever be surprised by another cyclist passing me as I use a mirror. If they passed with 6" clearance and they could have easily been further away thats a bit rude and unneccessary. If they didn't have much more room, again I'd see it coming and not be surprised.

Actually on my commute I have never once been passed by another cyclist. All this means is that faster cyclists don't use the same route at the same time I do.

*The one exception to this is cyclists I 'know'

Al

Yeah, you're right, I am so ashamed I am riding an old clunker without all the fancy duds. I shouldn't even be riding...I know I won't bother riding so I won't upset all the "pro's" out there.

I think the key operative difference here is that they're not passing you in your lane.

I usually don't give a warning. If the rider knows what he's doing, he probably heard me before I pass him and if he doesn't know what he's doing, saying anything usually provokes a backward look, which inevitably leads to his swerving all over the road.

You're right, I am so sorry, My Mommy didn't love me.

I think a mirror is a great idea, I am going to get one.

I had an old lady blow by me the other day on a cruiser, now that was embarassing.

I would also say get a mirror. Use it. Don't rely on others. Rely on yourself.



No one sneaks up on me like that.

A mirror you need not. Use the Force you will.

You're right I am an internet whimp. I tell you what I will follow your posts just to see how "tough guys" do it.

There's a gravel path for horses that runs parallel to my MUP and this morning I got smoked by a guy on a cyclocross bike riding that while I was on pavement. Going uphill no less!

I never said anything about your bike, I just said you don't seem confident in your ability to ride and being in close proximity to other riders. You seem to be very self conscious about your bike thought, which is probably where part of that hostile attitude is coming from.

That describes me pretty well. How do I broadcast this to other cyclists so they'll give me some space?

I wish I could ooze confidence like you, You're my hero!

I had this happen to me a couple of times on the MUP when I first started riding. I was so caught up in my own little world that I didn't pay enough attention to what was around me. A few people startled me when passing. Some called out, some didn't. I didn't blame them. It was my own lack of attention and lack of confidence and comfort on the bike. I learned to be more aware of what is around me and got more comfortable on the bike. Once I started the commute, I soon got a mirror and I love it.

I commute. On a road bike. In spandex. Wearing a jersey. Oh, and I use clipless pedals. I guess that makes me OCP. Not!

Talk backwards I do.

Ive been thinking about getting a mirror to see the cars that buzz me coming so I can be a little better prepared.

Holy troll bait batman!

LOL! Best post so far.

If you were on a Denali that would never happen.