Scout!

Walking my bicycle on a crowded street, there was a white-bearded homeless man ranting about thieves and Jesus. When I passed him he got quiet and stared at my bicycle. Then he said, in a voice quiet and grave, "That's a nice bike!" I thanked him. I heard his rant begin again, behind me now, as I continued down the street.

Fairmont

People at work are impressed that I've started commuting by bike.

And what seemed to be a rough start to my commute (a big hill) is now fun. I'm getting in better shape and having a great time trying to get to work in less time.

I'm currently at 22 minutes an 59 seconds from my door to the front door of the building.

My goal is under 20 minutes. Can't wait.

More impressive is that the other day, while riding to work, I was overtaken by a guy my age on a road bike and when I arrived to work I saw a bike in the bike rack already.

I might be having a local influence.

JR97

Haven't had an on-the-bike expeience yet, but most of my co-workers are usually impressed when they hear how far I ride given the heat and locale. Today, my college class seemed impressed I biked into campus. But I can't see why more people don't there since the building is right on the MUP.

robin.claire

heh, I like this thread! I get a lot of random whistles/shouts probably because I'm a girl who happens to be tall and have long legs that are usually in shorts when biking. So I'm not sure if that counts...my favourite is when you see someone else on a bike and you smile/nod at each other. We've gotta stick together!!

Kotts

I ride a pretty regular commute 3 days a week, and folks have gotten to expect me. One time I had to drive on a "ride" day, and the next morning when I was waiting at a light a driver pulled up and said: "I didn't see you yesterday. Everything OK?"

I was waiting at another light and exchanging pleasantries with the folks waiting for the bus. A young lady walked up, I gave a general "Howyadoin'" kind of greeting. She asked how I felt that morning, and I said "pretty good!" She replied "Well, you look pretty good!". There was general agreement from the females present, and general consternation from the males. Greatly encouraged a fella rapidly approaching "the big 50".

chipcom 

A couple of days ago a nice driver informed me that I wasn't a car.
I get a lot of that and I appreciate that they notice.

no motor?

I'm still waiting for that to happen to me!

nahh

i've had several cars be overly courteous to me. somebody yelled "go lance!" the other day while i was just in street clothes and a backpack... and strangly "fixie for life!!!" even though i wasn't on a fixie... i'll just assume those were all compliments

CliftonGK1

Really fat guy on a custom motorcycle pulled up next to me at a red light, patted his ample belly and said "I suppose I ought to look at gettin a bike like that."

Just as her light turned green, a woman in a convertable looked over at me and said "nice package" before driving away.

I got slapped on the behind by someone riding a motorcycle. Only saw them from behind after they passed me; long hair sticking out from under a helmet. No idea if it was a man or a woman.

A busload of grade schoolers cheered me on as the bus passed me.

A busload of highschool guys mooned me as the bus passed me.

A woman on the Burke-Gilman trail flashed me as I rode to work one morning.

Countless people gave me the "not much farther" and "you've got this" encouragements during the last 5 miles of STP.

Many people have asked me during charity/distance rides "How far you goin'?" and then offered words of encouragement when the group responds with "100 miles."

charly17201

???? Oh, that's right..... DF riders don't tend to get these types of remarks often.

Try a 'bent - you always get people lookin and smilin..... kids screamin or runnin after ya.

thisis amazing!

I got the black power salute one time.

caloso

Went for a ride on Saturday and got many smiles and waves. The key is to have a four-year old riding partner.

StokerPoker

I would be offended if someone said I was a car, even if I was driving. I might have a bit of a belly, but even my geo was fatter than I am!

Big M

I've gotten a friendly nod and/or smile from joggers when riding on weekends, and I'd nod/smile back.

But while commuting today I got a wave from an oncoming roadie in full spandex...I was looking right at him and gave my usual nod, but I'm not sure if he noticed since he was on the other side of the road. I didn't even think of waving back since I was booking it up a steep hill.

Felt kinda bad thinking that he waved and might not have seen me nod back. Roadies around here don't tend to be social and wave very often. It's pleasant when they do.

UprightJoe

I was going up a tiny hill about 2 miles into a 30 mile joyride and had a jogger yell something like "Keep it up! Go! Go! Go!". I was actually a tad offended. I know I'm getting old and fat, but I can ride for a block up a 5% grade without needing encouragement - thank you very much.

Tude 

Have actually had a few people, in cars - catch up to me riding - and then I see the window roll down and I'm thinking - aww great here we go again) ---- but instead they complimented me and said they've not seen many people adhere to actually stopping at a stop light and using signals. WOW - thanks!

jefferee

I passed a group out for an easy ride on the MUP today, and the leader said, "now that's quite an engine!" as I went by him.

.Jared

*non bike related* i was working on my car this weekend, my garage door was open. I was on my knees, head on the floor with my ass in the air looking for a place to jack up my car. A couple of girls come by in their car and slow down. I get a "WOOOOOOO YEAAAAA." I look up and see them. They ended up just speeding off. lol

maddyfish

I go to a local hill with little traffic that is .7 of a mile and rises 345 feet to do hill repeats. Last week on repeat #5 a man came off his porch (he had been watching me go up and down the hill) and offered me a beer. I declined but said thanks.

rogerstg

It seems I get most attaboys on weekends or if I'm running an errand on a bike. Re: errands, maybe it's because they're not used to seeing an old guy in street clothes going fast on a bike with panniers. It's a little weird that my riding make others happy, but it's kind of nice too.

Jtgyk

Yeah...I get the Applause and Attaboy's when I commute sometimes to work and run errands. I'm a Major Clydesdale (over 350lbs) and get comments about how "inspirational" I am.

Phhhft! I'm just a guy enjoying the ride. Sometimes it bugs me (I don't see any "fit" people getting the same treatment) but it's much better than being harassed and verbally abused.

Am I cycling to lose weight or make a point?
Nope...just like to ride!

deez

I got that yesterday on my way home from a pack of 15 year old boys on bmx's.

Actually I hear it about once a week...generally from someone on a bmx...now i'm wondering if its the same kid.