Humorous encounter with a fellow cyclist the other morning - no real point here except to relate what turned out to be a fun distraction on my commute.

As I turned left onto the MUP, I could see him coming about 100 yards off to my right. I started accelerating slowly into my normal riding pace, and he went past me with a cheery "good morning" to which I responded in kind.

I got up to my normal cruising speed, and saw that I was maybe 50 feet behind him and we were going about the same speed. Settled in for a seven mile ride down the flat trail that runs along a small river, just enjoying the morning.

After about a mile, I can see that he is struggling to keep the speed up, and I am creeping up on him. Eventually I call out "on your left" and start to pass him - except before I can get all the way past him, he puts on the burners and jet's ahead of me. Ok, fine, no problem for me I just keep riding my pace, about 20 feet behind him. We continue this way for another couple of miles, and I can see that he is laboring again. The previous scene repeats itself - I start to pass, he turns on the afterburners, and I settle in behind him. By this point, I am really enjoying the show that this guy is putting on!

We exit the MUP together, and the route takes us across a busy road and onto another MUP that starts with a pretty steep climb and then turns into a sustained climb for about two miles. We hit the bottom of the steep climb, and I can see that he is already laboring. I go to pass him about halfway up the steep part and he does his best to put the burners on, but then gives up and let's out a "Awwww I'm done" and completely stops pedaling. I just kept riding and never saw him again.

Some may have gotten upset with this guys behaviour, but I really quite enjoyed watching his determination to stay in front of me. I've never seen him before on my commute, but if I see him again, I am going to kick the speed up a notch and enjoy the show.

Next time, suggest a mini paceline and kick it up a bit.

Reminds me of jogging at Delaware Park in Buffalo about fifteen years ago. Only I was the one struggling to keep pace with a much faster runner who pulled up beside me. We ran side by side as he kept slowly increasing the pace until I finally had to let out my own "Awwww I'm done" and drop out.

stuff like this doesn't bother me. I'd much rather they just ride ahead of me rather than jumping on my wheel as I pass and laboring along behind me.

sometimes the other rider will be going at a little slower pace than I'd actually go but I stay back rather than passing just so they feel better. Eventually I wait until it's a nice open stretch then I'll pass with a hello or even take a moment to chat if they seem so inclined (and have the lung power for it).

Better than the ones that are determined to pass you, then cut you short and die once they get past...

I had a guy blow by me at a stop sign once. I reeled him in and sat behind him as he tried to get away. Eventually he started pushing on his thigh with his hand. After that it wasn't long before he dropped to about 10MPH, pulled far-right, and waved me around. I didn't see him after that.

When I am out riding and there is a faster rider I like to try and keep up with them as long as I can. not to be competative but as a way to improve my own performance. I use them as my rabbit to motivate me and to get out of my comfort zone.

I had a similar experience last night on the ride home- I caught up to and followed an older (than me) gentleman. The road we were on has a few long low uphill climbs that can catch a newb unawares, but he was determined to stay in front of me. I didn't mind- I didn't have much left in the tank myself...

Personally, I like the guy's determination but I would have passed him when it was safe to do so. I mean, come on! If I'm passing you on a 16" wheeled, heavy, steel-framed bike you deserve to be dropped, lol.

Something similar happened to me on my way home a few months ago. A guy on a rigid mtb with slick tires kept standing on his pedals whenever he felt me getting near him. I just kept my pace and as soon as I catch up to him he accelerates again and again. This went on for about 7 miles until we hit the false flat part of the commute. As I passed him he said "That's it, I'm done."

I almost said "I didn't know we were racing." So I just smiled at him and said "See ya."

Just a friendly reminder not to draft unannounced. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Beans where and when?

I don't recall anyone catching up to me on my ride home last night (I usually am not concerned about staying in front of someone) but maybe it could read that way.

I'm on a big black Buzz with milkcrate. Headed home on Comm Ave around 9pm. I move at a pretty quick clip usually. I probably had on my orange reflective T-shirt- I usually throw it on at night.

Next time say, "Hi!"

+1.

I will be in better shape next time

Nothing wrong with a little commuting competition... it can make getting to work fun. (especially if you're the guy who's been sticking with it every day for the past 6 months.)

Did anybody read bikesnob yesterday?

https://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009...icycle_12.html

Enjoyable read.........thanks for posting.

It's all good