BlazingPedals

I wouldn't even call that a "pass." It was more like beanz inched by him. But yes it illustrates the behavior nicely. Here's what I think is happening: When you pass someone that slowly, the extra draft they get more than makes up for the difference in speed, so they find themselves going faster with less effort. So of course they use their extra speed to try a re-pass, only to find that once they're out in front again, they lose the draft and have to work harder again too.

NOS88

You're giving them way too much free rent in your head. All of life doesn't have to be competition or a challenge. Who knows why they looked back? You did nothing malicious, illegal, or dangerous. Whatever is in their heads is for them to deal with.

chasm54

I'm often amazed by how much some people seem to worry about strangers' opinions. Who gives a **** what some guy on a bike is thinking when you pass him, or he passes you? What does it matter? Why not get on with your ride, and your life, in whatever manner pleases you?

If you want to pass him, pass him. If you want to draft him, draft him. If you want to let him ride into the distance, do that. Whatever he thinks about your choice is his business, not yours, and vice versa. Sheesh.

jmccain

Just consider them friendly dogs.

rebel1916

I know on BF you are supposed to pretend that you never notice other riders. But that is silly. Any man (or woman) worth his (or her) salt has a competitive streak. Also I have had some of my most enjoyable rides, dicing and trading pulls, with random strangers. If you have a plan for the ride, stick to it. If a little casual, impromptu competition is going to spice up your day, have at it.

Also, I have never had anyone react badly. The people who pass you and immediately blow up don't count. Other riders always seem to enjoy it as much as I do.

jon c. 

I'm not fast enough to pass roadies. But have enough natural competitive spirit that when I see them closing from a distance I try to stay in front of them as long as I can. I occasionally pass small children, couples on mountain bikes, and the 70+ woman on the bright yellow beach cruiser. To them, I'm a roadie :-)

qcpmsame 

I take it you hang out in the 41 a lot, this is the 50+ forum, we wave, smile and speak to others here.

Bill

Camilo

I've been told I don't look sexy in my lycra shorts. Bah.

europa

I ride my own pace but that does include the occasional Cat6 Chase ( never for very long, I'm not THAT fit). However, when I do pass someone, I always look over my shoulder before moving back in to make sure I don't cut them off. As I tend to be the passee rather than the passer, I've had plenty of opportunity to note that not many other riders do this. I guess that look over the shoulder could be construed as a challenge by someone who's phallic index is easily challenged by a fat old git on a steel bike.

rebel1916

Yeah, I meant for cat 6 racing purposes, but that prohibition is probably a 41 thing too.

qcpmsame 

I am pretty sure you and most here know "The Rules":https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/ Specifically formulated for the road nazis out there that are too busy/important/ignorant to even acknowledge any one else while riding.

Bill

rebel1916

Or a tongue in cheek satire...

qcpmsame 

Yes it is a satire


Bill

andrewclaus

Ditto this. It's all what you make of it.

Once recently when a fit young man passed me on the Mt Lemmon climb in Tucson, I said to his rapidly shrinking back, "Man, I wish I could do that." He looked back, smiled, and encouragingly said, "But you are!" and gave a thumbs up. Not everyone's a jerk out there. By the way, that young man turned around a mile later at a view point--I continued at my slower pace to the summit, so I felt better. If I'd tried to reel him in, I would not have made the ride I wanted to make that day.

A couple of other times on Mt Lemmon, I've had cyclists reel me in, and gotten compliments on how long it took them to catch me, the old guy on a touring bike with a rack. So even though I "lost", I felt I won something at least. Maybe it's respect, at least for just being out there.

Esteban58

Yes its a satire, but you should still always observe rules 5 and 10.