OK so I'm hesitant to post this
The Mrs, myself, and my two boys full time RV.
We don't have a permanent address... home is where we park the RV. However we bike everywhere we go once the RV is parked... we don't drag a car behind us but we do have all of our bikes on a rear rack and the 5 YO also has his personal chariot (I'm the horse LOL)
My question to the group is how would you like us to pass you?
What I generally do is slow down, move as far to the left as possible, and slowly (but not were aiming at you with an ot six slowly) go aound... tooting the horn once were several hundred feet ahead with a thumbs up out the passenger window. I guess I wonder if the slowing down is too weird.... would you rather the vehicle just goes about it's business getting out of the scene as soon as possible? How about the honk of the horn? My theory is that they'll see the bikes and at least recognize we ride too. But on the other hand a lot of riders seem to be staring at the road... I don't wanna be the jerk honking the horn if you know what I mean... if they miss the thumbs up were just another jerk in an RV that's (to them) is pissed cuz' we had to slow down and got on the horn. This mostly applies to touring bikers but once in a while we'll come across some folks just riding. Also, we've thought about stopping and offering something with ice in it.. water, cola, whatever.. hell maybe a sandwich or an apple... would that be hannibal lecter spooky if an RV pulled over a football field length or so in front of you? Being from MT we get our fair share of cyclists coming through and we'd like to be doing the right thing
Doug

I can't speak for the touring people on this site. But, from a commuter and day rider, here goes. The honking and the slowing down would be a little concerning to me. I wouldn't think Hannibal Lecter. I would be thinking I had some teenagers deciding whether to run me off the road or throw something at me. Bottom line, I appreciate the concern. Just give us a little space and go on by. As for the sandwich, catch me at the rest stop. I like PB&J.

As a commuter and recreational rider I agree with Garlic on the horn honking that can be disconcerting. A lot of times people honk at us because they are irritated that we are on the road. As far as passing us changing lanes is ideal and then you do not have to slow down. If you have to pass us in the same lane try to give as much space as you can and take it easy on the speed. And yes it is good of you to be concerned and thanks for asking.

It depends on the situation but I think it is better to avoid the horn as much as possible as many motorists definately unnecessarily use it.If the cyclist is not as far right as possible and you have to pass in a tight spot a light warning tap may be helpful and slowing down is appreciated but sometimes motorists can try to be too cautious which can actually be more dangerous for all involved.As far as stopping I again think it depends on the situation and how positive of a reponse you get initially from them but keep in mind cyclists are going to be somewhat put on guard by vehicles stopping in remote areas so I guess I would err on the side of not stopping unless it is at a populated spot or you get particularly warm greeting back from them initially.Edit As I now see your talking about tapping the horn with the thumbs up after you pass I do normally appreciate this as it happens so rarely lol .

Ever thought of taking a tour through Australia? If you do, just make sure that you move as far to the right as possible. Moving as far as possible to the left would be a little hazardous to cyclists.

Slowing down with an RV means you need to accelerate to get back up to speed. If you're doing this as you pass the increased exhaust ends up right in my face. School busses are probably the worst for this. I try to let off the gas as I pass a cyclist so I don't fume them any more than I have to.

If you are not actively attempting to hit me or run me off the road - you are doing the right thing!

Do the speed limit or slightly less (depending on road conditions), leave at least 3ft between your passenger side mirror and me, and just pass.

Please don't honk.

regards
Dan

My opinion as a rec and racer road rider:

Stay at the speed limit, slow down if needed (your call) move left (or right depending on country) and pass.

A quick warning tap on the horn 200-300 metres back (1000 feet) I appreciate as it lets me know your there, wakes me up if I am....zoned out and tells me that you generally don't want to hit me.

I most roads here, which are narrow I will pullover if I see you in my rear view in time. I am concerned that the twisty winding road on which you would have to pass me will have an opposing vehicle in the other lane if you change lanes to pass.

So I move over and stop and let you go by. I had a hard time dealing with this course of action as I do not want to give the impression to motorists that they have the right of way and I am REQUIRED to stop for them. But I decided it would be safest for everyone if I did......depends on the road and type of vehicle pulling up to pass me.

Digger

well it depends on the road and conditions... i'm going to assume that you're mostly talking about mostly lightly travelled rural highway type roads like what you see in most of Montana/Idaho...

if the speed limit is high, say 45 or 55, then slowing down is way cool. i toured the Pacific Coast and the cars zip by at 60mph more - once an 18 wheeler blew by creating a wind/noise combo that scared the pants off of me and almost blew me off the shoulder... it's only creepy if it scares the cyclist into thinking someone is going to mess with them or is hanging on their tail.

as to the honking, generally don't as it can scare or irritate cycliss. some drivers do the "honk to warn" you as they pass which usually justed scares you as it's like walking up behind someone and yelling "bo!". as to the after-the pass honk, i think i would get the message, but only if i were paying attention. if i were in the zone or chatting with some buds i might just think you were pissed that you had to slow down to pass annoying cyclists... just don't honk right before or as you pass and it's probably not bad and could be could.

if the message gets across that you're being supportive, this is almost always appreciated - like one of those "dunna dunna nah, dunna dunna nah" funky horns with a thumbs out out the window mabye 10 seconds after passing would be cool.

as to stopping... if you're on a deserted road on a hot day a ways from a water or food stop, i could see it being very welcome, but it depends as maybe the riders don't want to stop... i would suggest if you want to make a sign that you either hang out the window as you pass or stop way ahead and display a sign like "Free Water for hard working Cyclists" or "Water Break for Human-Powered Travellers" or something like that... then if they're busy they can just wave and thank you or can stop for a break - then it's the cyclists' choice. there are times in my tour when something like that would have been really cool.

I agree.

I personally like the quick honk from 300m back. Then pass quickly, letting off the gas as you slide back into the lane. Smooth and easy, just like the biggest bike in the peloton.

In fact, if you want to make a real friend, after you pass set your cruise for 25-30 mph and let'em draft!

Thanks for all the input.
I'll stop the honk... As I said we bike EVERYWHERE once the beast is parked and when we get honked at we don't know if they are telling us to get off the road (even when were on the shoulder) or what....
As for the speeding back up I do that casually... past the bicycler but I know from experience what a racket a diesel pusher can make when getting up to speed... worse than a bus LOL
For those of you that might be making your way through GNP this spring summer or fall be sure to stop in the gas station/gift store/restaraunt on Highway 2 across from the entrance to West Glacier. I'll hook you up with a cold pop or warm coffee.

Doug

hey Doug,

it was short, but i was in GNP for about 3 days in summer 2000 as i moved cross-country from Oregon to Massachusetts.

i think it's about the most beautiful place in the US (ok, never been to Alaska or Hawaii)... although must be a lot of snow in the area now. it was July and there was still quite a bit of snow - one of the roads through the park with a small pass had snow just a few hundred feet from the road! or do you guys "move" somewhere else for winter?

unfortunately don't currently have any plans to visit again as i am in Europe...

Please give me as much space as possible on the left and get by me as soon as you can.

Wave and I will wave back with a smile.