Have you ever been cycling along when suddenly, you're passed by another cyclist?

Have you ever felt a slight resentment towards that other cyclist, having the nerve to pass you, of all people?

Well that's how I've often felt in the past! I noticed the same phenomenon, when driving. At first, I thought it was just me. Then I noticed the same behavior and reactions with other cyclists and drivers many years ago. Someone of note, reminded me of this phenomenon when responding to a post in the commuting forum.

What is it with us humans, objecting to being passed by other vehicles?

I'll just bet cha that it wouldn't make any difference to us at all, if the vehicles passing us, were driven or ridden by robots. We might even find it kinda humorous, if we knew that the vehicle that just passed us, was operated by a darned robot! The fact that they're human-driven, makes all the difference in the world! We don't find anything funny, comical, or in the least bit entertaining about being passed up by other vehicles containing humans....So, what's the problem with us?...What's really going on between our ears that sparks this feeling of resentment?

It sort of reminds me of the feeling you get when somebody sponges ahead of you in a line. I wonder if that feeling is more prevalent in males and is therefore, more testosterone-driven, or does it transcend gender?

I think much road rage is a direct result of this phenomenon. To me, it used to always feel like it was just a couple notches below being cut-off when driving. Perhaps there should be a new law for all vehicles..."No Passing Allowed"...

On second thought, that probably would just make matters worse! I don't know?

Sometimes, I just wish we were wired differently.....

You ever get this feeling of resentment for cyclists passing you up?

- Slim

PS.

Now that I'm older, I don't seem to care much about folks passing me up anymore. In fact, I kinda want 'em to hurry up and just get outta my area, so I'm not obliged to think about 'em anymore...

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Why would it get locked?

Yes.


No.


No.

[QUOTE=Machka;13422234]

Yep! It happens to us all!

I highly suspect that this phenomenon is testoserone-related...


Since you're female, I think we can safely omit you from this primarily male oriented experience. I always noticed that neither my sister, aunts, or mother seem to exhibit this behavior when driving. However, my brother and uncles all suffered similar feelings of resentment.

Thanks Machka,

- Slim

not counting tours and such, it only has happened once, and it was the creepiest thing. I was trying out a 30 mile loop, suddenly I hear a 'hello'. no sound, nothing. just the word 'hello' then suddenly two cyclist zoom right past me. Had they not spoken a greeting, I wouldn't have heard them at all. Within minutes, I couldn't see them anymore. I had never had that happen to me before, it was darn creepy.

Today I went for a long ride to the other side of town. Well, coming back I just didn't want to put a lot of effort into it. Yes, people passed me and I didn't resent them whatsoever. Actually, I was pleased that others were out being seen riding a bike.

Have I ever in the past been angered by another's speed and passing triumph? Of course! But not today.

I ride an average of ~12mph. People pass me and I think nothing of it.

Yeah! Me too, now that I'm older. However, when I was a bit younger, it bothered me. I always felt that it shouldn't have, but it did...

- Slim

Hey there friend. Missed you!

Yes Siree!...Time changes everything!

- Slim

That is far from the truth, I've had several women suck our wheels then blow by in a full sprint. Last gal was about 2 weeks ago. 3 of us ride by after closing a gap of about 1/2 mile. We're cruising when she takes our wheel. She sucks for a mile then blows by and shouts, "thanks for the pull guys!". Yeah, we keep our pace and 3 minutes later she fades like watercolors in the rain. I rolled by looked at her and went "Pfft!"

Month before my wife and I roll up on another couple, again from a mile behind. As we get ready to pass, she blocks me by speeding up then says "step on it honey" to her hubby. Yeah, she does then fades about 1/2 mile later. Again, we just keep pace and roll by with a smile.

Plus I must add, there are a few ex-forum members that have had squabbles on the forums as they announce their passing of other riders on local rides.

Myself, I find it childish. We pass riders all the time. We can see them ahead 1/2 mile, one mile then catch up just doing our pace. As soon as we catch up, that rider has to prove how strong he is. Usually ends in a big fade and entertainment for the rest of us as we have a few good laughs at our rest stop.

If I get passed by another rider, it's for a reason, he is faster. I can't find any foolish reason in my head that allows me to go make a fool out of myself in front of a stronger rider.


This is one of the videos I made of "one of those riders". We passed him and his wife (SO). He felt it was so important to keep up and pass us that he dropped her far behind. Then he sprints around. Like most times, we keep pace then he fades only to suck wheel again. Then the dude bumps out our friend.

We were hardly racing but he thought so. What a dope! ....I could make one of these videos every week.

[QUOTE=Mr. Beanz;13422877]

Hey! What's gettin' into the heads of these ladies these days? It must be liberated ones!

Hey there Beanz!

Appreciate the video.

Thanks

- Slim

I'm only 24. Perhaps my FCN is just so enormously high (11 or something?) that people who pass me know not to make anything of it, haha.