I am relatively new and want to keep proper protocol on the trail. I was cycling the other day and fell in behind an older gentleman on a nice road bike. We were entering a bridge and the path was not real wide. We were going up a slight incline at about 12 mph. I like to go a little faster. Half way up there is a small relief so I called " on your left" and passed. A few feet later he hauls ass by me ( saying nothing) and proceeds to ride like the wind up the hill. Did I do something wrong? Was he trying to shame me because I'm on a hybrid instead of a fancy road bike? Are roadies just this way when someone passes? I found it a little humorous actually but got to thinking I might have missed something.

Didn't you know you were in a race? He was being an asshat. Don't sweat it.

All you know is he decided to start riding faster at that moment. We can only guess why and have no way of really knowing. Whatever the reason, what does it matter to you?

I'm sure it was because you were on a hybrid. We all get a list of rules we must follow when we purchase a road bike and shunning hybrid riders is near the top.

He may have been going slowly earlier for some reason (troubleshoothing a noise, recovering from an earlier hard effort ....). Then he resumed his normal speed, at which time he passed you.

I wasn't sure but having had the courtesy to alert him as to my passing I was just wondering since he chose not to pay me the same courtesy if had had done something to offend him. I know there are unspoken rules of the road and I didn't know if passing in the middle of a climb might be some kind of violation. I don't think he was an "asshat" or that roadies are snobby I just want to make sure I am doing my part to fit in.

Actually, a lot of passes happen on climbs. It sounds like you were behaving; your only transgression was passing someone who didn't want to be passed. I don't understand playing those games on a MUP. After all, it's a MUP!!! IMHO anyone on a MUP has forsaken any right to even THINK they're fast.

Cat 6 commuter racing or just bad roadie attitude.

I have the same problem with my hybrid oh and taking my hybrid's to the trail on the back of either my smart or fiat 500. It's just that some A$$holes drive a car/truck, some ride a bike, and still some others do both. Just enjoy the ride

I'm glad to see the imaginations of so many people here. It does a good job of disbursing the notion that it's about etiquette. spdracr39, you did fine, and there's no figuring out people. Just try to have a good time.

Get a bell, a "ding" indicates that the pass is entirely free from testosterone poisoning.

-Bandera

I actually have a bell but it makes me feel like a little kid to use it and no one seems to acknowledge it. lol

The only thing to know for sure is that you followed protocol, and he didn't. If you had swerved as he passed he would have held at least part of the blame for any collision, at least in my opinion.

We could speculate all day on why, but honestly, my guess would be that he is one (of many) on MUPs that simply doesn't waste the breath to be polite.

However, just to add some other possibilities to the mix:

He is mute.
He was too busy trying to not sound like he was out of breath.
He was indeed offended at being passed by a hybrid.
He didn't hear you, and felt like giving you a taste of your own medicine.
He is baffled about why people say "On your left" when they pass him, thinking that nobody is further left politically than he is.
He is way to the right politically, but has had too many close calls when he announced "On your right" as he passed other riders.
He did announce his presence, but tried not to startle you, and said it too quietly.

I have had great response to bells. However, I have had better luck since I started using an Incredibell Duo... I think 2 dings catches the attention of others more than a single ding.

If you put 2 riders on the same piece of road, you have a race - like it or not. I ride an upright handlebar (w/bell!) bike, and have this happen occasionally. I like to think I kept the other guy honest. He started working the bike like he should have been, instead of slacking. In this way, I've made his ride better - whether he likes it or not!

You took the hi road, and were courteous, IMO.

You are riding a bicycle, you are supposed to feel like a little kid.
Ding on!

-Bandera

+1
I have the Incredibell Duet on three bikes.

You're fine. He was being a dick.

Saying "On your left", or anything else for that matter can backfire because some people are easily startled, so when they hear a voice behind them, they move, possibly into your path. I prefer to say "Hi" after I am 2/3 past them so I am safe from any jumpiness.

1001 situations with many different "best" choices.

Why worry about it? You're making a lot of assumptions there that he even noticed you ...

And I'll make a couple guesses now ... maybe it had absolutely nothing to do with you and he suddenly realised he was going to be late for something. Maybe he was attempting something that resembled intervals.

You don't know ... don't presume that another cyclist's actions have anything to do with you.

Happens all the time when I'm riding. You come to a hill and for whatever reason you keep your speed while the guy in front loses it. Later on he'll pass, then later I might pass again. The only thing that gets my goat is the turkeys that pass real close and put me at risk.

I'm often afraid that if I shout "On your left" they'll hear only "left" and interpret it as "Please move to your left." Does this ever happen?

Yes it does...a lot.

Or, if I shout "on your left" too loudly, the rider in front freaks out and wobbles all over the place.

This is the first step to cycling wisdom...and happiness.

I get a lot of old folks walking, groups of 3 or 4. I'll be coming up behind and from quite a way back announce that I'm coming up on the left and they scatter like cockroaches when the light turns on. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of them jump down into the river that's along side the trail.