Roadies and their egos...
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 78
Bikes: Trek 7100 Hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Roadies and their egos...
Is it me or do some of those guys seem to be a little odd in the head?
I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.
Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.
It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now.
I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.
Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.
It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now.
#2
For The Fun of It
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,845
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2134 Post(s)
Liked 1,643 Times
in
825 Posts
I change my ego drastically from bike to bike.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 5,119
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1576 Post(s)
Liked 1,182 Times
in
602 Posts
If your account is accurate (words said; on the MUP or recreational "bike trail"), then the morons you encountered were not "roadies". Idiots, certainly; poseurs, probably; über- or NüFreds possibly; but not "roadies" (whether such people would style themselves as such is neither here nor there).
No self-respecting (and genuine) road/racing cyclist would cycle on a recreational bike path without adjusting his/her speed according to conditions, and most certainly would not utter a remark of that kind to a recreational cyclist.
No self-respecting (and genuine) road/racing cyclist would cycle on a recreational bike path without adjusting his/her speed according to conditions, and most certainly would not utter a remark of that kind to a recreational cyclist.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 542
Bikes: 2012 Jamis Coda Comp; early 80s Univega Nuovo Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There are jerks in all walks of life. Some that you encountered that day just happened to be riding road bikes. Often times they are driving cars, or riding the bus, or walking their dogs. No need to stereotype an entire group based upon such a small sample size.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 411
Bikes: 2009 Giant Cypress DX 2009 Jamis Coda Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just got my first road bike. I can't wait to get all decked out in those funny outfits and have an ego transformation.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,078
Bikes: Roubaix SL4 Expert , Cervelo S2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I still don't understand what it is about road bikes that elicits so much juvenile behavior from grown men with jobs and families. You and your bike have to look a certain way or face ridicule. I mean seriously, it's like going back to junior high. That being said, it's probably less than 20% of people on road bikes I see that actually appear subscribe to that nonsense. I mean who can take seriously a man wearing a skin tight leotard saying I look like a fool because I have a saddle bag and mirror?
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Munising, Michigan, USA
Posts: 4,131
Bikes: Priority 600, Priority Continuum, Devinci Dexter
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 685 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 55 Times
in
37 Posts
Roadies and their egos...
Mean of those guys, but don't let them ruin your opinion towards roadies.
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Camp Hill, PA
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I find the whole thing hilarious. I assume there's some function in their fashion, but do they not realize there's only a small percentage of on-lookers that buy into their facade, while the overwhelming majority just shake their heads and laugh?
#9
Hogosha Sekai
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: STS
Posts: 6,669
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 21 Times
in
15 Posts
Is it me or do some of those guys seem to be a little odd in the head?
I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.
Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.
It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now.
I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.
Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.
It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now.
I'm impressed you've amused me for once.
If your account is accurate (words said; on the MUP or recreational "bike trail"), then the morons you encountered were not "roadies". Idiots, certainly; poseurs, probably; über- or NüFreds possibly; but not "roadies" (whether such people would style themselves as such is neither here nor there).
No self-respecting (and genuine) road/racing cyclist would cycle on a recreational bike path without adjusting his/her speed according to conditions, and most certainly would not utter a remark of that kind to a recreational cyclist.
No self-respecting (and genuine) road/racing cyclist would cycle on a recreational bike path without adjusting his/her speed according to conditions, and most certainly would not utter a remark of that kind to a recreational cyclist.
I still don't understand what it is about road bikes that elicits so much juvenile behavior from grown men with jobs and families. You and your bike have to look a certain way or face ridicule. I mean seriously, it's like going back to junior high. That being said, it's probably less than 20% of people on road bikes I see that actually appear subscribe to that nonsense. I mean who can take seriously a man wearing a skin tight leotard saying I look like a fool because I have a saddle bag and mirror?
#10
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Park Ridge, IL
Posts: 29
Bikes: 2008 Cannondale Touring 1, 2009 Specialized Crosstrail Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"Let me know when they get here," would have been the appropriate reply.
#11
Senior Member
#12
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 30
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In my experience, anyone decked out in cycling gear will never smile, wave, or otherwise acknowledge my presence on a bike path. So far I haven't found an exception to this rule. They don't say anything rude to me, but they just aren't social - not even a smile.
#13
For The Fun of It
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,845
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2134 Post(s)
Liked 1,643 Times
in
825 Posts
Our American egos are so fragile that we have to try to assert our superiority to others in some way. I always lip off to the 70 year olds on recumbent trikes when I blow past them.
#14
Ha ha ha ha ha
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Gold Coast; Australia
Posts: 4,554
Bikes: 2004 ORBEA Mitis2 Plus Carbon, 2007 Cannondale Bad Boy Si Disc, 2012 Trek Gary Fisher Collection Marlin WSD 29er Aldi Big Box (Polygon) 650b
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
7 Posts
Perhaps a group hug and a few bars of Kumbaya will help the sensitivity here.
#15
For The Fun of It
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,845
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2134 Post(s)
Liked 1,643 Times
in
825 Posts
I ride an MUP here in NOLA. It is frequented by bicyclists ranging from serious road bike riders and triathletes, to families and plain old recreational riders and everything in between. Sometimes I ride a road bike and sometimes I ride my oddball hybrid. I never dress in full kit, typically shorts and a T shirt or sometimes even shirtless if the temp is right. I haven't seen any difference in response that is dependent upon the bike I am riding. Here is what I have observed. I wave or nod at everyone I encounter unless the path is ridiculously busy. On a typical 20-30 mile ride I may encounter a cyclist about every 4-5 minutes. Anemic looking roadie males in full kit will almost never wave, nod or speak. Riders with triathlete builds are a little better about acknowledging my greeting, but not much. Hybrid, commuter and MTB riders almost always give an acknowledgement. Families do too. Couples no matter what they are riding are pretty polite. Single woman are normally very polite. Here's something interesting. I can't recall a black person ever failing to return my greeting. It's an interesting study to be sure. I want to emphasize that when the trail is jam packed, you'd never stop greeting people if you waved or spoke to everyone, so it's understandable that folks dispense with pleasantries. But when you encounter someone every other mile or so, common decency dictates you should acknowledge a greeting. Some...many can't be bothered.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 143
Bikes: Windsor Carrera Sport, Fuji Absolute 3.0, Cannondale H400
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I have been studying this on my way to work. I ride 14 miles each way about twice a week. MTB, usually a greeting, Hybrids, a greeting and smile or nod. Road bikes, a nod and quick face to face greeting but usually nothing said from the older ones. The younger ones, usually a nod. The middle age to younger with full spandex, nothing. There are many exceptions to this but if one can gereralize, this has been my experience.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SWMO
Posts: 3,185
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1400 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Is it me or do some of those guys seem to be a little odd in the head?
I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.
Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.
It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now.
I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.
Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.
It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now.
__________________
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
#18
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Moving at 30 mph and still had the lung capacity to carry on a conversation with raised voices?? I ain't got the aerobic capacity to even squeeze out a fart at 25...
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Geelong, Australia
Posts: 659
Bikes: Cannondale Supersix Hi-Mod / Scott Spark 930 / Scott Sportster 20 / Jamis Allegro 2.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seems it was just two wankers.
Wankers ride any bike, they may not even have a bike...but they exist in all parts of society.
Don't imagine it matters what sort of bike these 2 were on or that they were "all decked out".
Don't continue the stereotype...it doesn't help. I ride a road bike and a hybrid. I love them both and I'm considerate on both (yep - even when I'm "all decked out").
BUT - It seems (from your post) that you're new to cycling - so welcome - its awesome and I hope you continue. But could it be that you weren't as far over as you first thought? And could it also be that you were going pretty slow...cos I find it hard to believe they were travelling at 30mph on a bike path, having a chat...so maybe you were in the middle of the path doing 10mph? If so, I'd have had a few words to you too.
Wankers ride any bike, they may not even have a bike...but they exist in all parts of society.
Don't imagine it matters what sort of bike these 2 were on or that they were "all decked out".
Don't continue the stereotype...it doesn't help. I ride a road bike and a hybrid. I love them both and I'm considerate on both (yep - even when I'm "all decked out").
BUT - It seems (from your post) that you're new to cycling - so welcome - its awesome and I hope you continue. But could it be that you weren't as far over as you first thought? And could it also be that you were going pretty slow...cos I find it hard to believe they were travelling at 30mph on a bike path, having a chat...so maybe you were in the middle of the path doing 10mph? If so, I'd have had a few words to you too.
Last edited by Lexi01; 07-05-12 at 10:02 PM.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 78
Bikes: Trek 7100 Hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You nailed it my friend. Yep, I don't understand it either. Or, like someone mentioned, it could be an American thing. (Shrugs)
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Owings Mills, Maryland
Posts: 494
Bikes: 2011 Trek 8.4 DS hybrid; 2012 Felt F-75 road bike; 1990 Specialized Stumpjumper MTB; 1992 Guerciotti road bike (inactive)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left".
#22
Senior Member
So far, I find most bicyclists I encounter to be pretty friendly: they might not go out of the way to "shake your hand", but they usually nod and carry on. However, I can see how certain subgroups of any biking community could have an.... attitude. A few bad apples spoil it for everybody: you see it in any discipline - martial arts, photography, at the office, it goes on and on...
What I do find amusing is when I'm on an MUP and there's a family or group walking 3 or 4 abreast and taking up the entire width of the path, or at least the half of the path you're supposed to ride on. They seem so shocked when I come along and ring my bell! And of course... there is a pedestrian specific path just a couple of metres away...
What I do find amusing is when I'm on an MUP and there's a family or group walking 3 or 4 abreast and taking up the entire width of the path, or at least the half of the path you're supposed to ride on. They seem so shocked when I come along and ring my bell! And of course... there is a pedestrian specific path just a couple of metres away...
#24
2 Fat 2 Furious
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: England
Posts: 3,996
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport RIP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Some folks are jackasses, simple as that.
You can often tell if you've really bruised someone's ego if you overtake them and within a short time they absolutely fly past you and turn off the road shortly afterwards. Truth be told I always find it quite comical when someone does that, it's clear they want to make a point but don't want to risk finding out you can ramp up the pace as well.
I don't really understand the mentality of it all, if rider A is faster than rider B it could be that A is sprinting while B is enjoying the view, it could be B is 195 miles into a double century, could be B is on a recovery ride, maybe A is just a stronger cyclist, there's a whole host of reasons. Which makes it all the more curious when some folks apparently can't cope with being overtaken.
You can often tell if you've really bruised someone's ego if you overtake them and within a short time they absolutely fly past you and turn off the road shortly afterwards. Truth be told I always find it quite comical when someone does that, it's clear they want to make a point but don't want to risk finding out you can ramp up the pace as well.
I don't really understand the mentality of it all, if rider A is faster than rider B it could be that A is sprinting while B is enjoying the view, it could be B is 195 miles into a double century, could be B is on a recovery ride, maybe A is just a stronger cyclist, there's a whole host of reasons. Which makes it all the more curious when some folks apparently can't cope with being overtaken.
__________________
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: 2012 Surly LHT, 1995 GT Outpost Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Should call them "Roadies", because I feel that in order to be a real Roadie, you have to ride, you know... on the Road.