Jebber

I took my road bike out for a ride yesterday, on the same roads I normally train, and saw the same types of road cyclists I normally see while I'm out. As a relative newcomer to the sport (about 1 year) I've really enjoyed the unspoken brother/sistahood most road cyclists acknowledge with low key friendly hand gestures, hidden to those in their automobiles or the unitiated, from across the road, or in passing.

But, this ride I went out with my backpack on; I was experimenting to see what it would be like for our short tour in Italy coming up. And to my surprise, despite the fact I was on my racing ride, AND in lycra, I got NO LOVE! It was like I had been relegated to some uncool recreational biker zone.

I always make it a point to wave to any biker out on the road while I'm out. Mo' bikes, mo' betta, in my view. Why the dissin' from the roadies out there? Cycling started out as the people's sport, and should stay that way, but this and several other recent incidents have me believing that it is the snobbish cult that I've heard about, but chose not to believe.

So, let's all make it a point to be more welcoming on the roads. Remember, mo' bikes, mo' betta.

Corsaire

In a "wanna be racer" 's mind either you are or you are NOT (cool that is). I'm not a racer, I could care less, but I do wave to everybody on a bike, whatever that definition is.

Corsaire

jslopez

Could also be just your imagination or weird luck that you waved at people who for different reasons don't wave back.

superdex

On a longer ride a couple weeks ago we passed someone touring --full panniers and everything. He got more love than anyone else we encountered that day. More props! I'da waved--

squeegy200

I use a camelbak on long rides. Keeps me self sufficient.
Some of my rides are on long mountain routes where there are no resources and I easily exceed the volume of two water bottles.

zensuit

I commuted for years ona road bike with backpack...and you are right, didn't even get the little hand flip wave...but I was riding not driving so I didn't care...

formulaben

Think "cyclists" are united? Just look at how many groups are on this forum's main page. I guess it's just like any other groups of people: some are friendly, some are not. I never know what I'll run into on a ride, but I've taken more to just keeping to myself because of the many times I've said "hello" and just gotten a blank stare in return.
I guess when you think about it, it's no different than going to the mall...I don't feel a particular kinship to the average moron there that's in my way.

konageezer

No! Don't let them beat you down! The last thing the world needs is another disconnected "cool" person. Wave at 'em. Say "Hi." Say, "Great day for it!" (ESPECIALLY if it's raining buckets). Say "This hill's a bear, eh?" (That one might be a bit too Canadian, but you take my meaning). Get out there and embrace the commonality of cyclists. It can makes some one's day to be greeted by a friendly stranger. So do it.

It's always worth a try. Always.

Geoff326

sometimes i give a hand gesture or a nod but they just happen to be not looking at me at the moment cuz they're proly concentrating on the road. it's all good

skinnyone

Me too...

mnutini

pass them, then they'll notice you.

Sometimes I commute to work. Same garb as my ride days except I throw on a messenger bag to haul my stuff. I've never noticed a different reaction. Try wearing a hydration pack and see if you get the same response. I'm curious as to how sharp an eye these cyclists in your area have.

curse13

"only the sith deal in absolutes."

Zurich

I love to catch dudes, decked out in assos riding their madones around, when I commute (w/ a backpack) and then just move along to the next one. It's good motivation when I don't have time to get hard rides in during the week. Makes the commute more fun, too. If you're looking for hand gestures, you're in the wrong sport Screw em'

Guest

Well, just wait until you attach the rack to the back of the bike. The looks of askance will amaze you.

Koffee

hi565

even if you pass by me in a 10000 dollar trek special edition 6th TDF madone Id give you a wave, and mybe fall of my bike staring at you!

But still I wave at everyone, even drivers that see me. There are many who dont wave back at all. And I just say Whatever and ride into the distance.

jslopez

Passing some snobish guys does seem to earn you some "respect" in their eyes. Not that I would want it anyways...

At the end of the day you will meet nice people and jerks no matter what they ride so just don't take them to seriously.