annoying people refusing to get passed...
#51
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Originally Posted by kingofchimps
Ever manage to step down from that pedestal?
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#52
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Originally Posted by Rich_W
try picking it up about to 27-28
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#53
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So now I'm really confused!
So ok, what exactly is the etiquette??? I'm a newish-rider (I have like 1,000 miles beneath me) and there's 2 pretty standard routes I do from my house after work in SE Michigan. The one route I take is pretty well-roadie travelled. Once in a while, you'll come up on someone. Usually, if they're going slower, I'll pass and say "How's it going"? and keep on. If I get passed, I'll sometimes hear an "on your left" which I appreciate. Sometimes, at a light, I'll start chatting with someone and end up riding together for several miles. All good stuff. Other times, people blow by me without a word and I'm fine with it - 2 guys on TT bikes were just HAULING on Sunday morning and meant business.
But then Tuesday night this week, I'm on my return route and there are two dudes riding together in front of me in matching sleeveless team jerseys. I figure they don't want company, but they weren't going very fast and I caught up to them and rode on one of their wheels for about a 3/4 of a mile. As soon as we got through a changing light and into a flat, wide strip of traffic-free road, I passed them and got in front when I was sure I had cleared them. I cruised home wondering if I should have slowed to their pace and took a "pull" or whatnot since I "sucked their wheel" (correct terminlogy?) for a while.
Damn, it was a lot easier being a runner. You just smiled and waved.
But then Tuesday night this week, I'm on my return route and there are two dudes riding together in front of me in matching sleeveless team jerseys. I figure they don't want company, but they weren't going very fast and I caught up to them and rode on one of their wheels for about a 3/4 of a mile. As soon as we got through a changing light and into a flat, wide strip of traffic-free road, I passed them and got in front when I was sure I had cleared them. I cruised home wondering if I should have slowed to their pace and took a "pull" or whatnot since I "sucked their wheel" (correct terminlogy?) for a while.
Damn, it was a lot easier being a runner. You just smiled and waved.
#54
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Originally Posted by Ramjm_2000
I have always found a quick but hard squeze of the brakes takes care of the parasites....
#55
Used to be a climber..
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Originally Posted by waterrockets
+1
I'm usually the catcher, and I love it when I pass someone and they fight to get on my wheel. I don't care if they say anything or not, it's easy to tell they are there, and I look anyway. It keeps me focused and increases my effort a bit. If they hang on for a couple minutes, or start taking pulls, I'll usually share a few brief words ("nice pull," "sure is windy today," "are you alright back there?," etc.).
You can get a LOT better workout fighting to stay on a faster rider's wheel than slogging along comfortably on your own. It depends what your workout plan is for the day though. If you're doing intervals, you need to swallow your ego and let they guy go (you might catch him on your next interval anyway).
If you don't like people drafting off you, you should probably stick to mountain biking. Or eat lots of beans.
I'm usually the catcher, and I love it when I pass someone and they fight to get on my wheel. I don't care if they say anything or not, it's easy to tell they are there, and I look anyway. It keeps me focused and increases my effort a bit. If they hang on for a couple minutes, or start taking pulls, I'll usually share a few brief words ("nice pull," "sure is windy today," "are you alright back there?," etc.).
You can get a LOT better workout fighting to stay on a faster rider's wheel than slogging along comfortably on your own. It depends what your workout plan is for the day though. If you're doing intervals, you need to swallow your ego and let they guy go (you might catch him on your next interval anyway).
If you don't like people drafting off you, you should probably stick to mountain biking. Or eat lots of beans.
I probably wouldn't mind as much if people actually asked first, and I got to watch 'em ride for a little bit first. The guy I dropped on the climb was VERY squirrely...weaving all over the place and just not steady at all. Definitely did not want him on my wheel.
#56
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Originally Posted by wonderboy
am i the only one annoyed by this? yesterday within a few meters of a long climb (for me at least, I have no idea where he had been riding from) I caught some other guy on a road bike and passed him. upon being passed, he decides to quickly catch up to me and next thing I know I've got a stranger a foot off my rear wheel.
I guess he was try to save face, or show he was tough, or something, but going as fast as I could reasonably go on the flat after the climb, I could not shake him. he drafted off me for 5 minutes or so, never saying a word and doing his best to not let me know he was there. then he just vanished, either turning off to end his ride or taking a different route.
this seems to happen often enough to me (not that i routinely pass people - I'm no speed demon) and it's usually 35+ year old dudes. why do people do this? am I the only one pissed off by this kind of thing? what's wrong with being passed?
I guess he was try to save face, or show he was tough, or something, but going as fast as I could reasonably go on the flat after the climb, I could not shake him. he drafted off me for 5 minutes or so, never saying a word and doing his best to not let me know he was there. then he just vanished, either turning off to end his ride or taking a different route.
this seems to happen often enough to me (not that i routinely pass people - I'm no speed demon) and it's usually 35+ year old dudes. why do people do this? am I the only one pissed off by this kind of thing? what's wrong with being passed?
#57
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How's this for refusing to get passed? On my way home from work, I was riding along the Hudson Greenway when two cyclists rode past me on my left. They weren't going much faster than me, but when they pulled ahead of me, I heard the 2nd cyclist scream, "On your left!" and swing out to the left to pass the rider ahead of him. At that moment, the 1st rider stood up and sprinted! I thought this should be fun to watch so I picked it up a little and stayed around 20-40 feet behind them, depending on MUP conditions. Incidentally, this is the same MUP where a cyclist was killed last month by an NYPD tow truck. I followed along, watching the 2nd cyclist repeatedly try to pass the 1st cyclist only to have the 1st cyclist do a standing sprint. This went on for 3-4 miles until I pulled off at my street. Last I saw they were still riding recklessly along a shared walking/cycling path w/ lots of kids, strollers, parents, dogs, etc. It was the stupidest bit of riding I'd seen in a while.
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#58
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Originally Posted by user0ne
- thats a fight waiting to happen.
Man, I'd pay to see that.
In that situation I'd probably get my myself whooped just from giggling like a little girl.
Back to the subject:
People suck my wheel all the time. It doesn't bother me; I just need to get home.
I think I'm motivated more by racing my wife's diminishing patience than racing other cyclists on the trail.
#59
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This is not an issue out here in rural California. Not enough riders. I think in the four years I have been riding seriously, I have had only one or two times when someone has caught up with me, and it was one of my buddies.
But I agree that some simple etiquette is in order. The few times I have ridden where more bikes are, I have found that a simple "how ya doin'?" or "Where are you headed?" is enough to determine most of what one needs to know.
Just a side note. On a long (7 day) organized ride, we were continually admonished to ride single file. But the written rules say "no drafting". There is a very fine line between the two, sometimes.
But I agree that some simple etiquette is in order. The few times I have ridden where more bikes are, I have found that a simple "how ya doin'?" or "Where are you headed?" is enough to determine most of what one needs to know.
Just a side note. On a long (7 day) organized ride, we were continually admonished to ride single file. But the written rules say "no drafting". There is a very fine line between the two, sometimes.
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#60
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OK, you passed me but I've been riding into this head wind for 2 hours, your backside is big as a barn and I'm 66 years old. Think I'll just stay 5 feet behind you for a few miles to catch my second wind. Don
#61
Portland Fred
Originally Posted by Rich_W
If you're going to pass, you better make sure you can drop them.
If anyone catches me, I let up on the pace until they've gotten by me. However, it is too often the case that they don't maintain the pace they used to catch me so I wind up riding too easy. I figure if we're not going to be talking, one of us should be pulling away.
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I usually have no problem with people drafting me or letting me draft. I do get those guys in full spandex on carbon bikes with aerobars and a million damn wires sticking out of thier body get mad at me for being able to keep up with them. I don't look like serious cyclist (t-shirt/shorts/boots) so they think I can't ride well and say something like "don't run into me" or "keep your distance" when I ask if they mind if I draft. I usually say the same thing back to them when they try to draft me. I say if you don't like people drafting you stand up and make fart noises.
#63
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Originally Posted by Hambone
...as if he "was wearing Harry Potter's Cloak of Invisibility"?
#65
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What I think a lot of riders here fail to realise is that a lot of riders don't know that. If I didn't frequent BF, I'd never have known. And, from my experience, there are a lot of riders in NYC who are the same.
#66
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Originally Posted by waterrockets
I'm usually the catcher, and I love it when I pass someone and they fight to get on my wheel. I'll usually share a few brief words ("nice pull," "sure is windy today," "are you alright back there?," etc.).
I love catching someone, exchanging small talk (all the time trying not to look like I'm working hard), then sprinting away and watching them try to catch my wheel.
Cycling can be so much fun
Steve
#67
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Why don't you enter a race instead?
Originally Posted by cheeseflavor
+1
I love catching someone, exchanging small talk (all the time trying not to look like I'm working hard), then sprinting away and watching them try to catch my wheel.
Cycling can be so much fun
Steve
I love catching someone, exchanging small talk (all the time trying not to look like I'm working hard), then sprinting away and watching them try to catch my wheel.
Cycling can be so much fun
Steve
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I'm constantly amazed by how big a percentage of the populations, of roadies, are mind readers. Someone gets passed or they pass someone and instantly they know everything about the other guy and even when someone takes their regular route, it's really only to get away from you.
On my ride this Sunday with fellow BF'ers here in OC I'm going to try to read the minds of the other guys to see what they think of Brandy's bikini top. I'll report back on my findings.
You guys crack me up.
On my ride this Sunday with fellow BF'ers here in OC I'm going to try to read the minds of the other guys to see what they think of Brandy's bikini top. I'll report back on my findings.
You guys crack me up.
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#69
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#70
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Originally Posted by 1955
I'm constantly amazed by how big a percentage of the populations, of roadies, are mind readers. Someone gets passed or they pass someone and instantly they know everything about the other guy and even when someone takes their regular route, it's really only to get away from you.
On my ride this Sunday with fellow BF'ers here in OC I'm going to try to read the minds of the other guys to see what they think of Brandy's bikini top. I'll report back on my findings.
You guys crack me up.
On my ride this Sunday with fellow BF'ers here in OC I'm going to try to read the minds of the other guys to see what they think of Brandy's bikini top. I'll report back on my findings.
You guys crack me up.
ROFL big time...
#71
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Originally Posted by wildjim
I've had cyclists zoom past me only to run out of gas a half mile down the road or on the next hill. I then pass them at my normal pace and sometimes a race begins
#72
Senior Member
Originally Posted by wonderboy
am i the only one annoyed by this? yesterday within a few meters of a long climb (for me at least, I have no idea where he had been riding from) I caught some other guy on a road bike and passed him. upon being passed, he decides to quickly catch up to me and next thing I know I've got a stranger a foot off my rear wheel.
I guess he was try to save face, or show he was tough, or something, but going as fast as I could reasonably go on the flat after the climb, I could not shake him. he drafted off me for 5 minutes or so, never saying a word and doing his best to not let me know he was there. then he just vanished, either turning off to end his ride or taking a different route.
this seems to happen often enough to me (not that i routinely pass people - I'm no speed demon) and it's usually 35+ year old dudes. why do people do this? am I the only one pissed off by this kind of thing? what's wrong with being passed?
I guess he was try to save face, or show he was tough, or something, but going as fast as I could reasonably go on the flat after the climb, I could not shake him. he drafted off me for 5 minutes or so, never saying a word and doing his best to not let me know he was there. then he just vanished, either turning off to end his ride or taking a different route.
this seems to happen often enough to me (not that i routinely pass people - I'm no speed demon) and it's usually 35+ year old dudes. why do people do this? am I the only one pissed off by this kind of thing? what's wrong with being passed?
Riding home from work one evening (it was dark) back in '99 I passed a guy on an old 10 speed, he had no helmet and no light. Hardly knew he was there and barely noticed him.
I come to a downhill and he blows past me about 1/2 way down the hill. I shake my head and think to myself - my ffriend, going so fast on a downhill even WITH a light is a tad dangerous.
Well the downhill becomes an uphill he slows right down and I pass him again.
As I pass he shouts "not bad!"
#73
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A few years ago, after a tough day at work, I got passed by a couple of high-end road riders while I was commuting on my 1988 Specialized Hardrock with 1.5 slicks. It wasn't one of those "we just wanna get around you" passes, or so it seemed at the time. For whatever reason, right or wrong, I couldn't let go that they passed me, and chose to chase them.
For five miles I didn't give up, pushing 42/14 at a level nearly equal to whatever gearing they had. I just tucked my knees in toward the top tube and spun a faster cadence than I usually do. Oddly I didn't feel winded (I'm typically not a fast rider in any setting), and after another mile they both slowed down and let me go by. One quietly said, "nice pace" as I rode through.
Sure forgot about the bad day after that.
For five miles I didn't give up, pushing 42/14 at a level nearly equal to whatever gearing they had. I just tucked my knees in toward the top tube and spun a faster cadence than I usually do. Oddly I didn't feel winded (I'm typically not a fast rider in any setting), and after another mile they both slowed down and let me go by. One quietly said, "nice pace" as I rode through.
Sure forgot about the bad day after that.
#74
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Originally Posted by EventServices
It's rude because it's unsafe.
And the guy is using YOUR effort to make his easier.
I just pull aside and look at them plainly. No attitude. Just look at them as if to say, "Do I know you?"
That usually begins a conversation that I'm never ready to have.
Another tactic is to slow down VERY SLOWLY. Like, almost imperceptively over the course of a mile. Take it down to a near crawl and see if they stay back there. You'll be surprised at how often they'll sit back there without realizing what's going on.
And as for "Rabbit Hunting", do the people that you're chasing KNOW that they're being chased?
And if not, then are you really chasing them?
And if you catch them, then what did you prove?
And the guy is using YOUR effort to make his easier.
I just pull aside and look at them plainly. No attitude. Just look at them as if to say, "Do I know you?"
That usually begins a conversation that I'm never ready to have.
Another tactic is to slow down VERY SLOWLY. Like, almost imperceptively over the course of a mile. Take it down to a near crawl and see if they stay back there. You'll be surprised at how often they'll sit back there without realizing what's going on.
And as for "Rabbit Hunting", do the people that you're chasing KNOW that they're being chased?
And if not, then are you really chasing them?
And if you catch them, then what did you prove?
#75
Who is Austin Dunbar?
Here's how.
Originally Posted by John Wilke
Having someone on your back wheel is unsafe? How? If he overlaps your back wheel, then he is going down, not you. You just listen to the scraping metal behind you. Even if he gets his bars into your spokes, you will grind to a halt, but you won't go down. (seen it happen).
Using YOUR effort to make his easier? So what? Maybe I've just ridden 99 miles, ate my last bit of food 2 hours ago and just want to get home? That's rude?
I still don't get it.
jw
Using YOUR effort to make his easier? So what? Maybe I've just ridden 99 miles, ate my last bit of food 2 hours ago and just want to get home? That's rude?
I still don't get it.
jw