I always wave. Politeness doesn't cost you anything.

You can't be cool if you're a waver. C'mon now!

No you've got to wave, or you're not cool. Failing to acknowledge the other rider is uncool. However, to be cool your acknowldgement must be nonchalant, and more subtle than the other rider's acknowledgement.

Hence, the slight finger wave by racer types.

The most subtle acknowldgement wins. So you want to make the absolutely smallest move with your finger possible, that is yet perceptible.

Also, never iniate the recognition ritual. Only acknowledge the other rider, afther they have acknowledged you.

Given, however, that it is uncool to not acknowledge another rider, this becomes a game of chicken, as to who will blink first.

I just spit coffee all over my computer...lol..that's so funny....
When I go out for a workout ride I am focused on what I am doing and in the zone,
when I later go out for a nice recovery ride I wave at everybody like a happy ******.
Gotta have some balance...

Hey, who took my picture ?!?!

I always wiggle my toes to acknowledge other riders. They often miss this subtle gesture and post threads on other cyclists not waving to them.

Or even 2.

As a runner, I love waving and greeting other runners.

As a new cyclist, and falling deeply in love with spinning circles, I find myself waving as goofy as possible to others on bikes and almost always get some sort of good recognition back. Even the serious riders would give me a head nod and a few fingers raised up.

tiat

Mace isn't just for dogs, give one of those non-wavers a spritz and that'll learn 'em some manners!

Just make sure you do your waving while on a bike that is commensurate with your abilities and not according to cash on hand.

And don't use the mace on a group ride.

Oh I get it. You're just waaaaaaaaaay too sensitive. Why do you care about someone waving hi to you? I live in NorCal, and I probably see a hundred riders every time I go out. Maybe 20% give me any kind of wave. So what? I don't care, I never initiate any acknowledgement, if someone does it to me, then I'll return, but it's not like I'm trying to be rude. Get over it, find something else to worry about. Or, find a club to ride with, then you can actually talk to other people in a group, and not have to worry about some random guy acknowledging your presence.

This thread makes me

We need to combine all of these threads; do you wave or spray mace at a dog while riding in a group on your bike that doesn't match your ability?

I find waving by people or motorcycles odd. It's as if they think we are cousins or members of the same fraternity because we are both on two wheeels.

I love the solitude of riding. I try to not be unfriendly when people wave or say something...but I wish they wouldn't. Some people who live along routes that I regularly ride ALWAYS say hi or something, an so I am obligated to always acknowledge them, each and every time I pass their houses and they are outside- and it gets old, fast. I just want to ride. And I ride in a rural area. I'd hate to think how it would be if this went on in the city, where one encounters so many other people!

Really....if I see you stuck on the side of the road, I'll stop and see if you need help- but I'm not looking for friends; I love my solitude; I'm often immersed in thought when I'm riding; I just want to enjoy the quietness and ride, so please respect my space and privacy.

Ah, hence the user name...I'm smart like that!

I'd say that approx. 98% of roadies I pass in the opposite direction wave back, or wave at the same time that I do. I usually wave first. However, if flying down a fast hill while passing riders going up, to keep my hands on the bar, I always yelp some verbal greeting. At the minimum, I will at least give a head nod.

It really is pathetic for a fellow roadie not to wave back, verbal greeting, or at least a head nod when he/she clearly knows that hes/she has been waved at by another cyclist. Life it too short to behave otherwise; some of you much younger than 50 will realize that later in life, hopefully not too later.

LOL!!! I know, I've gotten that randomly too, thought the exact same thing. The Two Wheel Brotherhood or something, seems funny to me.

Seriously? "really is pathetic"? Holy hell some of you guys are needy.

Darn! I gave it away! I'm outed now!

Yes. Fred is out riding his bike, having a good time. He's in a pleasant mood and waves at everyone he sees.

It's the poseurs (aka wannabe racers) who don't wave.