SIDE-BY-SIDE DUEL WITH "THE KNAVE"; OMG! IT GETS WORSE!!!!
10-14-05 | 11:09 AM
#1
Thread Starter
OCP
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 2
From: MILWAUKEE
Bikes: The kind with two wheels
SIDE-BY-SIDE DUEL WITH "THE KNAVE"; OMG! IT GETS WORSE!!!!
I can't believe what happened today.
This story just keeps getting more bizarre.
Friday ride report; "Hunting The Knave"
It's sunny. Slight breeze. 64 and going up. I select the new Girodana knicker bibs my wife gave me for my birthday to ride in. It's warm enough for the matching Girodana arm warmers under one of my favorite old jerseys given to me a few years ago by a local Masterlock racing team. I select everything to look as good as I can, even cleaning the chain of my Klein and shining it up prior to the ride, all just to irritate him because I figure it does.
Off I go, looking for him everywhere. Nothing. He HAS to be out here on a morning like this I tell myself. Then suddenly, someone is coming at me on the MUP portion of the ride. I'm only eight miles into my 26-mile route, and yes, it is him. He rides by in his usual ugly garb, not even a glance up. I can't belive what I am wabout to do, but I do it anyway. Eight miles in I stop, turn around, and go give chase in search of a picture at the very least for you.
It was no problem getting up behind him. In fact, I hung back on purpose. I didn't want to catch him on the MUP. I would pick MY spot to make my move, and before I did so, I would snap a photo of him from behind.
It was just riding along minding his own business, without a clue I was back there. I let him go twice through traffic while I waited, just hanging back. At one point I had to give up a lot of ground because a mom and her young girl were on the path, the girl on her little two-wheeler about as unsteady as Ted Kennedy at a Friday night lobby party. I got around them and gave chase. There he was, coming out of the MUP. Below is the picture of the elusive Knave as I approached from behind, knowing the time had come to make this interesting.
I tucked the camera away and rode right past him, not a word or glance exchanged. Now keep in mind that when he was just riding alone, he was doing about 17. I passed him doing 19.6 (I made sure to mark the speeds) Now there is a lot of mind game going on with me. I sit up. I coast a little. I do everything to signal to him that I am merely toying with him.
I could have hammered it right then and there because I certainly felt great today and conditions were perfect. But I toyed with him. Now I could hear his bike behind me. Now I picked it up and just rode a nice steady 19-20. Funny thing....all of the sudden HE'S riding the same speed, sucked right onto my wheel without saying a word. I KNEW that was going to happen.
More mind games now...
As we approach an intersection I keep going and actually say out loud, "CLEAR" so that HE knew that I knew he was back there.
Next intersection...I give him the hand signal to go on through with me.
We ride like this for about three miles. He's right on my tail. We turn to go up a little hill toward a golf course clubhouse, where I have seen him stop before. I wondered what he had in mind this time.
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
It just flowed out of my mouth then....
"Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," I yelled.
He gave me a smirk that looked as if it was from Satan himself.
Dammmmmit the hell anyway. I can't believe this happened, yet I can. Now do you see why I call him The Knave? None of this is my imagination. He's a jerk.
Thing is, looking back, I could have put him away early on instead of toy with him. But part of me fears that I might give it my all only to have The Knave still be able to come back on me. And another part says if I had done that (dopped him) the story would be over. Instead, it's all the more maddening for me now.
On the way home by myself I pulled my arm warmers down just because I wanted to look cool like the pro riders for my last few miles home. At least I look good.
What's next?
This story just keeps getting more bizarre.
Friday ride report; "Hunting The Knave"
It's sunny. Slight breeze. 64 and going up. I select the new Girodana knicker bibs my wife gave me for my birthday to ride in. It's warm enough for the matching Girodana arm warmers under one of my favorite old jerseys given to me a few years ago by a local Masterlock racing team. I select everything to look as good as I can, even cleaning the chain of my Klein and shining it up prior to the ride, all just to irritate him because I figure it does.
Off I go, looking for him everywhere. Nothing. He HAS to be out here on a morning like this I tell myself. Then suddenly, someone is coming at me on the MUP portion of the ride. I'm only eight miles into my 26-mile route, and yes, it is him. He rides by in his usual ugly garb, not even a glance up. I can't belive what I am wabout to do, but I do it anyway. Eight miles in I stop, turn around, and go give chase in search of a picture at the very least for you.
It was no problem getting up behind him. In fact, I hung back on purpose. I didn't want to catch him on the MUP. I would pick MY spot to make my move, and before I did so, I would snap a photo of him from behind.
It was just riding along minding his own business, without a clue I was back there. I let him go twice through traffic while I waited, just hanging back. At one point I had to give up a lot of ground because a mom and her young girl were on the path, the girl on her little two-wheeler about as unsteady as Ted Kennedy at a Friday night lobby party. I got around them and gave chase. There he was, coming out of the MUP. Below is the picture of the elusive Knave as I approached from behind, knowing the time had come to make this interesting.
I tucked the camera away and rode right past him, not a word or glance exchanged. Now keep in mind that when he was just riding alone, he was doing about 17. I passed him doing 19.6 (I made sure to mark the speeds) Now there is a lot of mind game going on with me. I sit up. I coast a little. I do everything to signal to him that I am merely toying with him.
I could have hammered it right then and there because I certainly felt great today and conditions were perfect. But I toyed with him. Now I could hear his bike behind me. Now I picked it up and just rode a nice steady 19-20. Funny thing....all of the sudden HE'S riding the same speed, sucked right onto my wheel without saying a word. I KNEW that was going to happen.
More mind games now...
As we approach an intersection I keep going and actually say out loud, "CLEAR" so that HE knew that I knew he was back there.
Next intersection...I give him the hand signal to go on through with me.
We ride like this for about three miles. He's right on my tail. We turn to go up a little hill toward a golf course clubhouse, where I have seen him stop before. I wondered what he had in mind this time.
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
It just flowed out of my mouth then....
"Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," I yelled.
He gave me a smirk that looked as if it was from Satan himself.
Dammmmmit the hell anyway. I can't believe this happened, yet I can. Now do you see why I call him The Knave? None of this is my imagination. He's a jerk.
Thing is, looking back, I could have put him away early on instead of toy with him. But part of me fears that I might give it my all only to have The Knave still be able to come back on me. And another part says if I had done that (dopped him) the story would be over. Instead, it's all the more maddening for me now.
On the way home by myself I pulled my arm warmers down just because I wanted to look cool like the pro riders for my last few miles home. At least I look good.
What's next?
10-14-05 | 11:13 AM
#2
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
I tucked the camera away and rode right past him, not a word or glance exchanged. Now keep in mind that when he was just riding alone, he was doing about 17. I passed him doing 19.6 (I made sure to mark the speeds) Now there is a lot of mind game going on with me. I sit up. I coast a little. I do everything to signal to him that I am merely toying with him.
I could have hammered it right then and there because I certainly felt great today and conditions were perfect. But I toyed with him. Now I could hear his bike behind me. Now I picked it up and just rode a nice steady 19-20. Funny thing....all of the sudden HE'S riding the same speed, sucked right onto my wheel without saying a word. I KNEW that was going to happen.
More mind games now...
As we approach an intersection I keep going and actually say out loud, "CLEAR" so that HE knew that I knew he was back there.
Next intersection...I give him the hand signal to go on through with me.
We ride like this for about three miles. He's right on my tail. We turn to go up a little hill toward a golf course clubhouse, where I have seen him stop before. I wondered what he had in mind this time.
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
It just flowed out of my mouth then....
"Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," I yelled.
He gave me a smirk that looked as if it was from Satan himself.
Dammmmmit the hell anyway. I can't believe this happened, yet I can. Now do you see why I call him The Knave? None of this is my imagination. He's a jerk.
Thing is, looking back, I could have put him away early on instead of toy with him. But part of me fears that I might give it my all only to have The Knave still be able to come back on me. And another part says if I had done that (dopped him) the story would be over. Instead, it's all the more maddening for me now.
On the way home by myself I pulled my arm warmers down just because I wanted to look cool like the pro riders for my last few miles home. At least I look good.
What's next?
I could have hammered it right then and there because I certainly felt great today and conditions were perfect. But I toyed with him. Now I could hear his bike behind me. Now I picked it up and just rode a nice steady 19-20. Funny thing....all of the sudden HE'S riding the same speed, sucked right onto my wheel without saying a word. I KNEW that was going to happen.
More mind games now...
As we approach an intersection I keep going and actually say out loud, "CLEAR" so that HE knew that I knew he was back there.
Next intersection...I give him the hand signal to go on through with me.
We ride like this for about three miles. He's right on my tail. We turn to go up a little hill toward a golf course clubhouse, where I have seen him stop before. I wondered what he had in mind this time.
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
It just flowed out of my mouth then....
"Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," I yelled.
He gave me a smirk that looked as if it was from Satan himself.
Dammmmmit the hell anyway. I can't believe this happened, yet I can. Now do you see why I call him The Knave? None of this is my imagination. He's a jerk.
Thing is, looking back, I could have put him away early on instead of toy with him. But part of me fears that I might give it my all only to have The Knave still be able to come back on me. And another part says if I had done that (dopped him) the story would be over. Instead, it's all the more maddening for me now.
On the way home by myself I pulled my arm warmers down just because I wanted to look cool like the pro riders for my last few miles home. At least I look good.
What's next?
I will approach this in the same way my Dad would have - cuff you up side the head and say 'pay attention, quit screwing around posing, and just drop the sucker already!'
__________________
"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
"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
10-14-05 | 11:16 AM
#5
Baby it's cold outside...
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,310
Likes: 1
From: SK, Canada
Bikes: Trek 5000, Rocky Mountain Wedge, GT Karakoram K2, Litespeed Tuscany
I would have rode right up beside him, snapped a picture of his face and said "I'm writing a short story about my experiences with you..." 
So are you saying he actually beat you to the top? Quit toying with this guy and put the hurts to him or really drop him already.....
I would start with each time you pass him or he decides to turn off when you're ahead, proclaim a loud "Ha I win!.."
Either way, enough is enough.. Who is the better man?
So far it would seem Knave +10 / Hip 0
So are you saying he actually beat you to the top? Quit toying with this guy and put the hurts to him or really drop him already.....
I would start with each time you pass him or he decides to turn off when you're ahead, proclaim a loud "Ha I win!.."Either way, enough is enough.. Who is the better man?
So far it would seem Knave +10 / Hip 0
__________________
-Trek 5000* -Project Litespeed* -The Italian Job* -Rocky Wedge* -The Canadian Connection*
-Trek 5000* -Project Litespeed* -The Italian Job* -Rocky Wedge* -The Canadian Connection*
Last edited by ViperZ; 10-14-05 at 11:25 AM.
10-14-05 | 11:20 AM
#6
Banned.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: southern california
go in for the kill. strike the jugular. the time is now. no gifts, hip... i have my own "knave" that i am dealing with currently...
when the time comes, i will seriously put the hurt on this mofo...
i suggest you do the same.
godspeed.
when the time comes, i will seriously put the hurt on this mofo...
i suggest you do the same.
godspeed.
10-14-05 | 11:26 AM
#8
Thread Starter
OCP
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 2
From: MILWAUKEE
Bikes: The kind with two wheels
Originally Posted by acathi_cyclist
Ok, this time I actually laughed outloud. hilarious!
Now I'm pissed. I think I should have just slapped it into the big chain ring and busted my arse to drop the little knave once and for all.
If he comes back on me after I give him my best stuff, then so be it...my Campy hat is off to him. But no more games. That biatch is going down I tell ya.
Tomorrow morning....huntin' season continues.
10-14-05 | 11:27 AM
#9
Upgrading my engine
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,218
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo
The Knave wins again.
If you think about it, what a genius move by the Knave. He spends his energy to drop you at the last moment, then pulls off so he gets the last laugh. This guy is an evil genius.
If you think about it, what a genius move by the Knave. He spends his energy to drop you at the last moment, then pulls off so he gets the last laugh. This guy is an evil genius.
10-14-05 | 11:28 AM
#10
Thread Starter
OCP
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 2
From: MILWAUKEE
Bikes: The kind with two wheels
Originally Posted by DXchulo
The Knave wins again.
If you think about it, what a genius move by the Knave. He spends his energy to drop you at the last moment, then pulls off so he gets the last laugh. This guy is an evil genius.
If you think about it, what a genius move by the Knave. He spends his energy to drop you at the last moment, then pulls off so he gets the last laugh. This guy is an evil genius.
...great way to put it Dx....
Sooooo....next time I see him, chase him down and give it all I have then?
10-14-05 | 11:30 AM
#12
Thread Starter
OCP
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 2
From: MILWAUKEE
Bikes: The kind with two wheels
...Why didn't I give it 100 percent going up the hill when we were side by side though? It was clear the guy was being a jerk and planned to suck my wheel until the last minute, then pass me, flash me the look and quit....I was being too polite was the problem...I just sort of rode alongside him amazed that he was doing such a thing. Too nice on my part. Maybe right then I should have just tried not to let him go in front at all....
10-14-05 | 11:31 AM
#13
Upgrading my engine
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,218
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
"Evil genius"
...great way to put it Dx....
Sooooo....next time I see him, chase him down and give it all I have then?
...great way to put it Dx....
Sooooo....next time I see him, chase him down and give it all I have then?
And when you do, you have to give him the look.
10-14-05 | 11:31 AM
#14
staring at the mountains
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,576
Likes: 217
From: Castle Pines, CO
Bikes: Obed GVR, Fairdale Goodship, Salsa Timberjack 29
you look at him long enough for him to realize it, make eye contact, and say, "well, I'm bored. See ya" and drop him like a watermelon seed in a spitting contest.
10-14-05 | 11:32 AM
#15
You gotta pull out that camera and snap a photo of from the front! Blind him with the flash, give an evil laugh, and shout out, "TAKE THAT, FOOL KNAVE!"
Or just do the old pump in the front spokes trick.... that'll learn him!
Or just do the old pump in the front spokes trick.... that'll learn him!
10-14-05 | 11:34 AM
#18
Overacting because I can
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,552
Likes: 0
From: The Mean Streets of Bethesda, MD
Bikes: Merlin Agilis, Trek 1500
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
Time to reverse the tables.
__________________
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
10-14-05 | 11:36 AM
#19
Living the n+1
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 2
From: Off the back
Bikes: 2019 RM Pipeline, 2019 RM Blizzard, 2013 SuperX, 2007 Litespeed Vortex, 1970 Falcon Olympic, 2008 RM Metropolis IGH, 2004 Specialized Enduro, 2006 Langster
So, I was riding along on Friday getting lost in my ride only doing about 17 mph when this dude with matching arm warmers starts taking pictures of my butt! 
WTF? I slowed so he can pass me. Wierdo! Then he just stays just ahead of me so I could get a good look at his butt! WTF? We approach an intersection and then he shouts out QUEER! Yeah right, like he really has to tell me... 
Then this guy starts making obscene hand jestures to me! Three miles later, we get on this climb and then he stands up to show me his full monty (eww!) so I hammer up the hill to pass him like a mad man. I glance back and there he is checking me out again! OK! Enuff! I stop to let him by. He shouts "Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," What? I don't think getting hit on by a guy while riding my bike is much fun.... 
T.J.
WTF? I slowed so he can pass me. Wierdo! Then he just stays just ahead of me so I could get a good look at his butt! WTF? We approach an intersection and then he shouts out QUEER! Yeah right, like he really has to tell me... Then this guy starts making obscene hand jestures to me! Three miles later, we get on this climb and then he stands up to show me his full monty (eww!) so I hammer up the hill to pass him like a mad man. I glance back and there he is checking me out again! OK! Enuff! I stop to let him by. He shouts "Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," What? I don't think getting hit on by a guy while riding my bike is much fun.... T.J.
Last edited by Tequila Joe; 03-30-06 at 10:11 PM.
10-14-05 | 11:36 AM
#20
Zen Cyclist
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
Bikes: Orbea Orca Campified...
In fairness this knave could have been playing to his strengths (and possibly your weaknesses). I know that I can easily beat my buddies and 10 min long, less that 6% hills but on long climbs they put me to shame.
Oh well it's all about the fun of dropping and being dropped eh?
Oh well it's all about the fun of dropping and being dropped eh?
10-14-05 | 11:41 AM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,563
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Pro & Iron Horse Mavrick 5.5
I'm with Chip on this one, great stories but drop him and be done with it. Don't be afraid to give it your all, either way you'll know where you stand. Not only that but you've raced...this is just more of the same, win or lose it will still be fun and once the game is on you'll be surprised at how hard you'll be able to push yourself. When it's all said and done it will have been fun and the stories from that ride alone will be worth the read.
__________________
Ralph (not Ralphie) on a Roubaix in
Huntington Beach, CA
& Iron Horse Maverick 5.5
Ralph (not Ralphie) on a Roubaix in
Huntington Beach, CA
& Iron Horse Maverick 5.5
10-14-05 | 11:46 AM
#22
Drop him! Drop him! DROP HIM!. And give him "The Look."
He's using this for bragging rights. He probably goes home and tells his wife. He calls his friends and tells them. He's got stories for his grandkids and everything. Don't let it end this way.
He's using this for bragging rights. He probably goes home and tells his wife. He calls his friends and tells them. He's got stories for his grandkids and everything. Don't let it end this way.
10-14-05 | 11:46 AM
#23
53 miles per burrito
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Bikes: Land Shark, Trek 1000, Iron Horse Rogue, Novara Randonee
Originally Posted by Tequila Joe
So, I was riding along on Friday getting lost in my ride only doing about 17 mph when this dude with matching arm warmers starts taking pictures of my butt! WTF? I slowed so he can pass me. Wierdo! Then he just stays just ahead of me so I could get a good look at his butt! WTF? Three miles later, we get on this climb and then he stands up to show me his full monty (eww!) so I hammer up the hill to pass him like a mad man. I glance back and there he is checking me out again! OK! Enuff! I stop to let him by. He shouts "Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," What? I don't think getting hit on by a guy while riding my bike is much fun....
T.J.
T.J.
10-14-05 | 11:51 AM
#24
Gravity Is Yer Friend
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 0
From: "Over the Hill" and going down fast in the 805.
Bikes: Scott Gambler, Scott Ransom, Kona Bear, Bianchi 928 Carbon/Chorus, C'Dale Rize4
Hahahaha!! Hip you kill me.
I think you are enjoying the mental anguish the "Knave" is causing you. Just open up the can and whoop his a$$!!!
DBD
I think you are enjoying the mental anguish the "Knave" is causing you. Just open up the can and whoop his a$$!!!
DBD
10-14-05 | 11:53 AM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC/ Köln, Germany
Bikes: Bianchi, Olmo
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
I can't believe what happened today.
This story just keeps getting more bizarre.
Friday ride report; "Hunting The Knave"
It's sunny. Slight breeze. 64 and going up. I select the new Girodana knicker bibs my wife gave me for my birthday to ride in. It's warm enough for the matching Girodana arm warmers under one of my favorite old jerseys given to me a few years ago by a local Masterlock racing team. I select everything to look as good as I can, even cleaning the chain of my Klein and shining it up prior to the ride, all just to irritate him because I figure it does.
Off I go, looking for him everywhere. Nothing. He HAS to be out here on a morning like this I tell myself. Then suddenly, someone is coming at me on the MUP portion of the ride. I'm only eight miles into my 26-mile route, and yes, it is him. He rides by in his usual ugly garb, not even a glance up. I can't belive what I am wabout to do, but I do it anyway. Eight miles in I stop, turn around, and go give chase in search of a picture at the very least for you.
It was no problem getting up behind him. In fact, I hung back on purpose. I didn't want to catch him on the MUP. I would pick MY spot to make my move, and before I did so, I would snap a photo of him from behind.
It was just riding along minding his own business, without a clue I was back there. I let him go twice through traffic while I waited, just hanging back. At one point I had to give up a lot of ground because a mom and her young girl were on the path, the girl on her little two-wheeler about as unsteady as Ted Kennedy at a Friday night lobby party. I got around them and gave chase. There he was, coming out of the MUP. Below is the picture of the elusive Knave as I approached from behind, knowing the time had come to make this interesting.
I tucked the camera away and rode right past him, not a word or glance exchanged. Now keep in mind that when he was just riding alone, he was doing about 17. I passed him doing 19.6 (I made sure to mark the speeds) Now there is a lot of mind game going on with me. I sit up. I coast a little. I do everything to signal to him that I am merely toying with him.
I could have hammered it right then and there because I certainly felt great today and conditions were perfect. But I toyed with him. Now I could hear his bike behind me. Now I picked it up and just rode a nice steady 19-20. Funny thing....all of the sudden HE'S riding the same speed, sucked right onto my wheel without saying a word. I KNEW that was going to happen.
More mind games now...
As we approach an intersection I keep going and actually say out loud, "CLEAR" so that HE knew that I knew he was back there.
Next intersection...I give him the hand signal to go on through with me.
We ride like this for about three miles. He's right on my tail. We turn to go up a little hill toward a golf course clubhouse, where I have seen him stop before. I wondered what he had in mind this time.
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
It just flowed out of my mouth then....
"Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," I yelled.
He gave me a smirk that looked as if it was from Satan himself.
Dammmmmit the hell anyway. I can't believe this happened, yet I can. Now do you see why I call him The Knave? None of this is my imagination. He's a jerk.
Thing is, looking back, I could have put him away early on instead of toy with him. But part of me fears that I might give it my all only to have The Knave still be able to come back on me. And another part says if I had done that (dopped him) the story would be over. Instead, it's all the more maddening for me now.
On the way home by myself I pulled my arm warmers down just because I wanted to look cool like the pro riders for my last few miles home. At least I look good.
What's next?
This story just keeps getting more bizarre.
Friday ride report; "Hunting The Knave"
It's sunny. Slight breeze. 64 and going up. I select the new Girodana knicker bibs my wife gave me for my birthday to ride in. It's warm enough for the matching Girodana arm warmers under one of my favorite old jerseys given to me a few years ago by a local Masterlock racing team. I select everything to look as good as I can, even cleaning the chain of my Klein and shining it up prior to the ride, all just to irritate him because I figure it does.
Off I go, looking for him everywhere. Nothing. He HAS to be out here on a morning like this I tell myself. Then suddenly, someone is coming at me on the MUP portion of the ride. I'm only eight miles into my 26-mile route, and yes, it is him. He rides by in his usual ugly garb, not even a glance up. I can't belive what I am wabout to do, but I do it anyway. Eight miles in I stop, turn around, and go give chase in search of a picture at the very least for you.
It was no problem getting up behind him. In fact, I hung back on purpose. I didn't want to catch him on the MUP. I would pick MY spot to make my move, and before I did so, I would snap a photo of him from behind.
It was just riding along minding his own business, without a clue I was back there. I let him go twice through traffic while I waited, just hanging back. At one point I had to give up a lot of ground because a mom and her young girl were on the path, the girl on her little two-wheeler about as unsteady as Ted Kennedy at a Friday night lobby party. I got around them and gave chase. There he was, coming out of the MUP. Below is the picture of the elusive Knave as I approached from behind, knowing the time had come to make this interesting.
I tucked the camera away and rode right past him, not a word or glance exchanged. Now keep in mind that when he was just riding alone, he was doing about 17. I passed him doing 19.6 (I made sure to mark the speeds) Now there is a lot of mind game going on with me. I sit up. I coast a little. I do everything to signal to him that I am merely toying with him.
I could have hammered it right then and there because I certainly felt great today and conditions were perfect. But I toyed with him. Now I could hear his bike behind me. Now I picked it up and just rode a nice steady 19-20. Funny thing....all of the sudden HE'S riding the same speed, sucked right onto my wheel without saying a word. I KNEW that was going to happen.
More mind games now...
As we approach an intersection I keep going and actually say out loud, "CLEAR" so that HE knew that I knew he was back there.
Next intersection...I give him the hand signal to go on through with me.
We ride like this for about three miles. He's right on my tail. We turn to go up a little hill toward a golf course clubhouse, where I have seen him stop before. I wondered what he had in mind this time.
I got out of the saddle to do the little climb without making any sort of big effort when out of the blue here he somes squeaking away pedaling like a mad man to the left of me.
NOW W'RE SIDE BY SIDE GOING UPHILL ON A NARROW PATH!!!!!!!
I couldn't believe what was happening.
Crap. Toward the top I let him go because the path was narrow and has wet leaves on it and I am at the edge of the path where it meets grass.
The little SOB takes the point huffing and puffing and actually turns to flash me "The Look" at the top!
Are you freakin' kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he peels off to the right to stop.
It just flowed out of my mouth then....
"Hey! Don't quit now. It's just gettin' fun," I yelled.
He gave me a smirk that looked as if it was from Satan himself.
Dammmmmit the hell anyway. I can't believe this happened, yet I can. Now do you see why I call him The Knave? None of this is my imagination. He's a jerk.
Thing is, looking back, I could have put him away early on instead of toy with him. But part of me fears that I might give it my all only to have The Knave still be able to come back on me. And another part says if I had done that (dopped him) the story would be over. Instead, it's all the more maddening for me now.
On the way home by myself I pulled my arm warmers down just because I wanted to look cool like the pro riders for my last few miles home. At least I look good.
What's next?
So he pedals like mad to pass you, only to stop and rest once hes done it?
I had a guy do a similar thing the other day on the Mt. Vernon trail near Washington, DC. Right as I was making my way up the final hill to the Mt. Vernon house, some guy passes me on the left (narrow path too) without saying a word on a road bike in his cargo shorts. Keeps pedaling like mad as I was behind him...then about half way up the hill he pulls over and stops while staring at me. I go to the top circle and come back down just as he begins making his way up again.
Just as in your situation, I think its safe to say the joke is on him. Why put all that effort in passing when you cant hang afterward? Let him have it next time.