Other cyclists ahhhhhhhhh

[chiocciolis_calves]

Re: Re:

Strange thread. Cyclist who uses mega gearing complains about being dropped on a hill.

Not as Strange as some one "YOU" who has nothing better to do than post the above comment.

Stranger still is that the same cyclist complains about people complaining about his complaint.

I'll raise you a complainer complaining about people complaining about his complaint. While I think the OP should let it go, threads like this never cease to bring folks out of the woodwork to pile on to someone like him.

The simple fact is that the road attracts a disproportionate number of twits who seem to want to one-up their fellow Freds. I have commented numerous times on the night-and-day experiences of 30 years of riding with MTBers vs. roadies. Yes, this is anecdotal evidence, but a whole lot of anecdotal evidence. I can count on one hand the number of times I haven't received a "hello" or wave back out on the dirt, while it happens all the time on the road. Ditto the atmosphere on MTB group rides vs. group road rides. I don't know what it is, but it really is night-and-day.

I used to think this but actually, I'm not sure it's true anymore. One-upmanship exists on MTB these days just as much as in the road, just look at how some idiots behave at trail centres.

Conversely, I've found that on the road most people I meet are happy to chat but then get on with their own thing.

One thing I have noticed on the road is most people will always have an excuse as to why they are going slow, just like Ray did in this case

That hasn't been my experience at all here in the States. More relaxed, nicer, less pretentious people, as a general rule.

 

[42x16ss]

To be fair, the road is becoming a more pretentious place by the day. Between random wheelsuckers, super-commuters thinking they're riding the TDF TT and people attacking bunch rides in the first 15-20 minutes things can get silly.

I've recently moved back to Brisbane after two years away in Perth and the day to day riding scene has changed completely. People doing shop rides decked out from head to toe in matching shop kits acting like they're pros while going for a 50km Saturday morning River or Bay loop, Friday morning rides becoming smashfests and pacelines (doesn't anyone want to be fresh for the weekend?) and people jumping out of their own bunches to try and latch on to anybody faster than them to get their average speed up for Strava.

If you don't know where to find the saner groups it gets disheartening. Most guys on teams now train alone, it's not worth the risk.

 

[King Boonen]

Re:

To be fair, the road is becoming a more pretentious place by the day. Between random wheelsuckers, super-commuters thinking they're riding the TDF TT and people attacking bunch rides in the first 15-20 minutes things can get silly.

I've recently moved back to Brisbane after two years away in Perth and the day to day riding scene has changed completely. People doing shop rides decked out from head to toe in matching shop kits acting like they're pros while going for a 50km Saturday morning River or Bay loop, Friday morning rides becoming smashfests and pacelines (doesn't anyone want to be fresh for the weekend?) and people jumping out of their own bunches to try and latch on to anybody faster than them to get their average speed up for Strava.

If you don't know where to find the saner groups it gets disheartening. Most guys on teams now train alone, it's not worth the risk.

Come to Glasgow, that sounds bloody awful.

 

[King Boonen]

Re:

I used to do a wee bit of MTB but was not that good and to be honest some of that fast downhill stuff when your shaking around and just hanging on for life with no idea if you might end up dead was fun. The banter was always really good, less intense and everyone giving you tips how to improve your skills.
Most roadies seem to have this " I'm going straight ahead don't talk to me vibe "

I'm over it now King. Oh the pain to taste the tears of defeat

I was out on Wednesday just finishing a steady Carron Valley loop when I heard a call of "REAR" and Glasgow Nightingales went flying past me. They were obviously on a hard effort up the Devils' Elbow and then along past Mugdock. The second group came past and swallowed me up, I had no choice but to join them as I was going at about the same pace when we hit the little ramps, but they were happy enough to have me along for the ride. We caught up the front group just before they peeled off. It must have been a big effort as one of the guys from the front group went my way and looked half dead going along at half the speed I was doing. About half an hour before I caught a fella up going over the top of the Crow Road, so I knocked the pace down a bit, he picked his up a bit and we had a chat about riding and things.

I really do love cycling in Glasgow.

 

[ray j willings]

My wife's Brother runs a printing company in the centre of Glasgow , I have been there a couple of times and its always been great and people really cool. I always pop in to Mother India for some food "amazing"

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

To be fair, the road is becoming a more pretentious place by the day. Between random wheelsuckers, super-commuters thinking they're riding the TDF TT and people attacking bunch rides in the first 15-20 minutes things can get silly.

I've recently moved back to Brisbane after two years away in Perth and the day to day riding scene has changed completely. People doing shop rides decked out from head to toe in matching shop kits acting like they're pros while going for a 50km Saturday morning River or Bay loop, Friday morning rides becoming smashfests and pacelines (doesn't anyone want to be fresh for the weekend?) and people jumping out of their own bunches to try and latch on to anybody faster than them to get their average speed up for Strava.

If you don't know where to find the saner groups it gets disheartening. Most guys on teams now train alone, it's not worth the risk.

Come to Glasgow, that sounds bloody awful.

I've laid it on a little thick, but you will see all of the above a couple of times a week if you ride the more common routes. We are very spoiled for weather here, especially over the winter, so you get the freds all year round.

 

[King Boonen]

Re:

My wife's Brother runs a printing company in the centre of Glasgow , I have been there a couple of times and its always been great and people really cool. I always pop in to Mother India for some food "amazing"

Mother India is brilliant! Banana Leaf just round the corner is also well worth a visit. There's a cycling cafe on Dumbarton road right next to the Kelvinhall underground station Called Siempre. Main chef in there, Chris, is a good cyclist and a fantastic Chef, well worth a visit and have the special. Cal, the owner, Is a great bloke. I'm in there a fair amount, you can take your bike inside so no need to lock it up.

 

[King Boonen]

Re: Re:

To be fair, the road is becoming a more pretentious place by the day. Between random wheelsuckers, super-commuters thinking they're riding the TDF TT and people attacking bunch rides in the first 15-20 minutes things can get silly.

I've recently moved back to Brisbane after two years away in Perth and the day to day riding scene has changed completely. People doing shop rides decked out from head to toe in matching shop kits acting like they're pros while going for a 50km Saturday morning River or Bay loop, Friday morning rides becoming smashfests and pacelines (doesn't anyone want to be fresh for the weekend?) and people jumping out of their own bunches to try and latch on to anybody faster than them to get their average speed up for Strava.

If you don't know where to find the saner groups it gets disheartening. Most guys on teams now train alone, it's not worth the risk.

Come to Glasgow, that sounds bloody awful.

I've laid it on a little thick, but you will see all of the above a couple of times a week if you ride the more common routes. We are very spoiled for weather here, especially over the winter, so you get the freds all year round.

That's a shame, sounds like you need to start a "no wankers" group ride...

 

[ray j willings]

Re: Re:

My wife's Brother runs a printing company in the centre of Glasgow , I have been there a couple of times and its always been great and people really cool. I always pop in to Mother India for some food "amazing"

Mother India is brilliant! Banana Leaf just round the corner is also well worth a visit. There's a cycling cafe on Dumbarton road right next to the Kelvinhall underground station Called Siempre. Main chef in there, Chris, is a good cyclist and a fantastic Chef, well worth a visit and have the special. Cal, the owner, Is a great bloke. I'm in there a fair amount, you can take your bike inside so no need to lock it up.

Next time I am up ,I will definitely give it a go ,,,sound great. Cheers King.

 

[winkybiker]

Is there not an asymmmetry of attitude going on with some of the comments here? "When someone in matching kit and nice bike passes me, they're a an over caffienated, rich, toss-pot, out for some meaningless saturday morning glory; but when I head out on a nice bike in my club kit and pass someone it's just because they are slower than me".

I have zero problem with people who latch onto my wheel, attack on the hills, ride expensive bikes, are carrying too much weight, are trying too hard with their kit (although the significantly overweight guy who used to cruise Beach Avenue in full white World Championship kit was pushing it a bit) or any other thing that seems to get many riled up. Anybody out on a bike is OK by me.

As for people who "brag", disparage other riders, make continual excuses or otherwise show themselves to be bitter little people - well, I just don't ride with them.

 

[yenrod]

Re:

Is there not an asymmmetry of attitude going on with some of the comments here? "When someone in matching kit and nice bike passes me, they're a an over caffienated, rich, toss-pot, out for some meaningless saturday morning glory; but when I head out on a nice bike in my club kit and pass someone it's just because they are slower than me".

I have zero problem with people who latch onto my wheel, attack on the hills, ride expensive bikes, are carrying too much weight, are trying too hard with their kit (although the significantly overweight guy who used to cruise Beach Avenue in full white World Championship kit was pushing it a bit) or any other thing that seems to get many riled up. Anybody out on a bike is OK by me.

As for people who "brag", disparage other riders, make continual excuses or otherwise show themselves to be bitter little people - well, I just don't ride with them.

Have to agree, each of us approach this sportm which is pretty dam hard, differently. I've rode since 16 now im 43 and can still stick the chainy etc...but i still wave to people whomever they are...and actually welcome any concersation with people ive met on my travels - coz that conversation could make your day, week etc...

Once out on a Sunday eve. - very quiet caught some bloke who'd rode over from N.Wales that was a good story and thats 1 of many...

So, chill out everyone...considering people who dont give to dams about us, car drivers, we certainly like to make enemies amongst our own!

 

[chiocciolis_calves]

Re:

Is there not an asymmmetry of attitude going on with some of the comments here? "When someone in matching kit and nice bike passes me, they're a an over caffienated, rich, toss-pot, out for some meaningless saturday morning glory; but when I head out on a nice bike in my club kit and pass someone it's just because they are slower than me".

I have zero problem with people who latch onto my wheel, attack on the hills, ride expensive bikes, are carrying too much weight, are trying too hard with their kit (although the significantly overweight guy who used to cruise Beach Avenue in full white World Championship kit was pushing it a bit) or any other thing that seems to get many riled up. Anybody out on a bike is OK by me.

As for people who "brag", disparage other riders, make continual excuses or otherwise show themselves to be bitter little people - well, I just don't ride with them.

Not necessarily. It's rather tacky behavior when you wave and smile at someone and they return it with a grave stare and no wave back. Or when a group ride is advertised as "no drop," and then proceed to drop a newbie. Some of the local clubs have disastrous reputations because of their repulsive behavior along these lines. If the behavior was confined to the things you list, I would agree. I've been riding as long as you have and I have observed a basic lack of courtesy for a long time. Road riding tends to be a rich boy's sport and it unfortunately attracts a disproportionate number of pretentious a-holes. At least here in the States. Witness all the jock fleas who tried to attach themselves to guys like Armstrong.

 

[winkybiker]

Re: Re:

Is there not an asymmmetry of attitude going on with some of the comments here? "When someone in matching kit and nice bike passes me, they're a an over caffienated, rich, toss-pot, out for some meaningless saturday morning glory; but when I head out on a nice bike in my club kit and pass someone it's just because they are slower than me".

I have zero problem with people who latch onto my wheel, attack on the hills, ride expensive bikes, are carrying too much weight, are trying too hard with their kit (although the significantly overweight guy who used to cruise Beach Avenue in full white World Championship kit was pushing it a bit) or any other thing that seems to get many riled up. Anybody out on a bike is OK by me.

As for people who "brag", disparage other riders, make continual excuses or otherwise show themselves to be bitter little people - well, I just don't ride with them.

Not necessarily. It's rather tacky behavior when you wave and smile at someone and they return it with a grave stare and no wave back. Or when a group ride is advertised as "no drop," and then proceed to drop a newbie. Some of the local clubs have disastrous reputations because of their repulsive behavior along these lines. If the behavior was confined to the things you list, I would agree. I've been riding as long as you have and I have observed a basic lack of courtesy for a long time. Road riding tends to be a rich boy's sport and it unfortunately attracts a disproportionate number of pretentious a-holes. At least here in the States. Witness all the jock fleas who tried to attach themselves to guys like Armstrong.

The not waving thing doesn't bother me too much. I'm a sometime waver, most times not, but I'll return the wave in general (it sometimes comes too late). As for saying hello when being overtaken or overtaking, it's about 50:50 for me, and that's about the average I observe. I think we tend to say hello to those we perceive as "just like us". We'll perhaps not greet the lady on the bike with the basket perhaps (nor would she say hello to us, unless prompted), but we'll perhaps say something to a rider who seems about as "serious" as we are.

One type of "waving" I really appreciate is the little euro-style horizontal fist pump/punch that descending riders give by way of encouragement to those still toiling up the big cols in Europe. It can really lift your spirit when the climb is hard and long!

I'm fully with you on the "no drop" ride lies. Some (most?) people just can't help themselves. It doesn't bother me at all to be dropped by a ride (OK, I'm annoyed I can't keep up, but feel no ill-will towards the stronger group at all), but I do get that a prospective club member has a right feel a little agrieved when the club leads them out to the edge of town, turns up the screws for the run home and leaves them out there alone. That's just nasty. And we see it with our club very occassionally - lots of apologies by email typically ensue. It's group think. "Why should I be the one to slow up and keep the newbie company? Can't someone else do it? If they're not slowing, it mustn't matter". And so it goes, each of us guilty by association. But we do have some stellar guys and gals in our club who really do look out for the new people - so it's rare for us to have an issue.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Is there not an asymmmetry of attitude going on with some of the comments here? "When someone in matching kit and nice bike passes me, they're a an over caffienated, rich, toss-pot, out for some meaningless saturday morning glory; but when I head out on a nice bike in my club kit and pass someone it's just because they are slower than me".

I have zero problem with people who latch onto my wheel, attack on the hills, ride expensive bikes, are carrying too much weight, are trying too hard with their kit (although the significantly overweight guy who used to cruise Beach Avenue in full white World Championship kit was pushing it a bit) or any other thing that seems to get many riled up. Anybody out on a bike is OK by me.

As for people who "brag", disparage other riders, make continual excuses or otherwise show themselves to be bitter little people - well, I just don't ride with them.

Not necessarily. It's rather tacky behavior when you wave and smile at someone and they return it with a grave stare and no wave back. Or when a group ride is advertised as "no drop," and then proceed to drop a newbie. Some of the local clubs have disastrous reputations because of their repulsive behavior along these lines. If the behavior was confined to the things you list, I would agree. I've been riding as long as you have and I have observed a basic lack of courtesy for a long time. Road riding tends to be a rich boy's sport and it unfortunately attracts a disproportionate number of pretentious a-holes. At least here in the States. Witness all the jock fleas who tried to attach themselves to guys like Armstrong.

The not waving thing doesn't bother me too much. I'm a sometime waver, most times not, but I'll return the wave in general (it sometimes comes too late). As for saying hello when being overtaken or overtaking, it's about 50:50 for me, and that's about the average I observe. I think we tend to say hello to those we perceive as "just like us". We'll perhaps not greet the lady on the bike with the basket perhaps (nor would she say hello to us, unless prompted), but we'll perhaps say something to a rider who seems about as "serious" as we are.

One type of "waving" I really appreciate is the little euro-style horizontal fist pump/punch that descending riders give by way of encouragement to those still toiling up the big cols in Europe. It can really lift your spirit when the climb is hard and long!

I'm fully with you on the "no drop" ride lies. Some (most?) people just can't help themselves. It doesn't bother me at all to be dropped by a ride (OK, I'm annoyed I can't keep up, but feel no ill-will towards the stronger group at all), but I do get that a prospective club member has a right feel a little agrieved when the club leads them out to the edge of town, turns up the screws for the run home and leaves them out there alone. That's just nasty. And we see it with our club very occassionally - lots of apologies by email typically ensue. It's group think. "Why should I be the one to slow up and keep the newbie company? Can't someone else do it? If they're not slowing, it mustn't matter". And so it goes, each of us guilty by association. But we do have some stellar guys and gals in our club who really do look out for the new people - so it's rare for us to have an issue.

Man, that kind of thing riles me up. If I get dropped because I'm knackered after a couple of hard weeks training, fine - I'm a big boy and usually expect it. But when a new/known weaker rider is dropped like a stone and left for themselves on a "no drop" ride I get mighty annoyed.

When I was living in Perth, one of the local clubs had their "small ring only" ride on Tuesday mornings. This usually consisted of the strongest guys putting it in 39x11 and taking off. Some even ran 42's for this purpose. There were sprints on some of the hills and even a paceline section! The club president wasn't doing much at all to discourage it either. I only bothered doing that ride a couple of times....

 

[Puddinlegs]

Re:

Must be a London thing

Went out on a ride last Saturday, guy comes past me on first hill says a friendly hello, not steep but nearly 2 miles in length, just let him go, I have nearly 70 miles of riding ahead of me around the hills of Durham and Northumberland

No kidding, eh? It only matters when the numbers are pinned on.

 

[Armchaircyclist]

Re:

Strange thread. Cyclist who uses mega gearing complains about being dropped on a hill.

------------------
Could not agree more. Choosing to ride in too Heavy gears, and then complaining that a random guy on the road chooses to ride faster and in more appropriate gears up a hill... Weird indeed.

I had the strange experience once in a sportive, where I caught up With a small Group, maybe 4 or 5 guys, and tried to join the Group. They were ok With me wheelsucking, but if I went to the front, they just dropped behind, as if to say they did not need my help. Happened several times, weird People.

 

[carton]

Re: Re:

Could not agree more. Choosing to ride in too Heavy gears, and then complaining that a random guy on the road chooses to ride faster and in more appropriate gears up a hill... Weird indeed.

Nice angle. What's the complete stranger supposed to do, switch down to a higher gear a grind up the hill like you are doing? Out of respect?

 

[tomycs]

Re: Re:

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I had the strange experience once in a sportive, where I caught up With a small Group, maybe 4 or 5 guys, and tried to join the Group. They were ok With me wheelsucking, but if I went to the front, they just dropped behind, as if to say they did not need my help. Happened several times, weird People.

If I catch-up with a group and I'm comfortable with their pace I try to help out and usually the helping hand is accepted. One of the things I find bothering is when a sportive group has that type of guys who have no problem wheelsucking but will get out and sprint on every strava segment type bump and once over the top they just slow down and get back in the queue, like that group of strangers were their personal sprinting train.

 

[WillemS]

Re: Re:

One of the things I find bothering is when a sportive group has that type of guys who have no problem wheelsucking but will get out and sprint on every strava segment type bump and once over the top they just slow down and get back in the queue, like that group of strangers were their personal sprinting train.

That depends on the group, I guess. If I'm riding with friends, then I occasionally like to sprint up short bumps as well. It's what I do best and intensely enjoy, short, false-flat sprints. Usually I'm at the front pulling anyway, so I wouldn't consider myself a wheelsucker, and it has nothing to do with Strava, anaerobic efforts are just efforts I greatly enjoy.

However, we do have an understanding in the group, occasionally we do lead-outs for each other, just to play around and have fun. I would never use a group of strangers as an unwilling lead-out, though. (When training solo I almost never "join" groups, as I'm usually training according to a schedule.)

 

[tomycs]

Re: Re:

That depends on the group, I guess. If I'm riding with friends, then I occasionally like to sprint up short bumps as well. It's what I do best and intensely enjoy, short, false-flat sprints. Usually I'm at the front pulling anyway, so I wouldn't consider myself a wheelsucker, and it has nothing to do with Strava, anaerobic efforts are just efforts I greatly enjoy.

However, we do have an understanding in the group, occasionally we do lead-outs for each other, just to play around and have fun. I would never use a group of strangers as an unwilling lead-out, though. (When training solo I almost never "join" groups, as I'm usually training according to a schedule.)

Yes this a very specific situation and applies to encounters with strangers, where I'd expect a different behaviour. Then again I adapted to the situation and unless I was overtaking an obstacle I would mostly soft-pedal so that I could get the better of them on those sprints . When riding with friends I might never take a pull if I'm feeling more talkative than usual