I know the stereotypes define elite cyclists as rude, and snobby toward other bikers, but I dont think that is true of all of them. I wouldnt mind reaching elite status and here is why....
The other day I was out for my ride and was having a great one. I was in the zone the whole time... I was coming off of a decline and was pumping away trying to maintain the high speed as long as possible... next thing I know a car slows down to keep pace with me and the passenger starts asking for directions. I had to slow down and even come to a stop because of these dolts... I was really focused too. 😠
I am really sure that if I was on a $2000 bike and wearing a $300 cycling wardrobe a looked the part of the elitist these people would not have bothered with me... they would have known I was trying to accomplish something and left me alone.
I am really sure that if I was on a $2000 bike and wearing a $300 cycling wardrobe a looked the part of the elitist these people would not have bothered with me... they would have known I was trying to accomplish something and left me alone.
Nope. You still get asked for directions, and worse because you are elite, you are forty miles from home and don't know where what they are asking for is. They then look at you like you must be lying to them.
I did not say that I dont like people asking for directions.... I dont mind giving directions at all.
But when I am trying to keep a high speed and I am obviously in a zone, why would they interrupt me.... Even if they did not realize that I am concentrating on my ride, they can obviously see how fast I am going so why make me stop.. that alone is dangerous coming up on me like that and breaking my stride.
I am really sure that if I was on a $2000 bike and wearing a $300 cycling wardrobe a looked the part of the elitist...
Its all in the wardrobe, as the avg joe wouldn't know the diff between a $500 bike or a $15,000 bike. But aesthetically elite or not, they still would have bothered you...
Even if they did not realize that I am concentrating on my ride, they can obviously see how fast I am going so why make me stop.. that alone is dangerous coming up on me like that and breaking my stride.
Does anyone agree with me?
Maybe you will get luckier next time. It could be a hot honey who will compliment you about your ass. If you get luckier still you might be making a post the next day that starts out, "Dear Cyclingforums, I never thought this would happen to me, but I was just riding around and a drop top Volkswagon Beetle with two cute asian twins pulled alongside me..."
Of course you have to be elite for the twins scenario to happen, otherwise you get stuck with just a single.
You could be going 30 mph or 10 mph, it doesn't matter, non-cyclists really have no idea what fast or slow is on a bike. It's not really their fault, after all, the difference between a 15 mph ride and a 20 mph ride doesn't sound like that big a deal. The perception is especially true when they're in a car, because most likely they're going faster than you anyway.
Every once in a while I get "lucky" <g>. Not the way you are thinking! I have a 37 mile route that ends with a 5 mile slight downhill going east along side 40 mph traffic with a wide shoulder. With a decent tail wind I've been known to keep pace with traffic the entire segment. The two traffic lights have to work with me, but I've gotten quite a few comments from people when they see I am pacing them for such a distance.
Am I elite? Who knows, who cares. I just enjoy riding hard. I *did* break 1 hour this year doing a 40k time-trial. That was my only goal this year. Not too shabby for a 50 something.
JJakucyk said:
You could be going 30 mph or 10 mph, it doesn't matter, non-cyclists really have no idea what fast or slow is on a bike. It's not really their fault, after all, the difference between a 15 mph ride and a 20 mph ride doesn't sound like that big a deal. The perception is especially true when they're in a car, because most likely they're going faster than you anyway.
I'm not elite, but I am a cop. So it only comes natural to ignore people when I am off duty. If they want to stop and try to do something about it, I am ready and willing. And they should know I always take my cell phone so I will have every cop and deputy in the area en route if I need them. 😄
