Cyclomania

I discovered something regarding my cycling recently. Most of you already know this I'm sure. I enjoy riding more when I strike up a conversation with someone on the route: be it another cyclist or someone on the corner.

If I'm in my automobile, rarely will I stop to say hello to anyone. Besides they'd get sick from my fumes or accuse me of blocking traffic! My conclusion: I'm separate from the community even if I'm in my community cocooned in a car!

Anyway, what is your take?! Do you find yourself asking directions rather than relying on your idiot box GPS and find it an in route to striking up a conversation? Are you one curious about the neighbors, even if the neighbors live across town?

StephenH

I'm not the kind to stop and talk to strangers so much, but really enjoy riding with friends when I get the chance, and will talk if I have anything to say. Part of the reason is that I ride by myself 3/4 of the time- if I was ALWAYS with others, it'd be a bit different.

SlimRider

Hey there friend!

When cycling, I usually don't hesitate to ask for directions. Sometimes, when stopped at a redlight, if people are standing on the corner, I think nothing of saying, "Good morning!", or perhaps even, "What's up!".

Last week I saw this little boy ( he was about 10 yrs.) eating Popeyes Chicken on Divisdero at Hayes. I asked, "Is it good?" He just smiled with a mouth full of chicken!

I just love the feeling and sensation of rolling outdoors! ....It makes me feel more sociable!

Auf Weidersehen!

- Slim

krustyone

Yep, I chat up anyone that will listen!

Cyclomania

Like your signature Krusty! Another good reason to go bike shoppin!

Pete In Az

no.

itsthewoo

I tend to get in a zone while cycling. I only really chat when I'm forced to go slow in our local bike co-op's group ride, and even then I can get silent at times.

Machka 

No. I rely on my paper maps ... rarely any need to ask directions, and I wouldn't use that as a way to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.

I also won't stop for the sole purpose of talking to someone. One of the reasons I ride is to get away from people. I don't bring a phone with me either ... I don't want to be contactable out there.

However, if I stop to go into a store to buy something to eat or drink mid-ride, I will exchange pleasantries with the salesperson. And if I ride with family or friends, I will talk to them.

Jeff Wills

+1

Sgt Mac

I always say hi or how far are you going, where are you going, or if I see someone with an obviously high dollar bike I will say wow nice bike etc...

Robert Foster

I talk to people I know and I might talk to someone I didn't know while passing on the road. But I have more people in cars asking directions than I would ever have to ask. Before I go anyplace new I tend to map it out on Mapmyride. And going anyplace else once I have been there I know how to get there and back again. If I were to get lost, highly unlikely, I have an Iphone with maps and mapmyride and Google. The people in the stores don’t know how I got to the store so I am not more or less part of the community simply because I cycle there.

Antaresia

Yep. I like talking to other people, even just a little, and especially about biking. I've been known to yell out "nice bike!" when I see a sweet steel frame rolling by. The best thing anyone has ever told me was "That's a heavy bike to ride up this hill!" we chatted a little, and it felt awesome that Mr.Carbon Bike gave me props for riding an old hi-ten.

It probably makes a difference what kind of cycling you do too; I'm a commuter.

Orca

I think the most I would do is give the occasional nod to a fellow cyclist going the other way but aside from that no, not really.

imec

Just a "morning" to those who make eye contact - otherwise I'm busy talking to my riding partner, who is 1500 miles away.

TurbineBlade

No.

However, it's probably a good idea to always try to talk to female cyclists if you're a male cyclist. If you pass them going up a hill, for example, you should offer them advice on how to pedal better, fix a noise, etc. because you're the man -- and women can't be expected to learn this on their own.

You'll really impress them that way and won't at all look like a ******-bag.

DEK

^^^^ This.

chipcom 

get chatty with me and I'll put you into the wall

Andy Somnifac 

+1

PhatBoyG

So, you're all chatty as hell on the forum in the safe isolation of your work or home office, spewing opinion after opinion to complete strangers behind the safe anonymity of your online 'persona' yet you won't share a few short words with a fellow cyclist on the road?

Geez, I'm always ready to listen to those who are also willing to share their experiences, give tips, offer advice on trail selection, etc. If I have something to share in response, we both benefit. If I'm at a new spot, I always look for another rider to get ideas of good routes, etc.

bigbadwullf

I like joking around. Talk about work..................................................... and I'll suddenly be going 30mph................................................or 0.

DataJunkie

I'm an introvert. So, no.
That is unless I am with a group of friends and in a talking mood. However, that stops eventually.

chipcom 

On the road I'm busy, at work I'm not. Duh.