People not saying hi
#51
On Your Left
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#52
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
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#53
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If people don’t don’t say hello to you, that indicates they aren’t enjoying riding?
#54
Me duelen las nalgas
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On crowded shared infrastructure, like a typical MUP -- which are mostly tarted up narrow sidewalks -- I'd rather other folks pay attention to where they're going rather than offering superficial greetings.
I might nod slightly at other folks on the MUP, but mostly I'm trying to avoid hitting anyone or being hit because, with approaching cyclists, we're crossing at 30-40 mph combined speed on a four foot wide sidewalk. And possibly weaving around joggers, pedestrians or cyclists inexplicably parked in the middle of the MUP. Much of our MUP is so stupidly designed there are way too many crashes already, between bikes slipping off the pavement ledge into the grass, or nicking the flexible mesh fence the idiotic maintenance crew left blowing into the path, etc.
Even when I'm out jogging on a wide, lightly traveled road, I'll wave at cyclists, mostly because I know several of them. But I won't get my feelings hurt if they're looking down at the road because the pavement is cracked and littered with gravel and debris.
Maybe it's their training day, a hard workout. Maybe they're going for a PR or KOM. Maybe there's a tricky crosswind or swirling wind and they're concentrating on the road. A momentary distraction could cost them a second or two, or, worse, cause them to fall.
I'll see many of these folks at a group ride meetup so we can say hi then.
I might nod slightly at other folks on the MUP, but mostly I'm trying to avoid hitting anyone or being hit because, with approaching cyclists, we're crossing at 30-40 mph combined speed on a four foot wide sidewalk. And possibly weaving around joggers, pedestrians or cyclists inexplicably parked in the middle of the MUP. Much of our MUP is so stupidly designed there are way too many crashes already, between bikes slipping off the pavement ledge into the grass, or nicking the flexible mesh fence the idiotic maintenance crew left blowing into the path, etc.
Even when I'm out jogging on a wide, lightly traveled road, I'll wave at cyclists, mostly because I know several of them. But I won't get my feelings hurt if they're looking down at the road because the pavement is cracked and littered with gravel and debris.
Maybe it's their training day, a hard workout. Maybe they're going for a PR or KOM. Maybe there's a tricky crosswind or swirling wind and they're concentrating on the road. A momentary distraction could cost them a second or two, or, worse, cause them to fall.
I'll see many of these folks at a group ride meetup so we can say hi then.
#55
Pointy Helmet Tribe
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If I am occupying the elevator with an unknown woman, I stare intently at her while singing "Love in an elevator". It helps put them in a cheery mood, as can be seen from the spring in their step once the elevator doors open.
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#56
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I was doing NM/AC efforts on Fri the other day. Did my U-turn just after completing one of the efforts and was tooling along at 12-14mph, having a drink and letting the legs recover. Got passed by a guy on a hybrid, wearing sneakers and one of those tech/performance polos. And a freaking bottle of mineral water in his cage. He turned towards me, looked at me, looked me over and then kept going. He didnt wave, though. The shame and horror....
I only had one thought while waiting for the recovery interval to end - "please dont turn off this road, please dont turn off this road".
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#58
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Would you wave at someone riding a GMC Denali?
#59
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I nodded at him but didn't give my typical two finger salute from my forehead. I did scream at him to catch the person in front of him though cause I could tell he was hammering
#60
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Sup Larry! You know many of us are getting older. With advancing age comes diminished eyesight and hearing. You need to make yourself more noticeable, visually and audibly. Affect a unique hair style, facial hair included. Always wear Hi Viz or plaid, some body paint if shirtless. Accessorize your bike. Walmart has an aisle full of stuff, a flag is a good start. Work on developing your own "signature" call so folks will know who is about to overtake. Follow your instincts and you can quickly become a local legend.
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#61
Mostly Harmless
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#62
Mostly Harmless
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#63
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#64
Senior Member
I hope my approach doesn't trigger. Raising one's hand might be the difference between a KoM and a mere top 10. So, I just lift my index finger and point it to the oncoming rider, like "you're the man".
Chasing riders down seems a little extreme.
Chasing riders down seems a little extreme.
#65
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they are but they do it telepathically. try to open yourself up to the connected universe. when you see them, you think of them. when they see you, they think of you. even if only momentarily. this is your window. then move on to the next opportunity. you may be surprised what you hear. here's hoping it's something kind
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#66
King of the Plukers
I agree with the OP. Back in the day most club cyclists would wave to each other when passing and also wave to solitary riders not attached to a club but just out enjoying riding their bike. Hell, we'd even wave to middle-aged ladies cycling along on their hybrid with a wicker basket on the front - I guess as a mixture of encouragement and that we were kind of all doing the same activity. Two wheels good! Our club picked up a few new members doing this but things slowly started to change about 15 years ago and are getting progressively worse so that now most cyclists do not wave when passing. On my daily commute it's slightly better - perhaps 50/50. It gets right up my nose when you call out a cheery "Good Morning" and get nothing back except the thousand yard stare.
The world is just ugly, everybody hates everybody. Bring the positive vibes and wave away!
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#67
Senior Member
I usually say, "Hey Grandpa, what's for supper?" Followed by "Salute." Those are sure to get a response! It might not be the ones you were looking for, though.
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#68
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#69
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#70
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
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What if part of part of the joy is getting out of the house and the job and away from obligations and people who expect something from you?
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"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
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#71
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#72
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Too many cyclists here to say anything at all to everyone, or even wave at them all. On a typical ride from SF up around Marin I'll easily come across several hundred cyclists. Once up in the hills or up along the coast towards Point Reyes Station or Marshall I'll give a four finger wave to those I come across, assuming it's convenient to do so - can't do it while braking to enter a downhill corner, for example. It just consists of lifting the fingers on my left hand as we meet, or on my right hand as I pass. Or my left hand if they pass me. Experienced cyclists usually notice it and I see when others do so.
For busier areas I'll give random cyclists, especially those who look like beginner roadies or tourists a friendly bell ping. It lets them know someone is approaching from behind and they should either hold their line or move over to the right.
For busier areas I'll give random cyclists, especially those who look like beginner roadies or tourists a friendly bell ping. It lets them know someone is approaching from behind and they should either hold their line or move over to the right.
#73
Senior Member
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#74
It's not just cycling, it's the world today imho. Growing up, people used to just pop into each others houses to say hi, we called it "company". Now if the doorbell rings it's like who the hell is that?
The world is just ugly, everybody hates everybody. Bring the positive vibes and wave away!
The world is just ugly, everybody hates everybody. Bring the positive vibes and wave away!
Try to think outside your personal situation.
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#75
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Maybe that other rider is not trying to be noticed & wishes to be invisible. Zen is all that other rider could be after & here you are, tossing out hand & verbal stressors.
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