Non club and casual riders, speak up
#76
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It would greatly sadden me to give up group rides due to me not fitting in with the group any longer due to pace or distances that I could no longer endure. But I've never been a group rider, I've been a solo rider all my life. I did not have anyone to ride with as a teen, and into adulthood the possibility to join group rides did not present itself either. I know nothing different and have no desire to change now that I'm nearly 60.
The points given in post #2 pretty well sum up my thoughts on how I like to enjoy this hobby. Some of the suggestions that threads like this are a crutch for people to prop themselves up on as their performance may decline over the years are preposterous.
The points given in post #2 pretty well sum up my thoughts on how I like to enjoy this hobby. Some of the suggestions that threads like this are a crutch for people to prop themselves up on as their performance may decline over the years are preposterous.
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#77
Senior Member
IDK, there's a lot of groupthink and conformity in the more sportive cycling groups that I've encountered. Some of it is understandable, i.e., lycra and slim fit riding gear are more aero. I've mostly ridden solo but for years I considered myself part of the sporty crowd. But now that I'm older and slower and more likely to have a bag or two on my non drop bar bike and wear non-aero clothes, I've encountered sporting cyclists who've basically ignored my friendly hello and wave.
And there's a reason why the whole mountain bike scene grew the way it did, as a counterculture to the stereotypical conformist roadie. And in a lot of ways it's still like that.
Not that it bothers me - I'm too old for that crap and have always been independently-minded. But I do think it's there.
And there's a reason why the whole mountain bike scene grew the way it did, as a counterculture to the stereotypical conformist roadie. And in a lot of ways it's still like that.
Not that it bothers me - I'm too old for that crap and have always been independently-minded. But I do think it's there.
And you're too early. Waving threads usually start showing up in March.
All the MTB people I rode with in Maryland starting in the early '80's were also road racing guys. Except for a couple of dirt bike riders. They could handle their bikes on trails like nothing I'd ever seen. Unbelievable.
Yes, MTB guys have a tendency to sneer at road riders for some reason. (Have, or had; I doubt that it still happens much.) Again, I've never understood it, unless it's the usual human proclivity for seeing another, slightly different group as a monolith of subhuman alien outsiders.
Whenever any American male congratulates himself on being independently minded (I include myself), I remember, in Charles Portis's True Grit, Rooster Cogburn saying to LaBoeuf, the former Texas Ranger, "If I ever meet a Texas Ranger who doesn't say he once drank water out of a muddy hoofprint, I'll shake his hand and buy him a five-cent Daniel Webster see-gar."
Last edited by Trakhak; 12-01-23 at 09:38 AM.
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#78
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I've never understood this tendency to assume that riders are going around judging others by their bikes. It happens with cars, probably, but bikes---not in my experience.
Most riders, I would guess, admire people who are on bikes that are clearly set up for touring, errand running, etc. It's possible, I suppose, that some guys with expensive bikes judge others with bikes that are almost but not quite as expensive, but even imagining that is a struggle. Thinking otherwise might simply be projecting.
Most riders, I would guess, admire people who are on bikes that are clearly set up for touring, errand running, etc. It's possible, I suppose, that some guys with expensive bikes judge others with bikes that are almost but not quite as expensive, but even imagining that is a struggle. Thinking otherwise might simply be projecting.
I agree that most are in the first group. I also have encounterd hard core cycling people that are very similar to the hardcore car guys. The parallels are incredible...
In either arena, I'm from the "I researched, I built it, and I enjoy it" school. Often people ask why and my response is simply because I can and I enjoy it. My Quick 1 is an example of this as is the Subaru Outback XT that sits in the garage...
In either arena, I'm from the "I researched, I built it, and I enjoy it" school. Often people ask why and my response is simply because I can and I enjoy it. My Quick 1 is an example of this as is the Subaru Outback XT that sits in the garage...
A pro mountain biker used to come on our Sunday rides and hang with the fast guys while riding his mountain bike.
I've never had the latest gear, always a bit overweight and fredly with my baggy jerseys and non-pro look. Yet nearly everyone has always been friendly to me on the road, including pro racers and former Olympians. I've seen a continental pro stop and help a stranger fix a flat. I've been encouraged by many strangers while I am struggling on a climb. I almost always wave or smile or say hi to other riders, regardless of what they are riding. If someone doesn't wave back I get over it quickly.
It's like when I rode dirt bikes. I couldn't ride with the fast guys, never had the latest stuff, and probably looked a bit out of place. Still, others were always supportive, helpful, and friendly. If anyone ever knocked my bike or gear or ability I sure can't recall it now.
#79
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As I said: projecting.
And you're too early. Waving threads usually start showing up in March.
All the MTB people I rode with in Maryland starting in the early '80's were also road racing guys. Except for a couple of dirt bike riders. They could handle their bikes on trails like nothing I'd ever seen. Unbelievable.
Yes, MTB guys have a tendency to sneer at road riders for some reason. (Have, or had; I doubt that it still happens much.) Again, I've never understood it, unless it's the usual human proclivity for seeing another, slightly different group as a monolith of subhuman alien outsiders.
Whenever any American male congratulates himself on being independently minded (I include myself), I remember, in Charles Portis's True Grit, Rooster Cogburn saying to LaBoeuf, the former Texas Ranger, "If I ever meet a Texas Ranger who doesn't say he once drank water out of a muddy hoofprint, I'll shake his hand and buy him a five-cent Daniel Webster see-gar."
And you're too early. Waving threads usually start showing up in March.
All the MTB people I rode with in Maryland starting in the early '80's were also road racing guys. Except for a couple of dirt bike riders. They could handle their bikes on trails like nothing I'd ever seen. Unbelievable.
Yes, MTB guys have a tendency to sneer at road riders for some reason. (Have, or had; I doubt that it still happens much.) Again, I've never understood it, unless it's the usual human proclivity for seeing another, slightly different group as a monolith of subhuman alien outsiders.
Whenever any American male congratulates himself on being independently minded (I include myself), I remember, in Charles Portis's True Grit, Rooster Cogburn saying to LaBoeuf, the former Texas Ranger, "If I ever meet a Texas Ranger who doesn't say he once drank water out of a muddy hoofprint, I'll shake his hand and buy him a five-cent Daniel Webster see-gar."
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#80
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All the MTB people I rode with in Maryland starting in the early '80's were also road racing guys. Except for a couple of dirt bike riders. They could handle their bikes on trails like nothing I'd ever seen. Unbelievable.
Yes, MTB guys have a tendency to sneer at road riders for some reason. (Have, or had; I doubt that it still happens much.) Again, I've never understood it, unless it's the usual human proclivity for seeing another, slightly different group as a monolith of subhuman alien outsiders.
I will display a grin or smile so they will realize I’m joking - but the last time I did this I could determine it was not well received so I slowed further and identified myself as a biker … (then received a smile in return) … and this particular time it paid huge dividends as I met some new area bikers that showed me the connections and links to marry the nearby out-and-back bike path to the area roads and dirt/gravel roads to create some great multi-surface loops
Last edited by t2p; 12-01-23 at 10:10 AM.
#81
Senior Member
It took 4 pages, but the OP is finally getting his answer to why people don't post more. As my grandmother used to say, "Same old 6 & 7."
Last edited by seypat; 12-01-23 at 10:17 AM.
#82
Banned
Lycra, conformity, expensive, ignored waves.... Inverse snobbery has forever been a staple of BF.
#83
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#84
Senior Member
There are a lot of club riders, who thoroughly enjoy that activity, on this forum. I know that there are those who enjoy riding more solo, or casual cycling, who don't say much in this forum. How about speaking up and telling us your experiences and what you enjoy and why? I bet at least half of this sub forum meets this definition. Thanks so much.
I really enjoy reading the posts of everyone, including what I might call the "super riders" who work hard to improve their speed and endurance and tell us about it. I was just hoping to encourage some of the other folks who ride in different styles and different places to share with us their styles and places. I hope no one has taken affront at my posting this. I had a bit to do with starting this subforum almost 20 years ago, and I want everyone to enjoy it.
#85
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Funny, I didn't see it that way at all. I will admit to posting some snark earlier but it had nothing to do with the way people ride.
#86
Senior Member
I generally ride alone. Sometimes I ride with a friend or with some older members of a local cycling club. I like cruising along at whatever speed suits me. I'm never trying to "improve" my cycling skills, which really means going as fast as I can. Nothing wrong with riding as fast as you can, it's just not for me.
#87
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I mostly ride alone. My friends who also ride either don’t want to go the distances I go, don’t want to go the speed I go, prefer to ride alone, or (in the case of one very competitive triathlete) I can’t go the speed *they* go - but she will actually ride with me, so there’s that.
I ride a couple of times a month with a local veteran’s group who do no drop coffee shop rides twice a week. Very slow, casual rides. That’s my only regular group ride - We sponsor an annual charity ride to benefit mental health.
Otherwise, I’m working out, training for a goal/aspiration race or ride, or just getting my head straight before/after work.
I ride a couple of times a month with a local veteran’s group who do no drop coffee shop rides twice a week. Very slow, casual rides. That’s my only regular group ride - We sponsor an annual charity ride to benefit mental health.
Otherwise, I’m working out, training for a goal/aspiration race or ride, or just getting my head straight before/after work.
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#88
Grupetto Bob
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Besides all that, time flys by way too quickly when riding with others. No time to analyze aches, pains and distance to go.
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#89
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#90
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First of all, I dislike the phrase, "casual cyclist." Would you like to go for a drive with a casual motorist or a flight with a casual pilot? "Casual" has some unfortunate connotations. Aside from these, I certainly would not call someone a "casual motorist" just because he or she does not own a 1961 XK-E or go racing on weekends. There has to be a better term for the non-sporting transportation participant, which is what I am. The bicycle is often less hassle than driving, and convenience is important. I can park the bike in places where I would have to circle the block for fifteen minutes to find a parking space. I'm OK with using it when the roads are too salty or icy (can't get studded car tires for my car, but can for the bike.) And, of course, it is fun. I live and work inside and riding somewhere helps me reconnect with nature. I'm hypercompetitive at work so like to chill otherwise. Using the bike to commute, shop, or go to a restaurant, sporting event or theater is less of a hassle than driving. It's interesting to read about cycling for sport, but is not something I'm interested in. I do drive for recreation, so maybe I have just flipped the usual valences on car and bike. Basically, it's all good.
Last edited by PaulH; 12-23-23 at 07:19 AM.
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#91
#92
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Ya-butt, would you like to be driven by a recreational driver or utility driver? How about a Sport Utility driver?
I remember a thread that this subject to death last year. I would think that anyone that is not a categorized or professional cyclist would be - and I agree with you - a recreational cyclist. I know I fit that description. Serious cyclist versus humorous? Ok, I am more of a serious recreational rider, with a sense of humor.
I remember a thread that this subject to death last year. I would think that anyone that is not a categorized or professional cyclist would be - and I agree with you - a recreational cyclist. I know I fit that description. Serious cyclist versus humorous? Ok, I am more of a serious recreational rider, with a sense of humor.
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#94
Ya-butt, would you like to be driven by a recreational driver or utility driver? How about a Sport Utility driver?
I remember a thread that this subject to death last year. I would think that anyone that is not a categorized or professional cyclist would be - and I agree with you - a recreational cyclist. I know I fit that description. Serious cyclist versus humorous? Ok, I am more of a serious recreational rider, with a sense of humor.
I remember a thread that this subject to death last year. I would think that anyone that is not a categorized or professional cyclist would be - and I agree with you - a recreational cyclist. I know I fit that description. Serious cyclist versus humorous? Ok, I am more of a serious recreational rider, with a sense of humor.
A utility driver might be a taxi driver or delivery driver, or just someone commuting to work. Basically driving primarily as a means of transport from A to B.
We can also be multiple types of rider/driver.
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#96
Senior Member
I consider myself a casual cyclist. I also consider myself an avid cyclist. It's all semantics.
I ride as fast as I can without working too hard. And I'm no longer a young man. So by roadie standards I'm pretty slow. Having no desire to work hard enough to get much faster I consider myself "casual."
But I ride as often as I can and love to be on the bike. So I think I'm avid and casual at the same time.
I ride as fast as I can without working too hard. And I'm no longer a young man. So by roadie standards I'm pretty slow. Having no desire to work hard enough to get much faster I consider myself "casual."
But I ride as often as I can and love to be on the bike. So I think I'm avid and casual at the same time.
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#97
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I consider myself a casual cyclist. I also consider myself an avid cyclist. It's all semantics.
I ride as fast as I can without working too hard. And I'm no longer a young man. So by roadie standards I'm pretty slow. Having no desire to work hard enough to get much faster I consider myself "casual."
But I ride as often as I can and love to be on the bike. So I think I'm avid and casual at the same time.
I ride as fast as I can without working too hard. And I'm no longer a young man. So by roadie standards I'm pretty slow. Having no desire to work hard enough to get much faster I consider myself "casual."
But I ride as often as I can and love to be on the bike. So I think I'm avid and casual at the same time.
#98
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#99
Grupetto Bob
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A recreational driver might be someone out for a Sunday morning drive in their sports car. Not unlike a recreational cyclist going for a ride just for fun.
A utility driver might be a taxi driver or delivery driver, or just someone commuting to work. Basically driving primarily as a means of transport from A to B.
We can also be multiple types of rider/driver.
A utility driver might be a taxi driver or delivery driver, or just someone commuting to work. Basically driving primarily as a means of transport from A to B.
We can also be multiple types of rider/driver.
Butt-then, I have a racing, mountain and endurance bike.
Maybe that’s why I am an ENTP. Argh!
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Last edited by rsbob; 12-04-23 at 01:30 PM.
#100
Junior Member
finally, a thread that conforms to all the rules and biases of the forum admin