why are roadies so miserable?

Even the roadies I know acknowledge that roadies are generally less friendly to strangers than mountain bikers. However, obviously there are friendly roadies and unfriendly mtb’ers.

I’m a roadie too and, being aware of the somewhat miserable reputation they have, always try & be cheery to any cyclist I pass. Unless I’m about to puke up my lungs of course, in which case I probably don’t even notice they’re there. It’s nothing personal though, lots of other roadies ignore me too (even when they’re not puking up their lungs).

AIDS..?

As said above (and may times before on these threads), if you’re expecting something more than a slight nod or raised finger you’re too needy.

what I find strange is the roadies who say hello as they overtake. It would be nice and friendly if it wasn’t done very loudly right down my lughole from as close as possible. A bit more elbow room, or from a bit further back, or a whole lot quieter would be fine but last time I nearly went into the ditch. Before anyone asks, I’ve not said anything because a. they’ve just dropped me and b. I don’t want to look a fin de cloche.

You’re asking the wrong question. You should be asking ‘why on earth do I or anybody give a toss whether roadies or miserable or not.’…….

I don’t like all this forced polite-ism these days.

I demand my right to be indifferent to people i don’t know.

ALL roadies (and mtb’ers) are bloody miserable in that area of N/Wales and Cheshire. This is purley down to the prices at Alf Jones Cycles. 😉

The rudest people seem to be the doggers.

They always seem so angry when I come across them.

are you allowed to do that or are you supposed to wear a prophylactic?

what I find strange is the roadies who say hello as they overtake. It would be nice and friendly if it wasn’t done very loudly right down my lughole from as close as possible. A bit more elbow room, or from a bit further back..

Hmm.. I do this. Generally I say “Hello” or “Morning!” just as I draw level during an overtake, primarily to avoid startling people as I enter their peripheral vision.

I don’t do it from further back because:

A) they probably won’t hear it for wind noise

B) if they do hear then they might misinterpret it as a rude “Hello! I’m here, get out of my ******* way”

C) there is a good chance they’ll look back and veer into my path

For much the same reasons I don’t always ring my bell when approaching pedestrians from behind. It’s not always helpful.

More roadies than not (read nearly all) give a nod when I/we see them

I am struggling to believe that you ever overtake anyone 😉

you should see the faces of some runners..now theres a group of people that dont even crack a smile.

Count yourself lucky you don’t ride in Belgium. A cyclist will be pleasant and friendly and chatty at the cafe stop but encounter them on the road and you will get blanked. Cafe stop for social stuff. Once you’re out on the bike you get on with riding it!

Partly its cos if the sheer number of riders out there, you’d never have your hands on the bars if you waved at everybody!

I am struggling to believe that you ever overtake anyone 😉

😛

You forget I commute by shared use path – there are a high percentage of BSO plodders on it. And folk doing the C2C who have already covered 60 miles by the time I see them.

I pass them in an effortless flurry of pedals (before sitting up and taking a rest once I am out of sight).

are you allowed to do that or are you supposed to wear a prophylactic?

I practise the ride-by method.

Have you ever heard the expression if you want to understand someone, walk a mile in their shoes?

Well “why are roadies so miserable?” – ride 100 miles on their saddle. 🙂

Bloody roady shouted Fatty at me the other day with a big grin

I was on a Fatty at the time

Seemed a happy bloke

Because the have to put up with cocks on mountain bikes trying to race them.

why are roadies so miserable?

a) have you seen the prices they have to pay for their silly, skinny, feather weight, carbon bicycles ? Its enough to piss anyone off.

b) They are suffering for their chosen cause.

Just ignore the miserable bastards !

I always raise my finger, and occasionally nod. should I stop and ask if you want a coffee? maybe we can book a holiday together? It will be GREAT

Well, I suppose it would depend on which finger you raised. After all, no need to stoop, etc, etc.

Me ? I’ll say hello to any cyclist. Why not ? Infact, for any of yoose either side of your fourth decade. You’re missing out. Once your age begins with a 4 and ends with a single digit between 0 & 9, you cease to care. Honestly, the 40s are the age of “I really do not give a shit”… about anything !
😀

As a 39 year old I’m looking forward to that Solo 😀