Are we a miserable lot?

[Dogtrousers]

There's prejudice in cycling based on stereotypes and prejudice. I'll leave that to others. It's really not a good look, especially if there's any newbies reading this thread.

Yes, and most of it is internet blather, based on nothing at all in the real world.

I remember years ago I was a member of a club that had some very fit sporty/racy people as well as old trundlers like me. Before the annual club ride to Brighton we were gathering and two bikes next to each other had people looking and talking. One was a brand new Di2 (it was a new thing then) equipped bike, and the other was my 80s Dawes with downtube friction shifters. Both had people ooh-ing and aah-ing.

In the real world cyclists tend to be interested in bikes - all kinds of bikes*. It's only on the internet that you get this "All people who ride green bikes and/or don't wear woollen socks are tossers" or similar rubbish.

* And trikes, come to that.

 

[Yearofthegoat]

I usually wave/say hi to people I meet along the way. Most respond, some don't. Sadly the latter group is mostly younger roadies. Older roadies and MTBers nearly always respond. I do the same when out walking - seems to make even more sense when the paths are narrow.

Riding a bike that stands out a bit seems to help. Was in the New Forest on my blue-black '94 GT Tequesta hardtail not so long back. A fair few people had nice comments about my 'retro' bike (to me it's just my bike, but I guess time has indeed passed by while I wasn't looking).

Thinking about it though, the people out and about on the New Forest trails (roads not so much) are more than likely not doing 'serious' cycling, so I suppose they are more in the mood to be friendly.

 

[Jameshow]

oddly everyone i waved at today waved back , i do tend to do a finger flick though so unless your in the know you might miss it aka number 3



View attachment 734300

Missed the hood flick - just the slightest flick of the fingers off the hoods is the true Rapha wave!! 🤣

 

[Dogtrousers]

Michael Hutchinson wrote a Guide to Waving in Cycling Weekly a while ago. It was a bit hard to track down as it wasn't on the CW website, but I managed to find it. Here's an excerpt.

You must wave only at your own category. And your category is not invariable – it depends on what you’re wearing. A few summers ago, on a hot day, I decided to go to Richmond Park wearing a triathlon vest. None of the people that normally waved at me even registered that I was there. Then I noticed lots of triathletes I’d never seen before, waving at me.​

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The wave itself is also important. You shouldn’t look like you’re trying to flag down a passing helicopter. A respectful gesture is all that is required, a raising of one of the fingers of the right hand from the bars momentarily, or an almost imperceptible nod. For some more experienced riders, the nod is completely imperceptible.​

​

If someone from a different category waves at you by mistake, it’s best to ignore them. On no account wave back – this mucks about with the natural order of things. It was exactly that kind of fraternization that wrecked the British Empire.​

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Remember always that if the oncoming ride looks exactly the same as you, you are about to ride through a shop window.​

 

[Ming the Merciless]

View: https://youtu.be/jHPOzQzk9Qo

 

[Rusty Nails]

Don't take it personal. It's a form of forum bingo. There are certain things and posts that's been seen on here a hundred times over the years.

Perhaps it should be made into a sticky

 

[Rusty Nails]

Out on my ride today, of course riding my carbon gravel bike and wearing my (rather baggy) lycra, I saw coming in the other direction a bloke on a hand-powered recumbent. He smiled at me, but having read this thread I put on a haughty look, ignored him and rode on.

 

[Jameshow]

I've been threatened with bans a few times for the same reason. There's a few good eggs but I get the impression it's run by and populated by stuffy old humourless farts.

So that's what you think of me!🤣

 

[Jameshow]

What's


Not sure they are the worst. They're going out on a bike they chose to meet their needs and wear what they feel comfortable. You can't know that they are about getting you to look at them by having what is expensive gear. Afterall I buy the best that I can afford for what I do which includes a brompton and a touring recumbent. I think my brompton counts as the most expensive at £1300. I too. Wear what is comfortable and meets my needs. The only difference is I spend less.

Then I do think those who are worse include those who look down on anyone else for what they ride on or wear cycling. Whether that is racer types or grungey utility riders on their old battered MTB. Being judgemental is always a lower act than getting out and enjoying it wearing and using what you want and can afford.

There's prejudice in cycling based on stereotypes and prejudice. I'll leave that to others. It's really not a good look, especially if there's any newbies reading this thread.

PS anyone got bingo yet? I think there's been enough said that someone can claim the prize, castelli lycia in the latest style of black!

Never never wave at a folder.....
That's the mamil law.....!

 

[Drago]

I'm shunned by other cyclists when out and about. Not only do I use 2 bolt SPDs on a road bike, I wear MTB shorts on a road bike too.

 

[Jameshow]

I'm shunned by other cyclists when out and about. Not only do I use 2 bolt SPDs on a road bike, I wear MTB shorts on a road bike too.

No 2 bolt SPD.. I bet they are flat one side pedals!! Tut tut!!

 

[Dogtrousers]

I'm shunned by other cyclists when out and about. Not only do I use 2 bolt SPDs on a road bike, I wear MTB shorts on a road bike too.

Following Dr Hutch's advice of only waving to your own category, that means you are one of the few cyclists I am legally permitted to wave to.

However, I would still shun you given the chance.

 

[Drago]

No 2 bolt SPD.. I bet they are flat one side pedals!! Tut tut!!

Oh no, those are the work of Santa himself,

 

[Kingfisher101]

I'm not bothered really about all the hellos etc. If someone says hello then I will say it back, otherwise I don't bother. I think its pointless really.

 

[DRM]

View: https://youtu.be/mHONNcZbwDY?si=SnJdDTvChC_cMRSE

Hello, is it me you're looking for