TypeOne
05-25-2004, 03:32 PM
I like reading the posts from people who just began biking to work - it reminds me of when I started out several years ago and never went back to driving. And I am pleased to see new cyclists out on the road in the mornings during Bike to Work month.
But enough is enough! Some of these newcomers are annoying.
Hey new guy: stop wobbling drifting and wobbling, put on a helmet, take the headphones off, and don't try cutting in on me on the right side at a stoplight. I passed you up the road - although you didn't hear me calling out "on your left" - and now I am at a stop. What makes you think that by pulling up on my right and stopping in front of me or going up the curb and running the light I won't just have to pass you again in a few yards? Yeah, get all the headstart you want, dude. When I get up behind you in 30 seconds you shouldn't be surprised. Your aimless drifting through the lane makes it kind of difficult to pass you, and believe me, your riding skills convince me that I don't want to be anywhere near you on the road. I'd be happy to give you some advice, say hello, and even encourage or commend you for being out there, but your headphones make it impossible.
(Whew). I'm not passing these guys to show them up or anything; I'm passing (safely) because I am faster, that's all. If a stronger rider passes me, that's fine. These longtime drivers seem to bring that driving mentality with them: coccoon themselves, edge in front of the other guy, and get competitive if someone tries to go around.
But enough is enough! Some of these newcomers are annoying.
Hey new guy: stop wobbling drifting and wobbling, put on a helmet, take the headphones off, and don't try cutting in on me on the right side at a stoplight. I passed you up the road - although you didn't hear me calling out "on your left" - and now I am at a stop. What makes you think that by pulling up on my right and stopping in front of me or going up the curb and running the light I won't just have to pass you again in a few yards? Yeah, get all the headstart you want, dude. When I get up behind you in 30 seconds you shouldn't be surprised. Your aimless drifting through the lane makes it kind of difficult to pass you, and believe me, your riding skills convince me that I don't want to be anywhere near you on the road. I'd be happy to give you some advice, say hello, and even encourage or commend you for being out there, but your headphones make it impossible.
(Whew). I'm not passing these guys to show them up or anything; I'm passing (safely) because I am faster, that's all. If a stronger rider passes me, that's fine. These longtime drivers seem to bring that driving mentality with them: coccoon themselves, edge in front of the other guy, and get competitive if someone tries to go around.