Tom_hampton wrote:
cartsman wrote:
I don't bother to drop them any more unless it's an interval I was planning on doing anyway. If they're inches from my wheel I'll ask them to move back. If they're a few feet or more away and riding sensibly then it doesn't really bother me, though I would always prefer they ask or at least say hello before doing it.This.
I really don't get the attitude to be a dick and just fuck with them, without at least engaging first. What's wrong with just talking to the wheelsucker? If someone doesn't want them there...say so. Maybe they don't know better. I would find it truly bizarre to ask someone NOT to wheelsuck, and have them ignore my request. In 24 years of training in multiple states, I've NEVER had someone IGNORE a conversation on the road, or a request to go solo.
If they are a weaker, less experienced rider....take a minute to teach them the proper etiquette, and NOT give people the impression that all stronger riders are assholes.
cartsman wrote:
Context is important - if you're on roads with plenty of cyclists then it's fairly normal behaviour, but if you're in the middle of nowhere and riding along just the 2 of you it's pretty weird not to say something! I actually get much more bothered when somebody decides to pull in right in front of me - that's much more presumptuous as it messes with whatever workout I was planning. It's also more dangerous for me - when a rider crashes into another one from behind the rider in front is generally fine.
I agree its weird to just hang out back there without even saying "hello." But, people are weird, shy, don't know better, or maybe also an asshole. You don't know if you don't talk. Its just as weird to know they are back there, and also no say something...especially if its annoying someone.
Relatable, good thoughts.
I just say "good morning" when we stop at the next traffic light and the wheel sucker is behind me. Always a friendly exchange, never a problem in years. If someone wants to try and hang on, I have no problem with that, point out things when I know they're there, and otherwise just keep doing what I'm doing and enjoy the ride.
I do the same when passing people on the road, wish them good morning. I'd say half are surprised that another cyclist is being friendly to a stranger, odd, and not a good realization. Cyclists on the road have bad reputations, because many are unfriendly, aloof, arrogant, sometime over-competitive, egotistical, some dangerous and feeling entitled as well. I try to counter that by being friendly, just like off the bike. It's easy and fun. Life's too short to be serious. I'm grateful to be riding. Racing is another story, but that's a tiny percentage of cycling time.