Clueless and mean cyclist RANT

maybe I’m the clueless and mean one–you tell me:

I was riding along Chicago’s beautiful lake front path this morning at a leisurely 15mph or so, and came upon a group of three riders - a woman who was clearly some type of coach and her two clients. the clients were riding abreast on the right side, and the coach was in the middle of the left side. I called out twice, getting louder, “on your left.” no response. rather than have to slam on my brakes, I yelled the same thing and the coach finally moved over slowly after saying, “okay, go ahead quick guy,” or something to that effect. kind of a smart-ass response I thought, so I told her not to take up the whole path. I couldn’t hear what she said back but just kept going.

after the turn-around I approached them coming the opposite direction, and there was another cyclist on my side whom I wanted to pass. the coach said to me, “make sure you yell at her.” I lost it, and just swore at the coach because I couldn’t think of anything intelligent to say.

how can anyone be this ignorant and obnoxious? it all started because I was trying to be polite while passing. okay, rant over.

Her clients are getting passed at 15mph? Methinks they need a new coach!

You are not clueless but a little mean. The “coach” was both. I don’t know what is so hard about staying to the right and being aware that someone may want to pass. That said, I just assume that many trail users are morons. I just slow or stop and figure that accelerating back up to speed is good training. Grin and bear it.