Hello to the Man In Blue

[coffeejo]

There was me, puffing and panting and streaming sweat just six or seven miles from home, when I was overtaken by a roadie who slowed down to my pace for a while so we could talk. Given the state that I was in, I nearly fell off my bike when you calmly mentioned the route you'd taken thus far, and it came as no surprise that when you said your goodbyes and headed off round a corner, by the time I rounded it, you were long gone.

Anyway, thanks for the chat, t'was lovely of you and given that my legs felt distinctly rubbery by the time you departed, thanks for getting me up that hill at a faster-than-normal pace!

I then had a nice chat with an older gentleman who was also distinctly faster and fresher than me, but was equally lovely.

Does cycling turn you into a nicer person, or is it that nicer people are more likely to take up cycling?

 

[Cheule]

I'm not sure if it's just where you are in the UK or just more to do with your gender, but I've never (in 32 years of cycling) been spoken to by another rider. Or maybe because I might look a bit menacing?

I'd like to think though that cyclists are a nicer bunch, after all, we all seem to get along on here, don't we? (Ignoring the fact of the P&L forum for now) ;-)

 

[Dayvo]

I think that cyclists are generally a friendlier, nicer group of people, but here in Norway, they seem to be too far up themselves.

People (non cyclists) here seem to be friendlier, though.

 

[monnet]

I'm not sure if it's just where you are in the UK or just more to do with your gender, but I've never (in 32 years of cycling) been spoken to by another rider. Or maybe because I might look a bit menacing?

I'd like to think though that cyclists are a nicer bunch, after all, we all seem to get along on here, don't we? (Ignoring the fact of the P&L forum for now) ;-)

32 years and never been spoken to? You must look menacing. I frequently end up chatting to people if I'm out for a tootle on my own.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

It varies I suppose, depending on your own approach to other cyclists. I said hello to a cyclist on the coast yesterday and she seemed surprised, but said hello back, which was nice. Later I acknowledged two guys on road bikes who were leaving a cafe as I arrived and they ignored me.

If we all act like dickheads, we'll be treated that way but if we are nice to each others, other people will be nice to us. I don't know which bit of the Bible that's from but it's true.

 

[funnymummy]

I think I probably say hello more than I get replies LOL!

 

[Adasta]

I don't want to speak to the majority of cyclists in London. I once asked a roadie directions and he was pretty nice. Other than that, I'd rather have piece and quiet!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I guess being good looking helps you.

There was me, puffing and panting and streaming sweat just six or seven miles from home, when I was overtaken by a roadie who slowed down to my pace for a while so we could talk. Given the state that I was in, I nearly fell off my bike when you calmly mentioned the route you'd taken thus far, and it came as no surprise that when you said your goodbyes and headed off round a corner, by the time I rounded it, you were long gone.

Anyway, thanks for the chat, t'was lovely of you and given that my legs felt distinctly rubbery by the time you departed, thanks for getting me up that hill at a faster-than-normal pace!

I then had a nice chat with an older gentleman who was also distinctly faster and fresher than me, but was equally lovely.

Does cycling turn you into a nicer person, or is it that nicer people are more likely to take up cycling?

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I think I probably say hello more than I get replies LOL!

But I think that doing that multiplies the chances that they may say a pre-emptive Hello to another cyclist or at least respond, this spreading peace, joy and happiness around the globe.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Most MTBers are a pleasant bunch and I often have a chat with people out on trails. There are always a few bell ends but then it's the same in all walks of life.

 

[Norm]

I reckon I chat with (i.e. more than just hello) someone at least once a ride. Most often walkers or peeps with dogs.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

This is also true for me as I am a huge softie when it comes to petting dogs

I reckon I chat with (i.e. more than just hello) someone at least once a ride. Most often walkers or peeps with dogs.

 

[funnymummy]

But I think that doing that multiplies the chances that they may say a pre-emptive Hello to another cyclist or at least respond, this spreading peace, joy and happiness around the globe.

I tend to get Hello's back from most folk when cycling with my bubbas, but it only seesm to be the 'older' cyclists that respond when i'm on my own, most of the younger brigade probaly just think i'm a bit barmy saying hello to a complete stranger!

 

[ian turner]

The bunch who responded to your cyclists blocking the road post seem fairly unfriendly.

 

[Garz]

For me I get the ratio of around 7 waves/nods returned out of 10.

I also agree with monnet. I have experienced a few times guys slowing or myself to have a brief chat along the way, doesn't happen often but I've only been road cycling a couple of years and seem to had it more than your 32!