Meeting another group of riders

[screenman]

Nah, it's nothing to do with fast/slow, but just the blooming townies isn't it? Us villagers usually say hi, but say hi as you pass someone in town and they look at you like you're an axe murderer. Most fast bike clubs are based around towns, so behave like townies

You obviously do not live in Lincolnshire.

 

[screenman]

I think there are a lot of active imaginations going on here, how come I never come across things like was posted by the OP. Remember everybody or most people like to meet nice people.

 

[snorri]

You need to visit other countries, it gives a perspective about cultures. In these countries when you go out as part of work, you get invited for family BBQs, meals etc. Not in the UK. Its not in our DNA.

I cannot relate to your feelings of isolation in the UK and I have visited other countries.

 

[snorri]

You obviously do not live in Lincolnshire.

You mean in Lincolnshire most people are mad axe murderers?

 

[screenman]

You mean in Lincolnshire most people are mad axe murderers?

Not sure about that, but they are not the most outgoing of people. When they are mates though they are good mates.

 

[Pale Rider]

I am not sure if its the same with the rest of you, but when I meet a group of riders off their bike coming out of cafe, or walking to where their bikes are parked, there is this tension in the air and occasionally a nod but not a friendly nod with a smile. Talking about the fast group all decked with latest gear and club colours. Even the group that I am with would act the same including the most friendly bloke in the lot.

Reminds me of schooldays when we passed the group from a different school, always a sense of rivalry.

Very unlike smokers where a total stranger with 2 heads asking for a light will get full hospitality, a chat and how the Tories are going hike the tobacco tax for the umpteen time. Weird.

The Bordar Cafe in Masham is a favourite stop for North Yorkshire club run roadies.

None of the groups have ever exchanged a word with me, even though it's obvious I'm a cyclist, if not a lycra clad one.

I agree with @Arrowfoot the body language and demeanour of these groups firmly discourages any form of social interaction with outsiders.

I also agree it's a bit daft, because when one of those riders is on his or her own, they probably enjoy a brief cycle related chat with another cyclist.

Despite the Bordar Cafe's heads up their backsides customers, I can recommend it.

Sensible grub such as sausage, egg and chips, also healthier stuff such as poached egg on toast - or so I read on the menu.

 

[mybike]

Southpaw below Watford, northpaw t'up your way.

Watford Gap I believe.

 

[mybike]

You obviously do not live in Lincolnshire.

There are towns in Lincolnshire?

 

[screenman]

Is the standard greeting still "gimmie six"?

Have a look at Billinghay Riffs song inbred and proud on you tube.

 

[screenman]

There are towns in Lincolnshire?

We even have a city, well sort of.

 

[Hyslop]

I posted this that after an evening ride and passed this group in the narrow confines of a corridor so you could not avoid them. I offered a meek smile and everyone of them looked at me as though I was the Taliban. Not to sure if it was my imagination but I did notice a chest or two suddenly being puffed up.

In some cases,I think thats the only body part some people can expand.

 

[Hyslop]

I'm old I wear lycra, I speak to anybody, where do I fit in ?

Over here,Hello

 

[RitchieJoe]

Any chance some riders wear earphones and genuinely don't hear you?

 

[vernon]

You need to visit other countries, it gives a perspective about cultures. In these countries when you go out as part of work, you get invited for family BBQs, meals etc. Not in the UK. Its not in our DNA.

You don't need to go to other countries as part of your work to be invited to family BBQs. I go as a cycle tourist and have been invited to BBQ's, family picnics, village fetes and had my bar tab paid for me and was propositioned by the female Hungarian national womens' football team coach all on the same tour.

I've had similar experiences here in the UK on my LEJOG and JOGLE rides though there was a marked absence of female Hungarian national womens' football coaches.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

In the UK, you have to size folks up and amazingly its has nothing to do with our neighbourhood. Its our class system and our notorious and rather world famous stiff upper lip. Its actually eats into us to crack open a smile in the off chance that it is might be the hired help.

Maybe in England it is so, here in Scotland you can't get away from complete strangers wanting to talk to you, people on bikes included
Anyhow, why are you caring about being ignored by strangers? It's not like you have to work with them or anything, pass them up a hill to get your own back if you must