I ride the same routes, mostly, 3 times a week. I see a lot of the same folks while I am riding. Some even say Hi, which is good. I love riding, even in the rain or the wind or on days I am really really tired. I may grimace while riding cause of bad weather or other pain. But I am usually smiling especially when I see other cyclists. I try to say Hi or indicated by nod, smile or wave that we are both out and about on bikes.
I don’t understand why some folks just don’t say Hi, or Nod or Wave or anything to indicate that you are riding in the same space as they are riding.
On Mondays I ride home on Harbor Drive. There is a cyclist who rides the opposite direction about the same time each Monday. I do not know who this rider is, or what he actually looks like. I see him across 4 lanes and a median, we are both wearing cycling clothes, helmets and shades. For over 2 years if he is riding he waves across the wide wide street. I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me, but he is out and I am out, we are riding and enjoying the day. So he and I wave to each other. We acknowledge the bond of riding, the fun, the economy, the, dare I say, joy of being out on our bikes.
In contrast there are folks I pass every Wednesday on the Strand who simply ignore me. I will nod, or give the old quick, from the handlebar wave. No response, nothing. I am surprised, did I do something wrong, wave the wrong hand?, am I wearing the wrong gear?, too much gear? What?
Why not enjoy the experience with your fellow cyclists?! We are out there riding. We might be out for different reasons. I mean I am commuting, but there are folks trianing in full kits and fast bikes, folks out for exercise, other commuters, tourists and people who might be out on a one time ride cause the car is in the shop or whatever. But we are all riding.
So say Hi already, nod, wave, smile!
hi.
🙂
i especially try to say hello when climbing torrey pines grade on saturday ride and pass or being passed.