Bike trial Bass Turds.!!

 Are you announcing your intent to pass these people with a loud, "On your left?" Or are you just blasting past them and scaring the bejeebers out of them ? If so they are most likely pissed at your lack of cycling etiquette don't really care to wave back. Try it next ride, you will still startle 8 out of 10 riders you pass, but they will be much more receptive after being given a verbal warning that you are there.

 Maybe you could get some skull and crossbone decals for that helmet

Cyclists are pretty friendly here in the Pac. NW.  We don't always wave but we give a head nod to acknowledge each other. 

There are jerks in every sport.  Keep riding and remain courteous, you never know when you'll make someone day by saying hi or giving a wave.

Holy cow!

Everyone I encounter on a bike around here is pretty friendly.  I've never had a bad interaction with someone on a bike.  Rarely someone won't return a wave, but I assume it's because they're focused on their training (sometimes I miss a wave too).

I've heard stories that say "roadies" aren't friendly, but that hasn't been my experience. 

chadtower - 2008-06-03 11:01 AM I've found in my training so far, when I'm out alone, runners are cool and respect the other people out there hoofing it. Cyclists seem to size you up in a quick glance and then seek out some way to judge you inferior within a few seconds. Swimmers are either really nice or will treat you like a new cellmate without much in between. Now, in a tri training group, it's all thumbs up and supportive vibes. I like tri groups. One thing I've never sure of... I'm only now getting to the point where I can pass some people. I always want to toss them a word of encouragement as I go by but I don't know if I would come across positive or condescending. I end up not saying much other than "on your left" as a result.

When training and others are training, "on your left" is it, because you never now if they are doing a recovery spin or trying to bust it.  Either way, it may not be received well since you don't know. 

However, when racing, give aaaaallll the words of encouragement you can spare.  They are like gold on the course and are totally appreciated.  I know I did when I do my races. 

chadtower - 2008-06-03 11:01 AM I've found in my training so far, when I'm out alone, runners are cool and respect the other people out there hoofing it. Cyclists seem to size you up in a quick glance and then seek out some way to judge you inferior within a few seconds. Swimmers are either really nice or will treat you like a new cellmate without much in between. Now, in a tri training group, it's all thumbs up and supportive vibes. I like tri groups. One thing I've never sure of... I'm only now getting to the point where I can pass some people. I always want to toss them a word of encouragement as I go by but I don't know if I would come across positive or condescending. I end up not saying much other than "on your left" as a result.

*HIJACK ON*  I was about a mile from my house finishing my short bike ride last year and this guy came out of nowhere from behind me.  He was riding a prototype Trek bike and was seriously trying to catch up to me (I wasn't moving more than 17-18 mph. and am not that fast).  As soon as he caught me and rode along by me, I smiled and said "HI" and did some small talk.  Turned out he worked at work at Trek as a designer and the bike he was riding was one of the last designs he was working on.  I invited him to my house and he gave me his card and said if I wanted to stop in sometime to give him a call.  Cool!

Just a week or so ago, I was watching a show about The Science of Lance Armstrong.  I noted that prototype bike guy was on the show and recognized him.  He was on briefly, but it was weird to see him.  *HIJACK OFF*

Just continue to be nice.

During the summer when I do my shorter rides I typically ride in a cotton tee-shirt. When I do my longer rides I wear a cycling jersey ( pocket to hold nutrition).  I have found that when in a tee-shirt I get snubbed by the guys in the full kits.  When wearing a jersery I get the waves. 

For the record,  I always try to give head-nod or short wave to everyone that I cross paths with.  It's just fun. That just me.

And I alway say  " On your left " followed by   " à votre gauche" when passing people.

Don't get to ride much with other people or in a training group

Solo.. 

Another from the PNW - I am usually in semi-road gear (chick with so-so bike, jersey or tri top, lycra shorts, MTB click shoes) so I am hard to pigeonhole.   I actually find that the roadies are friendly and the MTB people are snubbers. I do the couple fingers off the bars "wave" and/or the head nod/grin. It nearly always gets me a smile or a wave back. But not from the MTB folks. They can't see me.

Quick hijack: The other day I gave the "on your left" to a guy we'd been trying to catch, and he ended up joining us and rotating pulls. Fun! I always wonder if I should ask if they want to join us (hubby and I). We have been joined a few other times as well. 

I always try to give a head nod or a quick wave of the hand (not letting go of the bars)  The other day going the other way was a rider with the same bike as me.   yelled to him "NICE BIKE"  he said, SAME TO YOU"

most of the time I wave but some others I don't just because I might be suffering pushing through a hard session or just I might not be paying attention. I dont take it personal as I am out there to do my trainning; but I think you need to post a pic of your helmet just to make sure it is not a girl's helmet

There are jerks everywhere both rodies or tri-geeks, don't sweat it...

See? Now I feel bad. Once I get the right cleats for my pedals (stupid me), I'll be good to go. Just give me a call.

Btw, you'd get snubbed less in the cotton t-shirt if you wore shorts at the same time!