Did You Get Off The Wrong Side of the Bike?

Further to yesterday's post, Alan said one of the most interesting things he learned (besides the necessity of preparedness) is how different road bike culture and mountain bike culture truly are.  Although I've never participated in a mountain bike event, I did dabble in the sport in the past and have to say I agree with Alan's observations.

Despite the fact that he was physically uncomfortable throughout the STOMP event, he said one of the things he disliked the most was the conduct of the other participants.  Even though it was a social charity event, he said for the most part the other cyclists were treating it like it was a competition.  Not only were they riding aggressively, their interaction with other cyclists was brusque and inconsiderate, if they interacted at all.  Verbal acknowledgments to a greeting were non-existent, even a smile or a nod were a rare occurrence!  He said that even though he was suffering, it wouldn't have been so bad if there had been some camaraderie on the ride.  The next day at the Big Valley Race the atmosphere was completely different.  Even though this was a competition, he said the contestants were all extremely friendly and encouraging during the race.  So, even though he didn't necessarily have a great result with the race itself, he had a wonderful time just being there with the people.  Granted, he has more experience with mountain biking than road cycling, but he said that it really was his interactions with the other cyclists that determined whether or not he was having a positive experience.  If the participants in STOMP were as friendly as the riders in the Big Valley Race, he would consider doing something like that again.  But, as he stands right now, he doesn't see the point.  It just isn't any fun.

Why are so many people riding around with an demeanor becoming
Miss Gulch?

Even though the stereotype of the rude roadie is well known, I can't say I disagree with Alan's sentiments.  I too have experienced the cold snobbery of the "roadies" or the roadie wannabes.  I'm not talking about club rides or training rides which I imagine are intended to be more focused on performance and less on socializing.  What I'm talking about are those social rides that are designed to be "fun".  Quite frankly, the nose in the air attitude of many of the participants ruins the whole experience.  We've limited our group ride participation to those few which we know are actually social.  Sure, they are slow paced and some are in the dark, but they have personality and the people that come do too.

I realize many cyclists view these big charity events as a great physical challenge and treat it as a competition.  That's fine with me.  Go for it!  However, the fact is, rides like STOMP are not a competition.  While you may be challenging yourself or even secretly racing the people around you, that isn't the point.  Therefore, your fellow cyclists may not be in the same mind set.  They may be riding for the experience or to actually have a good time.  If someone says hello, is it really that hard to say hi back?  If you're so "in the zone" you can't take the time to say anything, can't you at least smile or nod or make a friendly gesture?  And really, we can see through your sunglasses, we know we're making eye contact!  You really don't have an excuse not to respond!

As an anthropologist, I'm interested in knowing the reasons behind this behavior.  Is there something about the physical activity itself that suddenly makes perfectly friendly people lose their manners?  Maybe their spandex is riding up or their helmets are too tight?  Maybe its the hard little saddle?  Or is this trend in road cycling a symptom of a darker issue.  Is there something about road cycling that actually attracts rude people?  Geez, I hope not.  Granted many of the pros have reputations for being arrogant and aloof.  So, are these amateurs around Akron trying to emulate them to the point of mimicking this negative behavior?  Sure, it would be awesome to ride like Mark Cavendish, but do you really want his attitude as well?  Really?

Obviously, cycling is an introvert's sport.  Much of the training by amateurs and professionals is done alone.  Most of my riding is alone, and I'm not even training for anything.  As an introvert, I totally get where people are coming from.  I like riding my bike because it's just a time to be with my own thoughts.   But, that doesn't mean I don't say hi to people I pass.  If I happen to stumble upon a fellow bike commuter I will go out of my way to say hi.  The last thing I want is to turn someone away from bike commuting because I didn't have the decency to be friendly.  We get enough crap from the drivers!

So, why are people so rude on these recreational, social rides?  We can't blame the event organizers.  All of my interactions with club representatives and folks from the local bike shops have been nothing but positive.    I really enjoy learning from, interacting with and riding with those guys.  With all the genuine positivity they bring to the local scene, why are so many gloomy people participating?  Clearly, this aloof attitude isn't present in other cycling sports which require just as much training and dedication.  Is it because road cycling is an elitist sport?  It requires a certain economic freedom in order to purchase all the gear.  Therefore does it impart an elitist attitude on the participants?  Do they honestly think that they can't smile at people because they are riding a bike $6,000 road bike with all the gizmos?  Seriously?  High end mountain bikes cost just as much.

Maybe the reason lies in cycling's roots.  Originally, the only cyclists
were the wealthy members of society.

My next question is, why is this attitude so prevalent on the Towpath trail?  Its made for leisurely, casual rides; it's not a place to "get in the zone".  Yet, even there people rarely acknowledge a smile or a "hello." They just stare at you with a cold, dead expression.  One Saturday I did a head count of people that responded to my greetings.  The ride was about 25 miles, and we passed at least a hundred people.  Only twelve acknowledged my greetings.  Seeing as how you pass each other within a few feet they can't say they didn't see me.  This lack of common courtesy is a sad trend and honestly, I don't get it.  Riding a bike is definitely one of the most enjoyable activities out there.  It's fun.  It should make you happy.  You should be happy when you meet other people who are happy.  I know there are happy cyclists out there.  I've met them.  I've ridden with them.  Apparently you can be nice and ride a bike at the same time.

All I can say is, if you are riding your bike and you cannot have a little courtesy while you're doing it, then you are definitely doing it wrong.