Saturday group ride we hit the first hill and I needed to eat (rode into start), so I shifted to lowest gear, sat up, and grabbed a Cliff bar. Had been at the front and so about 25 people passed me before I was off the back with 3 slow climbers. Started talking to the one next to me, and no answer. Started to wonder if she thought I was being impolite/rude for talking while eating. She passed me and hanging off the seat was a “Deaf Cyclist” sign 
10 Likes
This guy was not deaf he just had selective hearing, because when he heard us talking about Strava he went off.
Side note, I don’t think cycling on the road is the best idea for someone who is completely deaf, just from a safety perspective. I would think even driving for a deaf person would be a bit risky
1 Like
was just laughing to myself a bit, right about the time I was starting to think she was being rude I saw the sign. Ride enough in groups and you will come across somebody being a jerk, for whatever reason.
1 Like
I’ve been out with you guys a few times. Definitely not the same vibe at those Rapha rides as the “Road Race Club” group rides. The Rapha Chicago group rides seem to have a bit of a “gravel” vibe when I’m on them. Always a good time.
I generally don’t know what brands I have on…
I’m sure it IS possible for people to wear Rapha and not be trying to bolster their status.
However…I do disagree with your statement about not being able to make a determination about a persons identity based on what they choose to wear. Clothing brands have whole TEAMS of people working full time jobs doing just that to more effectively market to people.
Yup that’s me. Hearing aid mics don’t dig wind. So I ride with them off. Means it is entirely pointless communicating verbally to me. Just to be polite and for giggles I will often use the smiling chinaman act when a new guy shows up. Just nod and smile at whatever is being mouthed at me. Most people do see the stickers but for many it sort of fries some social circuitry on them and they cannot abide the silence. They feel compelled to talk to me even though it is entirely pointless. I am open to suggestions on dealing with this.
3 Likes
Definitely this. I wave thanks at good drivers too.
2 Likes
I wave at bad ones. After someone I know got beaten up by a mad driver for signaling his discontent somehow, I’ve learned that acting like you are mentally impaired generally prevents people from trying to mentally impair you.
1 Like
The same here. I’m riding since 2005 and I started with a group that did only XC and I learned with them to always say hi and whenever someone is stopped ask if they need help. Along this almos 15 years ridding bikes I’ve noticed some increase on guys that lack this “fellowship” carácter but I still wave everybody no matter how many wave me back or not.
Stop with the negative waves, Moriarty.
woof woof
Indeed the man said all that needs saying about social media:
"Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?”
2 Likes
My disdain for the human race continues to deepen as the days go on. The complaints about bicycle clubs are in-line with the complaints for any club. Want to see some stupid crap? Join a local motorcycle club. I was knee-deep in them, and once I tore my back patch off, I swore to my wife: never again. These complaints from what you folks describe in the bicycle club realm is why I always fly solo. I have enough negativity in life, and won’t bring my passion into the drama…
1 Like
-Nod / wave/ say ‘eh up’ to every cyclist you pass ,of course not in the middle of the city when commuting, but out in the lanes/ hills/trails. (if people don’t reply you can get a little chuckle out of your training partner by saying ‘miserable bastard’ under your breath 
)
-Ask if people need help if you see riders stopped at the side of the road fixing or if you see someone has gone down etc
Point out holes/ that you are slowing down and hazards to the other riders in your group or even someone you don’t know that you are aware is close behind.
Wave thanks at polite/helpful drivers.
Much more important than ‘The rules’ in my opinion and luckily for me, good habits that all the local faster or more experienced riders seemed to have passed on. All part of being “a cyclist” not just someone that owns a bike.
4 Likes
Dunno how anyone has the capacity to remonstrate with bad drivers. I am far to busy trying to keep my horse under me to be taking my hands off the bar to flip birds.
1 Like
Ive bought any of the Rapha kit I own on sale for roughly 1/2 price.
That being said - the quality has been great and in the couple of instances I had an issue with anything - they were quick to solve things and always in my favour.
Why count what other people spend their pennies on? Cycling is an expensive sport.
I am sure somewhere out there there is a public transportation forum with someone bitching about their perception of people riding expensive bicycles.
3 Likes
Hey I got two pairs of Rapha sunglasses. Does that make me a bad person?
5 Likes
Depends, do you wear them off the bike as well? ;p
3 Likes
This has been going on for decades, it’s nothing new…
1 Like
Once. But it was in the car to the race. I swear on my black velvet Elvis.