People laughing at me...maybe.

a_dam · #1 04-19-2009, 01:58 AM

Two motorcycles were waiting at a red light. In the crosswalk, I crossed the street right in front of them (just peddling, motor was off). I think both bikes had a man and woman riding on each. At least one of the couples was laughing as I passed, and they were looking my way. I barely noticed because I was concentrating on traffic. I assumed they might have been entertained by the novelty of a bicycle with a motor. I try to think positively. Of course, if they were laughing derisively, I wouldn't mind much. Skin gets thicker with age.

I've had a lot of people comment on the bike. All were positive except one.
I was coming out of a store as a couple was pulling up on bicycles. It was a man and woman in their 30's at least. They had nice bikes, spandex, helmets. The man pulled up first and said "That's cheating", obviously referring to my motor. He was smiling, though, so I smiled back and said "Yeah, but it sure helps with the wind and hills". His female partner had a sour face as she said "You don't get any exercise without wind and hills." I resisted the urge to say something rotten. My response was "Well, don't knock it if you haven't tried it."

I can understand some of the negative comments here about the "spandex crowd". I generally have respect for all people out there riding their bikes. Someone with an expensive bike and clothes must be dedicated to riding. That's cool with me. I've ridden thousands of miles a year without a motor, so I guess I am dedicated too. I prefer casual clothes and cheap bikes because I am casual and cheap!
I've met many very friendly "spandex" riders. Some, though, don't return a friendly gesture and just ignore you. You would think that all bike riders would sympathise with each other.

Has anyone else got a bad attitude from other bikers, bike shops, etc.?

mabman · #2 04-19-2009, 07:41 AM

Bad attitudes are where you find them. Enjoy the ride.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #3 04-19-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mabman

Bad attitudes are where you find them. Enjoy the ride.

fo'sho'

There are "spandex riders" in every walk of life.
To them we are 'creatins', to us, they are 'snobs'. To the little old lady on the porch we are all nuts.

Retmachinist · #4 04-19-2009, 09:12 AM

I get treated worse from the drivers than I do the "Spandex Crowd" . I have been forced to the shoulder, and pulled out in front of numerous times, and I don't even drive in heavy traffic. I still think it is because most of the people are on the cell phone and pay NO attention to their driving!
Now that my Motor Bike carrier is finished we will be going to places to get away from the Crazy drivers, (I hope?)

John

captainrichhill · #5 04-19-2009, 10:31 AM

I can't stand that Cagers (car drivers) feel they have to pass you on the back streets in the 25mph zones even though you're going 30-35mph. I call that the "poodle" complex. They always have to lead. Oh well. I love the motorized bike. It's great around our small town. I use so little gas I almost never check.
Great hobby!

Pablo · #6 04-19-2009, 12:49 PM

Some redneck bagged on me once. He said that's a chain saw motor and stuff. I thought it was great. Someone more of a redneck than me!!!

Retmachinist · #7 04-19-2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainrichhill

I can't stand that Cagers (car drivers) feel they have to pass you on the back streets in the 25mph zones even though you're going 30-35mph. I call that the "poodle" complex. They always have to lead. Oh well. I love the motorized bike. It's great around our small town. I use so little gas I almost never check.
Great hobby!

Yes, That is may exact point! When I am riding in my neighborhood, where the speed limit is 25, I always ride between 25 and 30 but 100% of the time I get passed. Even when there are other cars coming. That's when I get forced to the curb or shoulder. They have to lead!!

John

NEAT TIMES · #8 04-19-2009, 01:32 PM

A-dam, The Comment "thats Cheating" Is My Type Of Humor, A Remark I Mite Make In Reference To The Obvious. Not Meant To Be Derogitory. Just A Reccognition Of Your Machine. Imho Ron

NEAT TIMES · #9 04-19-2009, 01:43 PM

She Probably Did Not See Her Leaders Smile, And Had To Add Her 2 Cents!! Lol, Ha Ha Women Love Me For This Type Of Remark! When They Answer The Phone, I Ask To Speak To Their Master!! 0ne Of Two Types of Attitudes Surface Quickly. I Love It!! Ha Ha. = All in fun girls, i know how much you do for us! Its a quick way to involve them. Most women laugh at me and say: "I don`t have a master". RON

Cabinfever1977 · #10 04-19-2009, 10:36 PM

im waiting for a car to pass me while speeding and they get a ticket,wouldnt that be funny.