Jump to content

Western Cape has worst cyclists by far


Carbon Junky

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 189
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Posted

What a load of absolute crap.

 

Firstly, how can you make such a bold statement when you don't even live here?

 

Secondly, there are countless things I have heard about the poor attitude of riders from the North and arrogance being the main. Do you even know what goes on when Western Cape elite riders go up to race in Joburg? What is said and done in the peloton? There are rude cyclists everywhere so don't have a tantrum just because you weren't greeted back. When I raced Nationally in Rowing, most of the Joburg kids had the worst attitude imaginable.

 

Thirdly, there are many cyclists who thank cars and stick to the rules. Realise that when you are on the road you aren't seeing every cyclist in the Western Cape at once. There are thousands and not just the few that you see.

 

Yes, not every cyclist greets back, but to say that you received a "bad" look? Please man, calm your enthusiasm.

 

Maybe a tad defensive?????

Posted

Better I just take out the tri-bike and ignore the crap out of other bicycles. Maybe go hang out on slowtwitch forums as well....

 

All this angst is too much. Even my poke at the angst was countered by more of that.

 

Sometimes I greet cyclists / runners, sometimes I don't - not because I decided to be rude to those who wear green/white/red shirts/whatever but rather to give them the opportunity to greet back first. Sometimes you are just "missed", or I am breathing through my eyes trying to get to the top of the hill...

 

If you decide to take it personal, remember it was your choice so live with it ;)

 

Anyway, we (as cyclists/drivers/shoppers/PEOPLE?) should just learn to relax and stop trying to pigeonhole people according to our own needs/expectations.

 

Baggies on road bikes are cool just like hairless legs on a mountain bike... Just ride yer bikes demmit!

Posted

Hahaha I see this whole thing has gone haywire! The hubbers have got a point that there were also a lot of valies on holiday and that the capetonians were moerig because we are taking their parking. Boys here's what I believe, if we all have this "I'm better than you" attitude and say I'm not gonna greet back because I'm doing a long ride today, how are we promoting our sport? And to the hubber that said its because I live in Potch, I race almost every weekend in jhb. Go check my stats on racetec Jaco Roos 13 Apr 1992. I tend to only cycle with the multisport okes in potch because of the same reason, cyclists have developed a *** attitude! Straight!!! Yes you do have the friendly cyclists all over, but they are becoming extinct like ou Rhino population. Why are we cycling? Because were better than other? No, we cycle because we enjoy it, were endorphine junkies, we wear weird clothes like lycra or baggies and we love it. Cyclists have become so obsesssed with their rights, that were turning into the ANC that keeps on shifting the blame. Come on guys, friendliness doesn't cost you a cent. If your arms are tired just shout yes or whatever. Motorists notice these things, especially the f#ck off when they hoot at you. Wave instead, greet them, blow a kiss. Were causing our own problems if our attitudes are negative. Motorists are only going to start respecting us if we can stand together, be friendly towards others, motorists included. Wave and say thanks if a motorist goes out of his/her way to pass you nice. The change starts with you

I could not have said it better. It costs you nothing to be courteous but sometimes you are so moeg that you cannot even lift up an arm to wave or even nod your head. So, let us not be too sensitive and live for the moment and try and be nice even if there is no reciprocity involved.
Posted

I could not have said it better. It costs you nothing to be courteous but sometimes you are so moeg that you cannot even lift up an arm to wave or even nod your head. So, let us not be too sensitive and live for the moment and try and be nice even if there is no reciprocity involved.

 

From many a post on the hub, it seem's you're throwing stones from the glass clubhouse...

Posted

I agree fully that the greater majority of Cape cyclists ( be they Roadies MTBers,Recreational riders or Commuters) are unfriendly,dangerous and stuck-up.

 

The previous sentiments also fully apply to motor vehicle users in the Cape.

 

This is rather sad as we live in a beautiful city.

 

I have also unfortunately found that most people in the Cape tend to be rather aloof and unfriendly towards strangers.

 

Sad but true in my experience.

Posted

I ride road and mountain. Both are fun, have equally many scars from both. I love riding my bike(s). They sleep together next to my bed, in order of whichever I am going to ride next.

 

I am not an outgoing and sociable person in general, I would rather read a book, watch anime or play games than go out anywhere without a clear objective in mind. I don't do large groups and lots of people because I find it difficult. But when I'm on my bike... the world is amazing.

 

On the road, I nod or wave at cyclists on the far side of the road - it's awesome that they are out there riding and sharing the joys of what I love so much. Most of the time I get a nod or wave in return, and it's all like, hell yeah like a boss. If I don't get a response, the person is probably focused on turning his/her pedals and concentrating on breathing properly, or has some issues they are trying to cool down from and are deep in thought, or trying to focus on holding the edge of the road so that cars can pass more comfortably.

 

When I pass people quickly I say, "Goodmorning." And when I pass them slowly and they greet back before I pass I ask, "How's the ride?" Sometimes you get a plain answer, sometimes you get the funniest response which you can relate to completely.

 

When I pass people slowly riding two up, having a fat chat in the middle of a long stretch of busy main road I usually chirp a "C'mon guys, single file." Because it's troublesome and dangerous for motorists and for me to pass when you ride like that. You need to make your intentions clear, so riding completely occupying a turning lane or narrow road is great as it establishes right of way, but then iron out into single as soon as its safe to. And remember the vehicle behind you, so don't pedal too slowly and make way as soon as you can. Pretty sure all of us that ride on the roads are motorists too so we know the rules, know how to drive a car and know that we need to be aware of absolutely everything and take action/caution appropriately when we are behind the wheel or sitting on two.

 

When I get passed most often, I yell " 'Morning-morning!" or "Howsit!" and usually get a reply, unless they were too fast or too many. Can't expect everyone to hear you. And it's fun riding with someone infront to set the pace sometimes anyways. Sometimes I am too out busy inhaling as much oxygen as possible and can't spare a word in which case I nod, or wave from the shifter hoods... or just keep turning the pedals. Sorry if I didn't greet guy, I will keep up with you next time.

 

Roadies and MTB's share the road, we are all cyclists, we are all awesome.

 

In the mountain it's fun, no cars to worry about! Can ride wherever and chat to your buddy, and you can see/hear bikes coming from infront or behind and make single file so they can get past. There's no stress and carbon-monoxide out there, and sometims very few people, so when I see another person it's more like, "Yes! We're not alone in this vast landscape!" and can exchange a friendly greeting or chat.

 

My first time in the mountain my friend and I didn't know any better so we took the route that looked most fun, unknowingly we went up a single track, and another, and another which was abit steep. When we saw people coming down at hellish speeds we realized, oops. So we pulled aside and one guy stopped, saying that we were quite brave to try climb this and that it may be easier on the jeep track and proceeded to tell us about some fun trails and showed us how to get to where we wanted to be. That guy was cool, if it weren't for him we would have been lost for hours.

 

Also, in the mountain, the ladies are really friendly! Usually I wouldn't be able to speak a word to a woman unless I knew her, actually that goes for men and all the rest aswell, but when we're all on bikes it is so much easier to get along.

 

Thinking about it, I don't greet people in the mall when I walk past unless I know them or make eye contact for longer than necessary. I only give a friendly greeting when I need help or am at a cashier. And I make an effort to stay out of places with lots of people anyways. I wave or nod at my neighbours, and greet my direct neighbours. But that's just how I am.

 

 

Now that my story is out there, I believe that it is more about the individual than it is about the 'cyclist'. Not everyone is the same, nor should we be? However, it is nice to get along and bring the cycling community closer together.

Posted

I think Western Cape cyclists are fine.Can't understand this desire to be acknowledged and acknowledge .Hold hands and sing songs around the campfire bit....

Western Cape drivers on the other hand suck

Posted

.....Sorry for the feathers I raffled, but .....we should stop and consider what we REALLY do out on the road. Let our enjoyment of what we do always show, whether it be to a fellow roadie, mountie or motorist - Then only will they say : We also want THAT ! because if we always go around like martyrs ....not nice!!!![/color][/size][/font]

You will fit right in in The Deep South with that earthchild thinking. Just learn to not take it personal when someone goes on with his life without acknowledging you.

 

Hoekom ry jy fiets? bederf dit rerig jou dag so erg as mense nie groet nie dat jy 'n thread moet begin daaroor?

Posted

From many a post on the hub, it seem's you're throwing stones from the glass clubhouse...

Assumptions are dangerous, similar to the one the author made in his forum heading. The assumption you are making is that I belong to a club and this only highlights your prejudice towards a club in particular. Everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks they are right. I think, and this is my opinion, when we start preaching to others or highlighting their errors then all we are doing is exposing our inadequacies on how to deal with life's issues. The prejudice nature of the person reveals itself and then its all downhill from hereon.

 

Think before you expose your thoughts that in itself reveals more about you than the point you are making. Please feel free to respond and you will notice that what I mentioned above will come true.

Posted

I don't generally greet because:

 

1. I'm seeing butterflies from an interval session and is trying to keep my bike upright.

2. I roll to get away from people and find quiet time, and

 

I will impart a helmet nod, at least, if I make eye contact with someone's greeting.

That is common courtesy. Agreed.

 

About the opening post:

What do you intend to achieve with this thread other than spread negativity?

 

Fully agree, Dale. OP just comes across as a tad insecure. A large percentage of the cyclists on the CT roads at the moment are tourists so to cast such aspersions on CT riders is rather inaccurate.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout