Hooking up with strangers

[AdrianDJ]

I don't mind if he stays behind or front of our training team, but he must not interfere with our training team (open gap or squeeze in between us or whatever)

Don't touch me on my 'training team'

 

woah

[Gen]

This thread has a very deceiving title, for a moment there I said.. what the hell are you lot up to again?

[deanbean]

City problems.

If I see anyone on our trails I'll kill myself to catch up. Because I never see anyone, and it'd be great to chat.

BTW I think I'm one of those people that talk too much. Had a few people ride away from me mid conversation.

[rattlesnake]

My natural caveman instinct is also to chase down people in front of me and ride away from people trying to join me..... but my natural caveman self is an a$$hole... so I've been trying to be more open to meeting new people out on the road / trails of late.

 

So far so good, met one or two nice riding buddies and discovered some new trails courtesy of new riding buddies.

 

Moral of the story.... keep the monkey locked in it's cage and try and embrace your fellow riders.

[DieVlieg]

This thread has a very deceiving title, for a moment there I said.. what the hell are you lot up to again?

 

Just start something I'm sure we can change the subject very quickly. Am surprised it stayed on topic so long

[Uni]

My natural caveman instinct is also to chase down people in front of me

 

When riding with my OH i always laugh, he gets this glint in his eye when he sees a lone rider in front on the trail - always wants to go chase them down - he calls himself the dingo hunter - i think it's just something to keep him entertained while he's waiting for me

Edited August 15, 2014 by Uni

[rattlesnake]

When riding with my OH i always laugh, he gets this glint in his eye when he sees a lone rider in front on the trail - always wants to go chase them down - he calls himself the dingo hunter - i think it's just something to keep him entertained while he's waiting for me

 

Its called the Red Mist.... it descends whenever someone else is lurking out front.... It's hard to control at the best of times

[Hennie VR]

If your able to talk on any ride, then you are not riding hard enough!

[deonkretch]

Make loud Pac-Man sounds and chase them down!

[DieVlieg]

When riding with my OH i always laugh, he gets this glint in his eye when he sees a lone rider in front on the trail - always wants to go chase them down - he calls himself the dingo hunter - i think it's just something to keep him entertained while he's waiting for me

 

Entertainment is necessary. Two okes rode me down once on a long straight dirt road. I had music on and when thei caught me the one guy slapped me on the back and made a noise. I almost whetted the road but luckily the guys smiled and I was having an awesome day. From that time I am a bit more vigilant.

[Raydek]

I remember one of the first or second time I rode countermans when I started MTB'ing. There was a group of riders chilling under the trees halfway up the climb after the industrial yard thing..

 

I was k@king on the climb but they were cheering me on, it helped so much... One of the guys in the group struck up a convo and we ended up riding the rest together, he gave me countless tips and advice which was greatly and to this day still appreciated.

 

Guys name was Kobus on a dark coloured Giant Anthem I think. Have unfortunately never spotted him again, want to thank him for probably getting more suck into this sport than I would've been..

 

So say hi, you never know....

[Karooryder]

On a somewhat related note - what is the common etiquette for joining a club ride as a "visitor"? I once decided to do a Saturday morning training ride with a well-known Pretoria club, with the intention of possibly joining up (stroes Bob, I’m not just saying this… ). Dressed in a kit most resembling their club shirts as to not stand out like a sore thumb, I ventured down, introduced myself and asked around about the club, fees and rides. Man, was I met with blank stares and cold shoulders. After about 60km and one too many “who is this stranger in our midst” look I broke away to finish the ride on my own. I never did join the club.

[Spirog]

Rule #19 // Introduce Yourself.

If you deem it appropriate to join a group of riders who are not part of an open group ride and who are not your mates, it is customary and courteous to announce your presence. Introduce yourself and ask if you may join the group. If you have been passed by a group, wait for an invitation, introduce yourself, or let them go. The silent joiner is viewed as ill-mannered and Anti-V. Conversely, the joiner who can’t shut their cakehole is no better and should be dropped from the group at first opportunity.

The rule is abundantly clear!!

[ians H2Sport]

I say chat to people, be friendly and you may well make some new friends, or possibly even meet your future wife/husband. Having said that, if your riding level/abilities/fitness is not aligned, you may end up either frustrating people or getting frustrated yourself

[dirtrider]

There are special places to pick up strangers . Not on the trail .

[Uni]

I say chat to people, be friendly and you may well make some new friends

some of the chirps I've gotten from strangers on the trails have been absolute spirit lifters when I was feeling so knackered and wondering how the hell i would finish.

even the random quick chats in the parking lots - it's someone that shares a love for cycling - whether they ride a spez or a makro special - doesn't hurt to smile and be nice.