[CopyCat]

Originally Posted by Iceman

I'm a cyclist but I know exactly where you are coming from. Courtesy on the road is a two way street. I developed a system for riding as a group on the road that I have seen no one else use. Even larger tours divide up into groups of three to six riders that keep a separation from other groups so other vehicles have an easier time getting past. Lead rider is responsible to the group for calling hazards ahead including all on coming traffic. Trailing rider is to call approaching traffic from the rear. Whenever there is traffic from behind the group is expected to fold into a line. None of this three abreast crap. We will also signal traffic an all clear when we crest a hill so they don't have to wait to pass if the way is clear. If it is safe to do so we will clear off the pavement when there is traffic from both directions. We love paved shoulders. I also expect riders to obey traffic signs and signals.

The "I'm and athlete" attitude is really irritating because the majority of them are wannabe athletes. When I go on a long distance tour carrying fifty pounds or more of gear you wouldn't believe how many riders will draft me for awhile and then pass triumphantly like they just won the Tour de France. Pretty hard up for an ego trip.

Ok, I wasn't even going to mention the fact that I too have an
old campy equipped Paramount and a few spandex outfits myself...
But you sound like one of the good guys, you sound like you ride
about like I do... Or did, I really don't ride anymore because of
my new location and the fact that I'm a little gun shy... I took a
pretty good spill and broke a couple of bones a few years back...
But I did log over a hundred miles a week one summer... And having
to associate with those unjustifiably arrogant SOB cyclist at bike
shops and on the road is a big part of why I hate them...