Dour bloke behaviour on sportives

antikythera

amaferanga wrote:

... Why should I add 10 minutes to my ride time to help someone I don't know fix something they should know how to fix for themselves? :?

Why? Coz they're a fellow cyclist in need!

Although having said that I did stop to help some fecker in last year's Exmoor Beast. He had started walking to the finish 15 miles away! Turns out he had a slow leak and no pump. So I offered the use of mine. He came back with "I don't know how to change a tyre".

So I showed him how to replace the inner tube, all the time he's telling me about the club he races in! :shock: After mounting the tyre I handed the pump and wheel to him and he looked at me like a deer in head lights. He seem pretty annoyed that I was expecting him to pump it up himeself. :roll:

After losing 10 minutes (on a decent time) to help, I didn't even get a "Thanks" - he just rode off. It did really stress my commitment to help others.

what brakes

if i pass a cyclist i always nod or say high or lift my hand, if someone has stopped i always ask if they are ok? just incase they have a puncture or has hit the wall or someother prob!

TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU WISH TO BE TREATED!

amaferanga

peanut wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

[

I didn't realise sportives were all about making friends....

its might not be about making friends but surely a large part of a group sporting event is socializing l isn't it ?
Strewth otherwise you might as well just ride by yourself .........oh you do lol

Yep, before the ride starts and after it finishes.

I never said I don't talk to people anyway, only that I don't go out of my way to talk to every cyclist I meet.

amaferanga

what brakes wrote:

if i pass a cyclist i always nod or say high or lift my hand, if someone has stopped i always ask if they are ok? just incase they have a puncture or has hit the wall or someother prob!

TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU WISH TO BE TREATED!

So do I, when I'm out for a ride on my own or with my club. On a sportive if someone doesn't have a spare tube and know what to do with it then that's not my problem. There's a broom wagon, they can wait for it. And as pointed out above if everyone asks them if they're okay it could get pretty tedious. If a cyclist had taken a tumble or something more serious then of course I would ask if they were okay.

Only time I've stopped to help a cyclist out (not on a sportive) I ended up giving him my spare tube and changing the tube for him. He said thanks and off he rode with my £5 inner tube.

phearnde

When I pass a lone cyclist, stopped at side of road, I tend to ask if they are OK.

On the Magnificat a couple of weeks ago, I gave away an inner tube - if you're listening Carl, I haven't received the replacement you promised!

telemark

Only time I've stopped to help a cyclist out (not on a sportive) I ended up giving him my spare tube and changing the tube for him. He said thanks and off he rode with my £5 inner tube.

It's karma innit? One day you'll have forgotten your pump/inner/tyre levers and you'll be glad someone stops. A fiver every so often to "subscribe" to an informal recovery service sounds pretty cheap to me!

Time on a sportive - who's counting? Just subtract your stopped time from the recorded time. If you're seriously worried about the published time, you're in the wrong game and should be racing.

amaferanga

telemark wrote:

It's karma innit? One day you'll have forgotten your pump/inner/tyre levers and you'll be glad someone stops. A fiver every so often to "subscribe" to an informal recovery service sounds pretty cheap to me!

If someone gave me their tube I'd pay them for it. I guess I have a different mindset to a lot of cyclists here - to me if things go wrong its my responsibility to get myself out of the situation, not a strangers. In other words if I need help I will ask for it. Something I learned cycling across Africa....

telemark wrote:

Time on a sportive - who's counting? Just subtract your stopped time from the recorded time. If you're seriously worried about the published time, you're in the wrong game and should be racing.

I do both. Is that allowed?

Ollieda

I would help people to an extent but the problem with giving someone your spare innertube is that YOU have it for when YOU need it. What happens if you give it away to someone then 5 miles down the road puncture badly and need the spare, either wait for someone else to be kind enough to give one to you or sit and wait for the previous cyclist you heled to ride past you on your spare! somehow I doubt they would offer to take it off theirs and give it back to you.

If they weren't prepared for the ride why should I suffer.

Bunneh

Pfft I'd not give anyone an inner tube, not unless I was near home and they were a proper cyclist, not some scrote on a shed. I carry one tube, a puncture kit and a pump; if I meet someone with a puncture I will lend them the kit to repair it, if they can't do that then they need to learn how to ride a bloody bike and get the hell outta my way!

*falls over and kicks a homeless man*

rajMAN

holmeboy wrote:

rajMAN wrote:

Chip \'oyler wrote:

Problem is most Sportive riders haven't come through the 'cycling club' system, so haven't done social Sunday club rides. Which means they haven't learnt etiquette etc

Absolutely Spot on!!

I havent come through the club system, but I'll speak to anyone on a sportive. Like to take my shot on the front although I'll admit I'm not fully comfertable cycling in a bunch for long periods. I love it when spectators applaud and usually respond with witty banter. Have never stopped to help anyone with a puncture but will ask if there alright? Don't drop any litter on sportives or just out cycling. A few years ago on the Cairngorm 100 I did sit on somebody's wheel into the wind, never had the stregnth to pass and take a shot but did drop off after about the 4th Glare.

The Club system is generally a good route into cycling as you tend to learn from the older members. I was lucky i suppose as i learnt from experienced older guys who gave the right encouragement and a few bollockings along the way!! :oops:


Its by no means the "only" route as i guess whatever route some people come into cycling they are by nature rude, ignorant, a natural numpty or just a plain pillock!! Thankfully most riders seem willing to learn and develop in a safe way both for themselves and riders around them.

peanut

Shmo wrote:

Hmm gotta say that you might onto a bit of a lost cause expecting everyone to acknowledge riders, spectators and people broken down.

Just think about the poor cyclist spending 10 minutes fixing his puncture at the side of the road in the first kilometre.

"You ok?"
"Yes."
8) "Need a hand?"
"No."
"Need some help?"
"No."
"Got a spare tube?"
"Yes."
8) "Need my pump?"
"No."
:P "You alright?"
"Yes."
5 minutes later....
"You ok?"
:evil: "SHUTUP SHUTUP SHUTUP."

wow another dour bloke !

How unfriendly are people these days? I don't care if a thousand people ask me if I need help. They will all get a smile and a friendly retort or joke from me.
Its no wonder other cyclists never respond when out cycling . Miserable barstewards

peanut

Bunneh wrote:

Pfft I'd not give anyone an inner tube, not some scrote on a shed.

*falls over and kicks a homeless man*

nolf

I'd slow down slightly to check someone is ok if they're stopped, but I wouldn't actually stop to help if they had a puncture.

Not convinced by this respect for the "club system" either. Sure you get a familiarity with etiquette, but I've had people tell me off for not waiting at the top of climbs during sportives, as thats what they expect from their club mates!
Cheek.

peanut

nolf wrote:

I'd slow down slightly to check someone is ok if they're stopped, but I wouldn't actually stop to help if they had a puncture.
.

I'd slow down a bit if I ran someone over

nolf wrote:

I I've had people tell me off for not waiting at the top of climbs during sportives, as thats what they expect from their club mates!
Cheek.

Now that is cheeky !

morstar

I told some gusy to head on and leave me to roll in on a recent sportive where I dropped off the pace and they refused. How rude is that!

secretsqizz

who farted?

cougie

I do ask people if they need a hand if they're at the side of the road.

Oh - i may have forgotten to do this for the silly twunt who passed me and was lobbing his wrappers all over the road, when he flatted a few miles up the road.
How sad, never mind.
:twisted:

jrduquemin

I always make a point of asking riders on the side of the road if they need help. 99% of the time, they say no thanks but on the way back from L2B last year, I met a guy stopped on the side of the A23 who had a puncture. His tube was knackered so I gave him my only spare to help him on his way.

Luckily he had a working pump because mine exploded when I tried to use it :-D Once fixed, we rode most of the way back to Gatwick airport together, albeit on the side of the A23, not my most pleasant experience I must admit. Cars going past you at 60mph a foot away does tend to scare the shit out of you :-D

pneumatic

I always like the way people check you are ok when you have a mechanical issue, especially in France, where it seems de rigeur.

However, a couple of years ago, I was half way up an Alp completely stranded after my chain came off and wrapped itself around the mech in a horrible cludge that wouldn't budge.

It was 6.30 am and I was in a bit of a lather about it. All of a sudden, this bloke breezes up on a bike and asks "Ca Va?"

"Non!" I shouted back, "J'ai un grand probleme, c'est foutu (f*cked)"

"Bon!" he called back, and p1ssed off up the road!

I'm sure it wasn't spite; he was just asking out of politeness and heard the answer he was listening for!

rjh299

BMX Bear wrote:

Never throw wrappers away, you carried them here, carry them home.
Always smile or wave at any clapping spectators. It's great that they even bothered to come out and cheer & clap.

If you're going to wheel suck, be prepared to be sucked yourself!!
I sat in behind a guy for about 5 miles of so into the second feed station of the Dragon, I thanked him when we pulled in and remarked how nice his rear hub was as I'd been staring at it for the last 5 miles!


Fcuk don't we do this for the enjoyment...?

+1

rjh299

BMX Bear wrote:

Never throw wrappers away, you carried them here, carry them home.
Always smile or wave at any clapping spectators. It's great that they even bothered to come out and cheer & clap.

If you're going to wheel suck, be prepared to be sucked yourself!!
I sat in behind a guy for about 5 miles of so into the second feed station of the Dragon, I thanked him when we pulled in and remarked how nice his rear hub was as I'd been staring at it for the last 5 miles!

It's true, sportives aren't races, they are usually full of want to be's and has been's - if you rally want to race theyn go enter a race.

Fcuk don't we do this for the enjoyment...?

-1

Le Commentateur

Chip \'oyler wrote:

Problem is most Sportive riders haven't come through the 'cycling club' system, so haven't done social Sunday club rides. Which means they haven't learnt etiquette etc

It's not so much about ettiquette , as simple practicality and efficient riding. British sportives are for the most part crap because group riding skills are assumed to only apply to breakneck paced racing and the majority plod along like it's some kind of solo time trial seemingly oblivious to the other participants.

I hate the fanboy littering too and have been know to pick up other's wrappers from the lanes and hedgerows of otherwise scenic Wales & England.

rick_chasey

what brakes wrote:

if i pass a cyclist i always nod or say high or lift my hand, if someone has stopped i always ask if they are ok? just incase they have a puncture or has hit the wall or someother prob!

TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU WISH TO BE TREATED!

I get irritated when people try to socialise with me on sportives.


Sure I'll give the odd grunt of thanks when I've taken more than my fair share of tow, or a dazed '"i'm finished", when I drop off but I'm not there to make new friends. I'm there to cycle, and enjoy what only a cyclist can enjoy - the mutual help between cyclists not based on anything beyond the fact it's more convenient for riders of similar strength to share an effort.

Treating people like you want to be treated is all well and fine, as long as you don't expect much.

Also, does this part of the forum show, if nothing else, that just because you have one thing in common - you enjoy cycling - you otherwise have no reason to like them more or less than any other stranger. Can't see why because they're 'cyclists' there should be a different treatment.

Anonymous

Rick Chasey wrote:

what brakes wrote:

if i pass a cyclist i always nod or say high or lift my hand, if someone has stopped i always ask if they are ok? just incase they have a puncture or has hit the wall or someother prob!

TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU WISH TO BE TREATED!

I get irritated when people try to socialise with me on sportives.


Sure I'll give the odd grunt of thanks when I've taken more than my fair share of tow, or a dazed '"i'm finished", when I drop off but I'm not there to make new friends. I'm there to cycle, and enjoy what only a cyclist can enjoy - the mutual help between cyclists not based on anything beyond the fact it's more convenient for riders of similar strength to share an effort.

Treating people like you want to be treated is all well and fine, as long as you don't expect much.

Also, does this part of the forum show, if nothing else, that just because you have one thing in common - you enjoy cycling - you otherwise have no reason to like them more or less than any other stranger. Can't see why because they're 'cyclists' there should be a different treatment.

Cor, cheerful aren't you ? Bet you love a good funeral. :roll:

peanut

dmclite wrote:

Rick Chasey wrote:

I get irritated when people try to socialise with me on sportives.


Sure I'll give the odd grunt of thanks when I've taken more than my fair share of tow, or a dazed '"i'm finished", when I drop off but I'm not there to make new friends.

Cor, cheerful aren't you ? Bet you love a good funeral. :roll:

blimey another Dour bloke . :roll: no wonder no-one speaks to anyone else these days .

I reckon all Dour blokes should come out of the closet and be recognised then they can become another minority group with special rights and privileges ( albeit a non vocal one lol )

then the rest of us can be especially chatty and jolly when they are around

magicrhodes

amaferanga wrote:

If someone gave me their tube I'd pay them for it. I guess I have a different mindset to a lot of cyclists here - to me if things go wrong its my responsibility to get myself out of the situation, not a strangers. In other words if I need help I will ask for it. Something I learned cycling across Africa....

You miserable perfect sod. I do hope that one day you experience the joy of a broken valve, suddenly knackered pump or simply that "bugger I left it on the kitchen table" moment. A few weeks ago I lent a guy a tube and pump which he insisted on paying for, wasn't gonna take the money. Yesterday I ripped my rear derailleur off and a nice bloke in a van gave me lift off the moor. I like to think that my good behaviour got rewarded.

We are all somebody's son or daughter and we all hope that someone will show kindness to our family when they need it. If you can't show a bit of love to a fellow cyclist.

amaferanga

magicrhodes wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

If someone gave me their tube I'd pay them for it. I guess I have a different mindset to a lot of cyclists here - to me if things go wrong its my responsibility to get myself out of the situation, not a strangers. In other words if I need help I will ask for it. Something I learned cycling across Africa....

You miserable perfect sod. I do hope that one day you experience the joy of a broken valve, suddenly knackered pump or simply that "bugger I left it on the kitchen table" moment. A few weeks ago I lent a guy a tube and pump which he insisted on paying for, wasn't gonna take the money. Yesterday I ripped my rear derailleur off and a nice bloke in a van gave me lift off the moor. I like to think that my good behaviour got rewarded.

We are all somebody's son or daughter and we all hope that someone will show kindness to our family when they need it. If you can't show a bit of love to a fellow cyclist.

Are you for real? We're talking about numpty cyclists that forget to take a spare tube and pump on a bike ride, not a life or death situation. If someone is injured or in a bad situation it'd be completely different, but we're not.

And I don't love fellow cyclists when I ride my bike in the same way that I don't love fellow motorists when I drive my car.

rick_chasey

dmclite wrote:

Rick Chasey wrote:

Also, does this part of the forum show, if nothing else, that just because you have one thing in common - you enjoy cycling - you otherwise have no reason to like them more or less than any other stranger. Can't see why because they're 'cyclists' there should be a different treatment.

Cor, cheerful aren't you ? Bet you love a good funeral. :roll:

Point proven.

smithy21

Does it not say it all that the shiny happy people are now working themselvs intp a frenzy about dour behaviour? I am not sure why you are getting so concerned about other peoples behaviour.

I'd probably classify myself as semi dour. In doing a sportive I have generally trained for it and am looking to achieve some sort of target time. This is not to say I treat the event like a race, I just try to achieve my own personal goal.

I am therefore not going to throw litter around the countryside or charge through red lights or busy junctions like I am on a closed road race event but at the same time I am not going to pootle round the countryside trying to chat to all and sundry just because they ride a bike.

On punctures I have asked people if they are ok but am generally praying that they say yes as I really dont want to have to stop.

ThreeLionsBrian

Why would anyone want to pay entry, train for months and then waste time with an incompetant that shouldn't be there if he needs that type of help.

Sportives are legal races! They give the opportunity for like minded people to rip it up and feel good about/boast about their achievements.

Do people here honestly think people ride in a peloton so they can chat and hunt out unfortunates with mechanicals at the roadside?

If someone was obviously distressed/injured common sense would prevail.

May i suggest that the majority look up their local CTC for clubruns and donate the wasted entrance fees to charity. You dont need energy gels when a cuppa and cake is more your thing.