Why so competitive?

First.Aspect

What's the issue? That people do the weekend equivalent of SCR thereby intruding on a pleasant ride, that they latch on and wheel suck, that they push themselves to their own personal limits, or that they bang on about it?

chunkytfg

cld531c wrote:

Anyone else out there fed up with how competitive 'recreational' cycling has become?
I understand it if people are training for TTs or races but if you are not racing why be so competitive?
The amount of people I see half killing themselves on the road or bragging about their (usually over inflated) average speeds is getting absurd. Also, the average ride seems to be about 20-25 miles.
Whilst I admit I do sometimes enjoy pootling alongside someone who has killed themselves trying to overtake when they refuse to (or cant) talk, it would be nice if there were more 'normal' people out there who enjoy riding for ridings sake.
Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Humble Brag anyone?

pblakeney

chunkytfg wrote:

cld531c wrote:

Anyone else out there fed up with how competitive 'recreational' cycling has become?
I understand it if people are training for TTs or races but if you are not racing why be so competitive?
The amount of people I see half killing themselves on the road or bragging about their (usually over inflated) average speeds is getting absurd. Also, the average ride seems to be about 20-25 miles.
Whilst I admit I do sometimes enjoy pootling alongside someone who has killed themselves trying to overtake when they refuse to (or cant) talk, it would be nice if there were more 'normal' people out there who enjoy riding for ridings sake.
Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Humble Brag anyone?

Everyone is competitive. It may be hidden, it may be in your face, but it is there.
The first bike race was the day they built the second bike.

DavidJB

I don't really understand this thread. Is this random people on the road? Club rides? Chaingangs? If it's random people you have no idea what they are doing, by the way I find the satisfaction of a hard interval session very fulfilling.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Different riders can have completely different agendas on Strava, from training for fitness to training for competitions to simply getting some recreational outdoor time. Even if you're training, not everyone is going to be interested in the same segments as you, whether they are uphill/flat/downhill or a mix of all three. You might go bonkers on a segment after doing a warmup of ~20mins, someone else might reach that segment having gone bonkers at various other segments over a couple of hours, others might be pacing themselves because they intend to do a relatively big ride or they are simply recovering from an evil training session the day before etc.

And that's before we consider other factors such solo versus drafting in a group, headwind versus tailwind, auto pause for riding below a predetermined speed etc.

I love chasing my own PBs up cat3/4 hills, these days with the help of a power meter, but yesterday for a change I also tried to put big power efforts in on the flats and downhills too at times... Celebrating the slightly more comfortable temps that have hampered power training recently!

drlodge

Answer - lots of testosterone.

Bumo_b

I started cycling again 3 years ago and if it wasn't for Strava, I don't think I would of continued. It gave me a competitive reason to keep going to improve myself. I also race TT's and although compared to others (yes, I know the race is against yourself) I come in the bottom third, I really enjoy the competition. I have also done well known continental sportives, again finishing in the bottom third but really enjoy the competitive nature and train very hard for them to be slightly less average than I was the last time. That being said, I equally enjoy peddling with the family, Garmin off and just poodling. So at any given time I could be riding for a variety of reasons and occasionally I am so engrossed I forget the appropriate nod to fellow cyclists, makes the odd mistake and misjudge a reasonable gap and have swerved to miss a huge pot hole into a cars path, all of them making me look inconsiderate, these events are fortunately rare these days but the intent is never there to be that way and where I can I apologise and try to cycle as responsibly as possible, trying to consider everyone around me, my point being I could be cycling for a variety of reasons, mostly only known to me.

tonysj

Although I don't race or compete in cycling I did my first 10 Mile TT the other week with a friend and we both really enjoyed it. I would imagine my time wouldnt even get off last place at 27min .05sec but it was great to give it a bash.
Strava is like a drug I can't stop checking it when I've finished a ride out.
It's got to the point that I've removed from my data screen the average speed as I would ride for an hour then Have to ride faster than my ave speed so naturally the average would go up and I'd ride faster to be over the average. Vicious circle or what!!!
Riding with mates slows me down a little as we ride to the weakest of the group only leaving them on hills were we each do our own thing.
I did my first 100 mile sportive last weekend but took a wrong turn and ended up doing 112 miles lol. Good fun though. I do tend to just push myself and just look at power since getting a power meter.
Cycling has become the new jogging of a few years ago. T

Alfa a

I love a competitive commute! I often slip stream with other cyclists, often the same few people. I'm usually slower but it makes me feel happy to have helped them push that extra few seconds off their strava time for the morning!

Moonbiker

They don't like being chicked as it insults there manliness.

davebradswmb

Alfa a wrote:

I love a competitive commute! I often slip stream with other cyclists, often the same few people. I'm usually slower but it makes me feel happy to have helped them push that extra few seconds off their strava time for the morning!

I've come across a fellow commuter twice in 5 years riding my 10 mile commute, and I get passed by the odd person out on a training run.

cruff

Maybe you should - y'know - ask *them* why they're so competitive, instead of a bunch of people you've never met on the Internet?

ben@31

cld531c wrote:

Anyone else out there fed up with how competitive 'recreational' cycling has become?
I understand it if people are training for TTs or races but if you are not racing why be so competitive?
The amount of people I see half killing themselves on the road or bragging about their (usually over inflated) average speeds is getting absurd. Also, the average ride seems to be about 20-25 miles.
Whilst I admit I do sometimes enjoy pootling alongside someone who has killed themselves trying to overtake when they refuse to (or cant) talk, it would be nice if there were more 'normal' people out there who enjoy riding for ridings sake.
Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

No. You just sound jealous and bitter. Why do you think nobody should be allowed to cycle faster than you?

Enjoy your own riding whilst giving zero f*cks about other peoples cycling.

It's all relative... There will always be someone out there on another level, who faster. Think you are a fit cyclist? Its humbling to do a Strava seg that a Pro race has been up. One day even Chris Froome will be beaten by someone else and so on and so on.

ben@31

cld531c wrote:

Anyone else out there fed up with how competitive 'recreational' cycling has become?
I understand it if people are training for TTs or races but if you are not racing why be so competitive?
The amount of people I see half killing themselves on the road or bragging about their (usually over inflated) average speeds is getting absurd. Also, the average ride seems to be about 20-25 miles.
Whilst I admit I do sometimes enjoy pootling alongside someone who has killed themselves trying to overtake when they refuse to (or cant) talk, it would be nice if there were more 'normal' people out there who enjoy riding for ridings sake.
Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

No. You just sound jealous and bitter. Why do you think nobody should be allowed to cycle faster than you?

Enjoy your own riding whilst giving zero f*cks about other peoples cycling.

It's all relative... There will always be someone out there on another level, who's fitter and faster. (Think you are a fit cyclist? Its humbling experience to do a Strava seg that a Pro cyclist has climbed up and compare your times). One day even Chris Froome will be beaten by someone else and so on and so on

milemuncher1

ben@31 wrote:

One day even Chris Froome will be beaten by someone else and so on and so on

Been there, done that. There used to be a Strava segment local to me, and I held the KOM, Froome could only manage 6th. It’s gone now ( deleted by the monkey who created it presumably). but it was funny as, all the time I had that one. Granted it was set at 4:30 in the morning, and I draughted a car transporter, and the lights were kind, but even so

ben@31

Milemuncher1 wrote:

ben@31 wrote:

One day even Chris Froome will be beaten by someone else and so on and so on

Been there, done that. There used to be a Strava segment local to me, and I held the KOM, Froome could only manage 6th. It’s gone now ( deleted by the monkey who created it presumably). but it was funny as, all the time I had that one. Granted it was set at 4:30 in the morning, and I draughted a car transporter, and the lights were kind, but even so

Ha ha. I meant one day he'll be uncompetitive against genuine GC contenders. Professional sportsmen come and go.

On a small climb near me, some guy called Greg Van Avermaet has the Strava KOM.

cycleclinic

You don't have to ride fast to train. A slow ride on a heavy un aero machine with panniers is my preferred way. That said some people are too competitive on a social ranking delivery for example.

ben@31

cld531c wrote:

Anyone else out there fed up with how competitive 'recreational' cycling has become?
I understand it if people are training for TTs or races but if you are not racing why be so competitive?
The amount of people I see half killing themselves on the road or bragging about their (usually over inflated) average speeds is getting absurd. Also, the average ride seems to be about 20-25 miles.
Whilst I admit I do sometimes enjoy pootling alongside someone who has killed themselves trying to overtake when they refuse to (or cant) talk, it would be nice if there were more 'normal' people out there who enjoy riding for ridings sake.
Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Could be worse... Just wait for the weirdos to start stalking your achievements on Strava !

The peak stalker behaviour was when he went out of his way just so he could beat your distance by 1km and drive somewhere hilly enough to beat your ascent by a few metres.

Sadly (for him) nobody really cares. But his stalker behavior is weird and creepy.

photojim

Milemuncher1 wrote:

ben@31 wrote:

One day even Chris Froome will be beaten by someone else and so on and so on

Been there, done that. There used to be a Strava segment local to me, and I held the KOM, Froome could only manage 6th. It’s gone now ( deleted by the monkey who created it presumably). but it was funny as, all the time I had that one. Granted it was set at 4:30 in the morning, and I draughted a car transporter, and the lights were kind, but even so

Ah, I think you will find that was the day he was out road-testing an old Raleigh Chopper. Not a bad time for a three-speed with a low profile front wheel I think you would agree...

Jim

fenix

In the days before strava I thought I was doing incredibly well to catch the local pro. I was pleased to rest a bit on his wheel until his watch beeped and he set off on his interval.

My fast was his recovery speed. He was just too competitive.

trek_dan

cld531c wrote:

Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Nobody I know that races or TT's cares about Strava. Its just a way for leisure cyclists to feel important, but if that's what floats their boat and it gets them away from the TV or out of the car I suppose its a good thing.

haydenm

trek_dan wrote:

cld531c wrote:

Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Nobody I know that races or TT's cares about Strava. Its just a way for leisure cyclists to feel important, but if that's what floats their boat and it gets them away from the TV or out of the car I suppose its a good thing.

I know a few racers who care a lot about Strava, not sure why everyone seems to make such snide remarks about it (not saying you are, you make a good point about getting people out of the house). It's a good motivator and a handy way to assess your training. Apparently if you use strava you can't possibly be enjoying cycling...

I race mountain bikes and really enjoy strava for all my cycling, I also deeply enjoy cycling. Maybe I'm ill.

trek_dan

HaydenM wrote:

trek_dan wrote:

cld531c wrote:

Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Nobody I know that races or TT's cares about Strava. Its just a way for leisure cyclists to feel important, but if that's what floats their boat and it gets them away from the TV or out of the car I suppose its a good thing.

I know a few racers who care a lot about Strava, not sure why everyone seems to make such snide remarks about it (not saying you are, you make a good point about getting people out of the house). It's a good motivator and a handy way to assess your training. Apparently if you use strava you can't possibly be enjoying cycling...

I race mountain bikes and really enjoy strava for all my cycling, I also deeply enjoy cycling. Maybe I'm ill.

Wasn't really talking about Strava as a training tool, more the numpty leisure riders whose entire road cycling experience revolve around taking 100m long flat KOMs on industrial estates and in town centres

haydenm

trek_dan wrote:

HaydenM wrote:

trek_dan wrote:

cld531c wrote:

Is it because I started cycling pre-Strava that I find this so strange? Anyone with me?

Nobody I know that races or TT's cares about Strava. Its just a way for leisure cyclists to feel important, but if that's what floats their boat and it gets them away from the TV or out of the car I suppose its a good thing.

I know a few racers who care a lot about Strava, not sure why everyone seems to make such snide remarks about it (not saying you are, you make a good point about getting people out of the house). It's a good motivator and a handy way to assess your training. Apparently if you use strava you can't possibly be enjoying cycling...

I race mountain bikes and really enjoy strava for all my cycling, I also deeply enjoy cycling. Maybe I'm ill.

Wasn't really talking about Strava as a training tool, more the numpty leisure riders whose entire road cycling experience revolve around taking 100m long flat KOMs on industrial estates and in town centres

I wouldn't know what you're talking about...

Nah, I know what you mean. I have to say, when I happen to get a decent strava segment top 10 or something it does feel a little hollow when I had a 25mph tailwind. Not to say the rider with the KOM didn't have a tailwind and a big group but as you say, it would ruin the fun if that was all you did

chippyk

Fenix wrote:

In the days before strava I thought I was doing incredibly well to catch the local pro. I was pleased to rest a bit on his wheel until his watch beeped and he set off on his interval.

My fast was his recovery speed. He was just too competitive.

Keith Lambert in the early 90’s, probably a similar age to I am now, mid 40s, me and my mate in our late teens were breathing out of our arses trying to keep his wheel from Bingley to Cullingworth, he was taking it easy and possibly laughing at us.

ben@31

trek_dan wrote:

Wasn't really talking about Strava as a training tool, more the numpty leisure riders whose entire road cycling experience revolve around taking 100m long flat KOMs on industrial estates and in town centres

..... on the most windy day of the year.

haydenm

ben@31 wrote:

trek_dan wrote:

Wasn't really talking about Strava as a training tool, more the numpty leisure riders whose entire road cycling experience revolve around taking 100m long flat KOMs on industrial estates and in town centres

..... on the most windy day of the year.

Sh1t, they're onto me!

N0bodyOfTheGoat

We really need some competition for Strava, with segments based on average power from real power meters, where riders are also using a hrm.

We then eliminate all this drafting, wind assistance and motor assistance nonsense.;)

We might also eliminate all those silly small segments and false cat climb segments.

ugo.santalucia

I see Strava as no different from other social media... on Facebook people want to be seen having fun and being socially successful, on Strava people want to be seen going fast, occasionally far.

It's a trap we all fall into, to some extent... the problem is limited to those who become obsessed... I have come across folks who report anyone who take their KOM, even when that anyone is called Vincenzo Nibali!

In the absence of numbers that could be shared, people were more casual about riding their bikes, now performance anxiety is common place... again, in moderation is not a terrible thing, when it's extreme maybe they should be referred for counselling

cld531c

ugo.santalucia wrote:

In the absence of numbers that could be shared, people were more casual about riding their bikes, now performance anxiety is common place... again, in moderation is not a terrible thing, when it's extreme maybe they should be referred for counselling

Think you've hit the nail on the head.