Yes Virginia, Cyclists ARE Cool!

I realize I may be preaching to the choir a bit. If you are a cyclist, you are frequently reminded that we are not always welcome, usually by a motorist, horseback rider, an off-leash dog walker, the City of Blackhawk, etc. Yes, cyclists can be a quirky bunch, but I believe cyclists get a bad rap. Cyclists are friendly and good sports.

For example, say you go for a ride with your buddy who doesn't ride regularly. Do you put the hammer down? Do you crush his legs, lungs, and spirit? No. You probably rode an easier pace and course than you normally would. If you did drop your friend, you probably slowed up, swung back around, or waited at an appropriate spot.
Let's turn that around. Have you ever gone golfing with a friend who golfs often and very well? Did they lay-up, shoot a few into the trees on purpose, or play below their capacity? Hell no. They crushed your miserable 138 and 13 Mulligans with their usual 95.

Or, have you gone bowling with someone who competes in a league? Did they shoot a few into the gutter for you so you wouldn't feel so bad? Nope. They were throwing those bone-crushing strikes that you swear should break the pins in half.

So back to the bike ride. Upon checking your average speed and cadence, did you roll your eyes and point to your wrist to get them to hurry up? Of course not. You probably encouraged them letting them know they're really close to the top. Back to the golf course. Have you ever heard, “We got to hurry this put. The guys behind us are trying to tee off and they're going to want to play through.” I sure have.

I'm not picking on golfing and bowling. They can be fun and certainly have a lot of avid participants, but I don't think they've had a car try to graze them with some irate jerk screaming, “Get out of here!” (If that has happened in a bowling alley, send me a video!)

I just want to make sure cyclists get their due. While they may act a bit snobbish at times, they are friendly, welcoming, supportive, and encouraging of others at various skill levels or just starting out. In general, cyclists are cool.


Except for hipsters, of course.