Tips on stopping that dangerous half wheeler.

idiottje

Hi,
I have a guy on my route that when I pass him starts to half wheel me. He never does his turn up front, and on the commute, I have had three of four instances where I nearly came off the bike because of his acting the buck.

So, I have been thinking of plans to encourage him to desist. I did slow down to a crawl, but he stayed where he was, and did not pass.

So, I think my options are:
(1) Tell him where to go.
(2) A casual desnotting on the side he is half wheeling.
(3) Saving a strong hot one (flatulence) for him.
(4) Give him a dose of his own medicine.

Any of you got suggestions? I don't mind people drafting as long as they ask, and are willing to do their turn up front, but this guy is starting to annoy me.

Raam

Drop him.

3102derek

Have you just tried to tell what him what he is doing is dangerous?
Be direct but not aggressive.

lennymc

punch him.

edit - don't actually punch him.

edit edit - If you are passing him, try building up a bit of speed and pass him wide so he can not jump on your wheel or get anywhere near you. Alternatively explain the situation to him, and if he doesn't desist, then punch him.

Chips Lovell

This guy is a total stranger?

Is he drafting you or half wheeling you or both?

Raam

If he is half-wheeling then maybe he is just trying to start an echelon.

idiottje

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

This guy is a total stranger?

Is he drafting you or half wheeling you or both?

Total stranger. Started drafting, moved on to half wheeling.

dave_o_brien

Track stand.

Chips Lovell

idiottje wrote: »

Total stranger. Started drafting, moved on to half wheeling.

So when you go to pass him, he speeds up and won't let you pass?

Raam

lennymc wrote: »

punch him.

edit - don't actually punch him.

edit edit - If you are passing him, try building up a bit of speed and pass him wide so he can not jump on your wheel or get anywhere near you. Alternatively explain the situation to him, and if he doesn't desist, then punch him.

It's you, isn't it?

idiottje

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

So when you go to pass him, he speeds up and won't let you pass?

When I pass him, he jumps on the back wheel and keeps up. It was just drafting at a close distance, but now he is moving to half wheeling me.

I am thinking I might just stop. See what he does. As I said, last time I slowed down to 10kmph but he just stayed there at half wheel. I took off, but he caught up at the next set of reds.

daragh_

idiottje wrote: »

When I pass him, he jumps on the back wheel and keeps up. It was just drafting at a close distance, but now he is moving to half wheeling me.

I am thinking I might just stop. See what he does. As I said, last time I slowed down to 10kmph but he just stayed there at half wheel. I took off, but he caught up at the next set of reds.

Maybe he just wants to be your cycling pal?

Have you spoken to him at all?

Chips Lovell

OK. I'd politely but firmly tell him that you think his behaviour is dangerous and ask him to stop.

However, he does sound like he's a bit special, so I'd prepare myself for it falling on deaf ears.

Lumen

I think we need an agreed definition of "half wheeling".

I understand it to mean riding beside but half a wheel in front of another rider.

idiottje

In this case he has his front wheel in line with my rear wheel, and he is close in, less than a foot.

lennymc

I hate that behaviour. I explained to a guy once that it can be dangerous, and his response was "you shouldnt be cycling in front of me".

@raam - yes.

not yet

Lick your lips and wink a him, failing that Train in secret for a while and drop him.

the.red.baron

Lumen wrote: »

I think we need an agreed definition of "half wheeling".

I understand it to mean riding beside but half a wheel in front of another rider.

I believe it means he is cycling on half a wheel only.

Zyzz

mikom

Edit: Aghhh beaten.

Don't Chute!

Maybe just leave 5minutes earlier, or take a different route?

lennymc

idiottje

I think he has an issue with being passed by what could be described, and I am being kind to myself here, as a generously proportioned cyclist. The Wille John McBride of the cycling world.

Spokes of Glory

Stop at lights.
Smile beatifically.
Ask "Have you heard the good news about our lord and saviour ?"
Enjoy rest of ride home in peace.

12 sprocket

idiottje wrote: »

I think he has an issue with being passed by what could be described, and I am being kind to myself here, as a generously proportioned cyclist. The Wille John McBride of the cycling world.

Did it ever cross your mind that he might be just winding you up? Best ignored or maybe as someone suggested get talking with him.

12 sprocket

idiottje wrote: »

I think he has an issue with being passed by what could be described, and I am being kind to myself here, as a generously proportioned cyclist. The Wille John McBride of the cycling world.

Did it ever cross your mind that he might be just winding you up? Best ignored or maybe as someone suggested get talking with him.

idiottje

12 sprocket wrote: »

Did it ever cross your mind that he might be just winding you up? Best ignored or maybe as someone suggested get talking with him.

If that is how he gets his kicks, not sure he is the kind of guy I want to get talking with.

buffalo

Wear white cycling shorts, doused in water.

idiottje

Thanks for the advice. Have to say, some of them have me in stitches laughing.

Lusk_Doyle

Ask him does he fancy going for a drink. When he responds with surprise, simply tell him that you mistook his wanting to be as close to you as possible for sexual arousal on his part. You will either:

a) Never see him again

or b) Soon discover just how sexy broke back mountain actually was to make.

CramCycle

1. At the next lights ask for dinner and a drink because other wise you will treat him riding up your ass without permission as inappropriate, and at he very least ungentlemanly.
2. Everytime he drafts you stop. Continue to do this until he gets the message. If he gives out, inform him that you feel unsafe with him drafting when you were clearly faster. When he stops latching on, you will stop stopping.

pelevin

Next time & from now on, cycle with a ghetto blaster on one shoulder with Chariots of Fire soundtrack blaring. Don't know if it'll solve the issue, but even if it doesn't it'll add to the experience.

slap/dash

I hate this sort of thing, especially on a commute through the city. Id have stopped and just waited until he leaves by now. Ive no compunction with telling a cyclist where to go in these cases.

slap/dash

Actually, next time hes behind you at lights and cars to your right, stay put and wait a complete cycle. Let him get bent about it

CramCycle

At the lights start talking to yourself and randomly making inappropriate body movements, gyrations, slapping yourself in the face, then doing your best version of the "faking it" scene in "When Harry met Sally" If he doesn't let you go or overtake at speed, its time to find another route home.

dave_o_brien

Don't overtake him. Sit on his wheel instead. Tell him you've a man up the road.

irishmotorist

I'm pretty unconfrontational but I hate when somebody just sits in my slipstream for a long time. Sometimes when I'm taking off from lights and I know that the person who has been there for a km or two will just sit there again, I will start off slowly and unclip my left foot as if I'm going to stop. When they pass, I just start going again. If I happen to land in their draft, I will stay for a a short while, but just do my own pace once I've had a bit of a breather - whether this means dropping back or passing again.

One time I did this, a guy abused me for speeding up earlier just to pass him and then not being able to keep a high pace and just doing it to make him look bad. He had spent the subsequent 2 km in my slipstream at this stage. I only figured out later what he was talking about - I knew a set of lights were due a change so I sped up for them and seemingly passed him around this point before resuming a more normal pace. He also gave me grief for wearing a souvenir jersey from a sportive - 'who do you think you are'?

As somebody mentioned earlier, some special people out there!

Paddigol

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Don't overtake him. Sit on his wheel instead. Tell him you've a man up the road.

And the winner is...

Raam

Recently I caught up with a lad heading from Clontarf out towards Howth. There were loads of cyclists coming the opposite way so I sat in behind him in order to wait for a gap so I could pass. He told me that he is going to be spitting a lot, so I said I am waiting to pass. He slowed right down. I still couldn't pass cos there was a load of people coming the other way. I tried to explain why I can't pass and I have no intention of staying behind him. He kept repeating that he is slow and spits a lot. Total odd ball.

Chips Lovell

There's also plenty of lads who are total weirdos about being passed by women. Once they see the ponytail, they start killing themselves to hold their wheel or, worse still, pass them again only to fade a few km later.

dave_o_brien

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

There's also plenty of lads who are total weirdos about being passed by women. Once they see the ponytail, they start killing themselves to hold their wheel or, worse still, pass them again only to fade a few km metres later.

Fixed that for you.

pelevin

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

There's also plenty of lads who are total weirdos about being passed by women. Once they see the ponytail, they start killing themselves to hold their wheel or, worse still, pass them again only to fade a few km later.

Women cycling bikes? That's all we need.

idiottje

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

There's also plenty of lads who are total weirdos about being passed by women. Once they see the ponytail, they start killing themselves to hold their wheel or, worse still, pass them again only to fade a few km later.

One of the women in the office here has an electric bike, with a speed limiter/target device on it. The thing goes to 35kph!! She says the number of men who try to keep up when she passes in funny. She likes to leave it on the 35kph, sitting on the bike like Mary Poppins, passing everyone out.

dave_o_brien

idiottje wrote: »

One of the women in the office here has an electric bike, with a speed limiter/target device on it. The think goes to 35kph!! She says the number of men who try to keep up when she passes in funny. She likes to leave it on the 35kph, sitting on the bike like Mary Poppins, passing everyone out.

Little off topic, but electric bikes sold in Europe can only power assist until 25km/h. Higher than that is her own doing. Get her a skin suit and a track bike, she sounds like a talent.

beazee

lennymc wrote: »

punch him

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5vOOOEtzJw

idiottje

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Little off topic, but electric bikes sold in Europe can only power assist until 25km/h. Higher than that is her own doing. Get her a skin suit and a track bike, she sounds like a talent.

Must ask her. I do remember being surprised at the speed she mentioned!!! I don't think it's modded. If it is, I would be worried about the mods people will make to their Google self drive cars.

Re: the video. Anyone else have the "Holy Fcuk!" reaction?????

Bloggsie

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Ask him does he fancy going for a drink. When he responds with surprise, simply tell him that you mistook his wanting to be as close to you as possible for sexual arousal on his part. You will either:

a) Never see him again

or b) Soon discover just how sexy broke back mountain actually was to make.

Maybe he's a lonely chap & just likes your aftershave/perfume, or he's a nucking futter & needs to be avoided like a dose of the ebola virus.
Chemical warfare could assist, have some cabbage brew up some real eye watering apple tarts & when gets on yere wheel let him have it also & big snort over your shoulder of nasal fluids will shift him quick smart. if they dont work, leave 10 mins earlier and take a different route!

Bloggsie

Raam wrote: »

Recently I caught up with a lad heading from Clontarf out towards Howth. There were loads of cyclists coming the opposite way so I sat in behind him in order to wait for a gap so I could pass. He told me that he is going to be spitting a lot, so I said I am waiting to pass. He slowed right down. I still couldn't pass cos there was a load of people coming the other way. I tried to explain why I can't pass and I have no intention of staying behind him. He kept repeating that he is slow and spits a lot. Total odd ball.

slow & spits a lot, sounds like the village idiot!

eeeee

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

There's also plenty of lads who are total weirdos about being passed by women. Once they see the ponytail, they start killing themselves to hold their wheel or, worse still, pass them again only to fade a few km later.

Oh god don't get me started on this. It happens to me EVERY time I go more than 5k on the bike. Drives me insane :mad::mad::mad::mad:. It's like it's a personal affront on their masculinity. I stop at red lights, and they heave on by me delighted with themselves, all red and sweaty and then I have to go by them again. Why????????? Argh! I have to go out by you again, or wait behind going really slowly because they're snaking all over the shop, bike see sawing all over the road, or slow right down cos they have gotten by you. And you never see them again once you drop them. It's not a race, I just don't get it. I just cannot, in any way shape or form understand why, oh why you would deliberately go by someone faster than you male or female, when you know you can't keep it up and you will only be in the way. Why? I just don't get it. There is no part of my brain that wants to do that. Ugh!

Seriously why does this even happen? Grrrrr!!!!


*and breathe* You could say it irritates me somewhat. I'm going for a sit down! :D

MB Lacey

gadetra wrote: »

I just don't get it. I just cannot, in any way shape or form understand why, oh why you would deliberately go by someone faster than you male or female, when you know you can't keep it up and you will only be in the way. Why? I just don't get it.

Because some people don't think, it's as simple as that sometimes.
No dawning on them.
Nothing matters to them.
They're cycling from A to B and that's kind of it.
Sometimes I envy their simplicity.

Bloggsie

if Im honest I dont really care who passes me male or female. If they can go faster, off they go. In my mind if i cant keep up or am not inclined to I couldnt give a monkeys, once they just say hello and not pass me like they are some kind of uber cyclist & Im just some tool in their way.