Tips on stopping that dangerous half wheeler.

idiottje · 20-05-2014 11:57AM #1

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 · 20-05-2014 11:59AM

Drop him.

3102derek · 20-05-2014 11:59AM

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

lennymc · 20-05-2014 12:00PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:02PM

This guy is a total stranger?

Is he drafting you or half wheeling you or both?

Raam · 20-05-2014 12:03PM

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

idiottje · 20-05-2014 12:05PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:05PM

Track stand.

Chips Lovell · 20-05-2014 12:07PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:08PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:09PM

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_ · 20-05-2014 12:11PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:12PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:16PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:18PM

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

lennymc · 20-05-2014 12:20PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:23PM

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

the.red.baron · 20-05-2014 12:23PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:24PM

1964-Aston-Martin-DB5-James-Bond-for-sale-wheel-spike-blades.jpg

mikom · 20-05-2014 12:25PM

Edit: Aghhh beaten.

Don't Chute! · 20-05-2014 12:25PM

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

lennymc · 20-05-2014 12:25PM

idiottje · 20-05-2014 12:26PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:35PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:37PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:38PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:41PM

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 · 20-05-2014 12:43PM

Wear white cycling shorts, doused in water.

idiottje · 20-05-2014 12:48PM

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

Lusk_Doyle · 20-05-2014 12:48PM

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 · 20-05-2014 01:20PM

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.
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.

Tips on stopping that dangerous half wheeler.

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