Skaters, Haters Adorn Popular Bike Path
I was out for a ride the other day on the path that I usually take at some point during my rides: the Mountains to Sea Trail. There are usually a lot of people out on this path: other cyclists, joggers, roller bladers, skaters, and the occasional individual who doesn’t have anything better to do than stand around watching the aforementioned people pass by. Typically people treat each other with courtesy and respect: riders wave at other riders, when passing someone says “on your left,” and that sort of thing. In general, it’s a great place to ride, with excellent scenery and great people.
So naturally, as I approached the two skaters doing tricks or some such, I assumed I’d receive the treatment to which I’ve grown accustomed. I slowed down and cleared my throat loudly, since I wasn’t exactly sure which side I could pass on. As I got closer, the guy on the right went up an embankment on his board, and started coming back down. I had to stop so I wouldn’t hit him, and I waited patiently as he picked up his board and moved out of the way. As I rode past he said, “F*** you.”
At this point, I was utterly confused; while I know that skaters are stereotypically portrayed as less than savory characters, I failed to see what I had done to merit such a response. Perhaps I should document the incident in a craigslist “missed connection” advert (I must thank bikesnobnyc for showcasing such ads on his site). Hopefully, the skater could respond and enlighten me as to why he felt it necessary to shout such obscenities as “F*** you and your f***ing little shorts!” and “F***ing f******!”
How would I have been treated had I been riding a fixed gear bike instead of my road bike? You know, the kind of fixed gear with deep-v rims, straight and narrow handlebars, and no brakes? Would I have been greeted with a wave as a passed instead of an obscenity? Why is it that we cyclists get so much disrespect, even from those who some may consider our closest kin? I guess I won’t know until I go back out there with a fixie (although, I think I will ride with brakes). And if I see those skaters again, I may just have to ask them.
But for now, I can’t complain; I have a great path to ride, even if I have to deal with the occasional hater.