And stay on the right side of the road…

“Behave yourselves” Goes for all of us. Not just some of us.

RIDE RIGHT

I agree Sandaltan. Those on regular bikes should behave themselves as well.

Wow….let’s just stir up some do-do. It seems to me that this year this forum has been quieter than most. We haven’t heard much from Princess Amanda or kurbsitting from Mitchrider but let’s not try to stir up a non-issue. In 2019 the e-bike debate was the most active thread that I’ve seen in years and after all of the anticipation it turned out to be nothing really. Why try to start it up again?

I am sure the topic has come up because this is starting to be a common complaint about ebikes even in the regular press, not just in cycling and RAGBRAI forums.

The real issue here is that fast riders, no matter how they achieve their speed, need to be patient with slower riders and they need to take on themselves the responsibility to make sure their speed does not create a hazard.

And this is not just a duty of “those guys” because a great many of us are faster than some riders. We all need to overtake and pass other riders respectfully and carefully!

Ebikes were just starting to appear in 2019. Their numbers will increase with time.

Some pedal power riders can be a problem or as we use to say in racing circles, more strength then brains. But for the most part while acquiring strength and stamina pedal power riders are also acquiring experience and safe practices when riding at fast speeds. Since ebike riders just purchase speed, they don’t always develop the safe riding practices over time to ride faster in group situations. But they can if they make an effort to learn and research what the dos and don’ts are. No cutting in and out of lines, watch for slower riders pulling out to pass, maintain your line (on a curve or straight), etc… And don’t join groups of riders you are not familiar with. There is no open invitation to join any group you want. All of which really goes for all riders too.

This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by mootsman.

This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by mootsman.

Yep. Goes for everybody. I was riding by myself in 2019 south of Salem, and got caught by a paceline of guys wearing Kansas State Jerseys. The leader yelled at me for swerving. I don’t know what I did, but I do know I did not cross the center line. I did not know they were back there, and I was all by myself. There was no one else on the road at that particular time. If he had to say something he could have been kind, but in my opinion, it was all unnecessary. It’s for fun people!!

This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by Larry Klaaren.

The Princess has been busy – new puppy, painting at my son and daughter in law’s, first grandchild on the way, working from home, trying to get in miles on bike and a quick trip to Urgent Care to get 3 stitches in my little finger! Puppy and I are trying to learn stay down….
But yes, everyone needs to show each other respect. Ebikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, those car tire bikes and the occasional unicycle! And remember, we will be on the greatest bike ride for a whole week in 47 days!!! I can’t wait!!!