Classic Four-finger Handlebar Wave
The SSC enjoys cycling and is generally happy to see others out doing the same. So that “Hi” or wave or nod is a kind of wink-wink among allies, a tacit acknowledgement that we are all, in one way or another, part of that unofficial Brotherhood (in the generic sense) of the Wheel. The SSC—this is crucial—refuses to partake in bike snobbery. The SSC says hi to all cyclists, not just the ones from the same bike clique. This means acknowledging everyone: the fixie-riding hipster, the reflector-vest commuter gal, the be-hoodied drug dealer on a trick bike, the lost-license Larry, the pipe-smoking recumbent dude, even the homeless guy humping a giant bag of empties on his handlebars. And kids, especially kids. They know and are willing to share, more than most, the joys of riding a bike. If you’re in the saddle, you’re worthy of a wave or nod.
And, yes, the SSC even says hi to the Über-Serious Roadie (USR). Or at least tries to. Alas, all too often the USR, existing in a small bubble of lycra-carbon/titanium, fails to acknowledge the presence of other cyclists—he/she (let’s be honest: it’s almost always a he) stares straight ahead, zombified almost, refusing to notice the existence of other riders. He’s in “the zone,” apparently, too focused and intense to stoop to the conventions of cycling civility. The USR, perhaps, sees himself as above the two-wheeled masses—of another, more select breed altogether. For him, cycling is more about suffering than pleasure. Social interaction with non-USR’s, sadly, isn’t part of the experience.
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But the SSC still tries to make that eye contact with the USR. The finger wave is always cocked and ready fly. Cyclists one and all, swell fellows of the wheel, the SSC salutes you!
The USR seems like a more generous term for what I've generally seen called the ARP (Arrogant Roadie Prick). One could probably spend some time fleshing out the differences between these two creatures.
ReplyDeleteBut the nice thing about riding in Alberta is that there are so few riders out and about that this never really seems to be a problem. When you run into another cyclist out on a Range Road everyone is so surprised to see someone else on two wheels that a greeting is almost involuntary.
Where I ride, New York's Long Island, it's either ride the trails and have fun (mountain bikers always seem to say a warm hello to each other, even the serious ones) or take your life into your hands and brave the non-bike-laned, SUV-rattled roads that always seem overpopulated by drivers who talk on their cell phones 100% of the time.
ReplyDeleteOn our roads, almost all bikers acknowledge one another with a nod or a hello that always seems a bit tense and nervous, as if to imply "Can you believe we're risking our lives for a freaking bike ride?!"
These greetings, to me, are always tinged with a sense of doom, as that cyclist across the road may be the last person I ever speak to, before I get plastered to the pavement by an oblivious asshole around the next tight, blind corner. So I always make it a point to say hello or wave, as I wouldn't want my last human interaction to be one in which I ignored another being who was greeting me in solidarity.
Good job on the ZOMBIES!I Want Brains
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