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Road riding for me is filled with thoughtful head space moments, and has the benefit of a general fitness boost. But my issue is that when ever I have the choice I'd rather pick up the MTB and go out for a gentle ride to get into that same head space - I'm lucky enough to have a lovely road bike that fits me well, but it just doesn't get the use that my two mtbs get.
Daffy. Passive v active safety.
Ppe is the last resort for risks you cannot mitigate in other ways. Riding in a bunch someone else's mistake can cause you to crash. I want my 1.5 m lateral spacing and 2 second gap in direction of travel
Mtb'ing I love whilst doing, road-biking (in this country) I enjoy after I have finished. I love riding in France, Italy and last week in Switzerland and to do this I need to be fit. Road biking keeps me fit and lighter. I hate running.
Last year I really thought about this... I am not the best at this sport, and thought why do I do it? I have lost a lot of my riding mates (mostly ex rowers) to kids etc. I ride a lot on my own now in the Surrey Hills. I think I was going through a bad patch after a lot of riding on my own, and trying to do bigger and bigger Audax rides, a 400km and a failed 600km on the hottest weekend of the year made me start thinking this way. For some reason in events I still ride a lot on my own. I did my fastest 200 this Spring, I reckon on 180k on my own - I sort of sit in a void in the middle, picking up the odd slower rider, and spitting them out the back but not really catching many...
I then sat back and looked at what I had done, where have I been and the people I have met, and realised I love the sport/s. I love the bikes (I would love a old motorbikes or classic car but dont have the space or money), I love the mechanics, the tech etc, and the clothes :-). I have ridden all over the world Marin County just because, France lots Marmots and Etapes, and just riding up massive hills like CdF, AdH, Glandon, Lacets de Montvernier, Galibier, etc and Ventoux lots; Italy Stelvio and Gavia etc
I stopped mtb'ing from 2013 until 2019 due to no bike and kids - road biking is far less faff for me. We then bought bikes for all of us (instead of new wardrobes), my wife rides and is very good off-road, and my two 11 year old boys are strong on bikes. This year we have been to BPW and and just got back from two weeks in Lenzerhiede and was the bast family holiday ever!
Road bikes can be dull, but its less dull than going to the gym. I do like riding in the rain and night, so maybe I am just weird...
Bikes are my life 🙂
Nope mogrips. All drop handlebar road bikes flatten your lumbar curve and hyoerflex your neck. Its inevitable with a road bike unless you bring the bars up and back hugely. Its inherent in the position
I'm not sure that's a result of it being drop bars or a road bike though is it?
Heck the bars on my mtbs are definitely lower and further forward compared with the saddle than riding the hoods on my road bike, they're probably about the same as in the drops.
I love road riding…I also love mtb, both offer different things…for a great workout , solo rides and turning your brain off riding then road is best
For chatty, technical and crazy fun then mtb is best….but yeah the bike makes a big difference so maybe that’s where your going wrong
I love rainy warm'ish mtb rides in the Surrey Hills. Me and son #2 spent a day in Brachfa last October, bloody lovely moist ride and Mucky-D's on the way back to the holiday home. Mtb is best for smiles, most of my big road rides I could cry...
I love my bikes, but my £2.5k Orange Clockwork I love the look of and look at more in the garage than my new'ish Colnago. Bike fits are key for roadbikes and lots of stretching 🙂
I've tried it a few times. Actually enjoyed it to the point of thinking 'I get this!' once, and that lasted all of a minute or so before being ruined by a vocal c*nt in a pick-up.
I don't even get type2 enjoyment from it. I suspect I'm doing it wrong.
It's a different kind of joy on a road ride - I can go further, or faster, if the mood takes me,I find it easier to judge if I'm feeling tired or stronger than usual. Those moments when you are in the zone" and cruising at 18-20mph, or at the back of a neat group of 8 riders in synch riding 2x4 on a decent bit of road when it all comes together and oiks and feels "right" are great.
Going off road is a more immediate joy, properly in the middle of nature on a track.
My lack of any sort of technical ability means I get frustrated quicker off road.
I’m not sure that’s a result of it being drop bars or a road bike though is it?
Heck the bars on my mtbs are definitely lower and further forward compared with the saddle than riding the hoods on my road bike, they’re probably about the same as in the drops.
Its certainly possible to set up mtbs to wreck your back as well. It is however inherent in a road bike. My mtb riding position leaves my back in a natural curve
Those moments when you are in the zone” and cruising at 18-20mph, or at the back of a neat group of 8 riders in synch riding 2×4 on a decent bit of road when it all comes together and oiks and feels “right” are great.
This.
I still remember the races where I got into a break and was able to do cohesive through-and-off in a small group in a near-sterile road environment; the speed and flow is just sublime. Done it a few times in closed-road Sportives too like Etape du Tour and RideLondon. Coming into London along Embankment, mid-pack doing 30+ mph and all you can hear around you is the whirr and rumble and swoosh of carbon wheels. 💥
Going off road is a more immediate joy, properly in the middle of nature on a track.
Thinking about this, the thing that brings me joy about getting out on my mtb is just the getting out. It's the views, the freedom the exercise, all of those I get on the road.
Sure there's the adrenaline and excitement on a MTB that's difficult to match on road but a ride plodding round the same soulless conifer plantation is joyless, regardless of how exciting the riding might be.
Go on then, explain the advantages of baggies 😁
Just about anyone can wear baggies without looking like a Tuesday Wednesday And Thursday.
I don't get road riding either, even though I've got a gravel bike which gets more use than the MTB. Roads are a means to an end for me, to get to some offroad quicker.
Group riding on roads?
I'd rather eat worms.
The world would be a very boring place if we all liked exactly the same things...
It is however inherent in a road bike.
Obviously not, as I ride road and I don't have a wrecked back. My road bike position on the hoods is not that different to my Salsa.
Funnily enough, I'm just going through a bit of a re-focus on enjoying just riding, instead of smashing it about everywhere, and that's led me back to my MTB - I'm in the process of clearing out my road kit and just focussing on off-road for a while.
Why?
Boredom for one thing, needing some new challenges, but most of all sick of so many near misses on the road and motorists that seem to have it in their heads that cyclists are "objects" rather than human beings -
I would have said the same, but did a lot of gravelish riding to keep me sane during covid and have kept it up. I avoid road as much as possible, but I do like just going off for a wander on the gravel bike. It's a different thing.
Must be exciting as I've hurt myself far more on my road bikes than MTB's. I'm back road riding after 5 years just MTB afer a driver brke my spine. I tend to use back roads now and avoid busy times. It's the speed and flying down tight lanes that are fun, but sometimes stuff doesn't go right, and I'm nursing a load of road rash and a nasty deep cut to my forearm at the moment that's oozing loads. I'll get back on the bike tomorrow if not too sore.
I'm riding two vintage, but top end bikes from early 90's, both are fabulous to ride. I'm a roadie at heart though, as are my mates, but we love both.
Road is less 'messy' and you can cover distances from home, so no driving needed. Less cleaning, less wear and tear. And, road doesn't half get you fit - cardio vascular wise, although MTB is an all over body workout. I get much fitter by getting road miles in.
I had a funny conversation yesterday. Solo morning 70k of hills in the Surrey Hills. I caught up with some big guys on gravel bikes. They were talking about rowing, I used to row so I joined in. I then asked were they heading off-road, the guy said 'no, these two (pointing to the other dudes) hate it and are scared to go off-road'. Gravel bikes on the road seems a lot like wasting NRG to me...
More roadies on my ride ignored my 'morning' mtb'ers never do. I had a brilliant chat with a German on top of a Swiss mountain last week. Roadies around here can be quite miserable..
PS I'm still able to ride both road bikes which were set up for me in my 20's - arse up, head down with long reach. Might be helped with half of my L1 missing, so my back bends a bit more ! One on my roadie mates, my age, commented it was an 'agressive' position - I did say, part of my spine is missing to help.
Wait 20 years moley. Standard uk road bike position is awful for your back
I love both MTB and road!
In fairness I live in the Lakes so it could be argued most of the roads around here are more akin to mountain biking... 🤣
So much bollocks spouted on this thread. It's like someone turned the clock back 25 years.
Wait 20 years moley. Standard uk road bike position is awful for your back
That's why you never see any old road cyclists.
Of course there is joy in road cycling. That's why so many folk do it and why so many folk carry on doing it.
Wait 20 years moley. Standard uk road bike position is awful for your back
I've been road (and track) riding and racing since I was 17, mid 40's now.
Every time I've had a massage it's always been commented on how good my core strength and flexibility are.
Being a "roadie" - not for me in the head down and hammer it sense. I used to do the odd 10mile TT because it was interesting to push myself for <30 minutes until I thought I would explode.
I like a sensibly paced social ride on the road occasionally but what I like even more on the road is a ride that's got more in common with a cycle touring club run / audax / roughtsuff event. Secluded country lanes, nice views, good tea stops, maybe a bit of bridleway chucked in, fish and chips, an ice cream by the sea or a pint somewhere. The riding is "no thrill seeking" but the quietly passing through the countryside and exploring element just appeals. I was, of course, raised in a cycle touring household so ymmv applies 🙂.
Is there any actual fun to be had in road riding?
100% yes. Rarely the same kind of fun in the way a good rollercoaster twisty singletrack downhill makes me grin but it can be equally enjoyable. A good winding lane with open sight lines and nice scenery is as good as cycling gets. MTB can be just as good, just different.
What am I missing?
A decent bike and nice roads perhaps, but maybe it's just not for you?
Something I like about road bikes is you can have a really beautiful old Italian road bike that stays in great condition for so long - they just don't get hammered and abused in the same way as MTBs. Road bikes can be 'nicer' things somehow. MTBs are functional tools, rarely beautiful like a road bike can be. imo oc etc.
Slow road cycling is very relaxing on quiet roads especially with a pal or two.
Fast (this is obviously a subjective thing) can be very exhilarating especially when going down hill. Or even better, down a mountain.
That’s why you never see any old road cyclists.
😉
The median age of roadies I ride with is over 50. At 51, I can often be one of, if not the, youngest in a group! They're still bloody fast though and no back problems....
All bikes are good.
I like variety.
We're all different.
So yes, there is joy in biking.
Wait 20 years moley. Standard uk road bike position is awful for your back
I've already been doing it for 20 years how much longer do I wait?
I'm well aware of how my back works, and how to set up a road bike. You apparently aren't, so forgive me for not listening to you 😉
You cannot set up a road bike to avoid the stress on your back.( unless you bring the bars up a foot and back a long way) With your shoulders so far ahead of your hips you must flatten the lumbar curve and hyperflex your neck. Yes you have adapted but its an awful position and bad for your back. Obviously you are not aware of how yor back works🙄🤣
Every time I’ve had a massage it’s always been commented on how good my core strength and flexibility are.
Not the same thing. Thats the adaptation to the poor posture
TJ - more chips, less beer.
🤣
Obviously you are not aware of how yor back works
I know the bit about preserving the curve of my lower back which is what I think you are referring to. That's why I set up my bikes to do just that. It involves tilting the saddle forwards.
Cycling is really bad for shortening hip flexors and causing anterior pelvic tilt, which can be an issue with your back - but MTBing does that too.
stopping for cake etc was a sign of weakness
It's not a "proper" ride unless cake and a hot drink are involved.
I love road cycling on quiet roads, especially in the summer.
Most definitely this, though I'm happy with my own company for 4 hours on a road bike spinning away and managing the traffic around me.
A lot depends on where you are. Down here a lot of the road riding is hemmed in by busy roads or steep mountains. In parts of the SE though like Hampshire, the road riding is glorious. Hundreds of miles of rolling B and C roads with hardly any traffic.
I was a roadie for many years but 3 years ago I resurrected my old Scott rigid MTB that had been moldering in the garage for many years to have a play and I just loved it and now it's pretty much all I ride.
However, I'm lucky enough to be able to spend quite a bit of time in France and still love road cycling over there - hardly any traffic, beautiful scenery, generally fairly courteous drivers...... I still get the chance to ride with some friends over there as well.
But, last we were there I took my mtb for the first time as well, and my riding was about 60/40 i... mtb/road
Back in the UK the bits of road I have to ride to get to the trails don't encourage me to ride on the road.
who cares?
I do both, the sheer rolling resistance of the tyres means you can go so far on little effort.
I love road biking when you get some good roads, lightweight, the power you put in is multiplied too. All the haters, go have a look at all downhill and enduro racers and tell me how they spend time doing training? Road biking…
They’re not twitchy and easily controllable the longer you ride one….I hate riding on busy roads as it is dangerous but in a group on quieter roads it can be great. Halfway around always a cafe stop and main thing….it’ll improve your bike fitness no end!
I also do road TT’s but on my roadie and not a TT bike, great for fitness!
Different people like different things for different reasons. Now there's a shocker.
Personally I dislike golf, so I don't play it. Simple. But I don't feel the need to condemn all golfers and lecture them about how what they're doing is wrong.
Must be a slow night.
Go on then, explain the advantages of baggies
I could by posting a photo of me in lycra vs baggies but I fear the mods would not only permanently ban me but delete the entire website just to be on the safe side.
For OP, I do prefer mountain biking but road riding does have its own appeal either for a fast knackering workout or a casual pootle when the sun is shining but its been raining enough that the trails are sandy slop. Would probably win out more often if moron drivers were banned.
I'm sure you can, and many do, get joy from road cycling.
But personally, if the trails are dry ish then I will *always* choose MTB or gravel. I love them both for different reasons but Mtb Edges it.
If the trails are a bit too on the damp side for mtb to be fun then gravel.
If the trails are really horrible, then running or walking, as going out on wet roads will be just as bike ruining and also when it's really wet it's usually just generally dark and horrible on the roads.
I suppose I like the feeling of getting to a destination a long way away, surprisingly quickly, on a road bike. I've done a few rides like that in the past and enjoyed them but I can count them on the fingers on one hand.
But gravel can be nearly as fast...but with more fun and less cars.
I can't get into road cycling. I just seem to get bored at some point.
The bit I would really enjoy was tearing down a mountain pass, but I felt things would come unstuck at some point and is rather take a tumble mountain biking than pulling 45+ mph.
I know this is a mountain bike forum, but seriously some people…..
As a roadie who mountain bikes, tons of pleasure to be had on the road.
I enjoy both group and solo. Hard efforts or taking it easy.
Fortunately both my dad and myself have avoided back issues with road cycling, he’s only been doing it for about 65 years so maybe in the future he’ll get issues.
My brothers mountain bike injuries…..take me to long to list them all!
Always got to love the roadies can’t descend rubbish as well. As an ex racer the amount of time and effort we put into our training was absurd. And believe it or not, we would practice hill climbing….at the top of a hill is a descent….and we’d practice descending. Reasonably quickly as well, but probably not as fast as some of the riding gods on here.
You’d also probably be quite surprised about the overlap of people who race on road and who race XC mountain bike and CX in the winter.
Most roadies are generally quite friendly. We’re normally happy to chat with other riders we see out on the road. Most of our longer training rides are just social get togethers, riding at a steady pace. But we do Chaingangs, these can be miserable experiences, so I could like and behave like a miserable sod if I’m getting my legs ripped of me. I may also not be very chatty when all I can hear is my heart pounding out of my chest and I can taste the metallic booody taste in my mouth.
Mountain biking from my door isn’t really an option. But road riding from here is pretty decent. I’d ride mountain bike more if I didn’t have to drive to the trails.
Weirdly I’ve had more bad words with riders when mountain biking, silly things, someone coming the wrong way up the trail told me to stick to my side when the trail clearly shows the way it’s supposed to be rode and last one was riding up the climb at Llandegla, with my daughter, cock on an ebike trying to get past her…..because Strava.
Anyway, I enjoy both. Lots. But road wins it for me, probably because I’m a bit of a wuss on the mountain bike.
The irony is mountain bikes were very much road bike derived until not very long ago so anyone who can't get along with twitchy steering, rim brakes and narrow tyres probably hasn't been mtbing very long!
I find joy in all cycling, the fun is in the variety. Road cycling is massively varied just like mountain biking is. Local to me, road cycling is more interesting than mtbing. If I think UK wide then I probably enjoy mtbing in Scotland to any UK road riding. But if I think of my best ever bike rides then they've mostly been big mountain rides on a road bike (Alps, Pyrenees, Mallorca). The views, the fresh air, the hard work of the climb followed by the exhilaration of the descent, it's great.
And to people moaning about lycra, go check how tight the DH outfits were in Les Gets last week.
And I've been riding for 30+ years with no back issues, it's nice to think mountain bikes have a more upright riding position but once you're a certain height then your bars are lower than your saddle regardless. I would suggest road bikes have fitted me for much longer than mtb's ever have (I'm 6'5" and mtb's have only recently been made big enough).
I avoid road riding as much as possible because it just doesn't engage my mind in the same way that riding off-road does. In June I had a go on a drop bar (cx) bike for the first time in 30 years. The weather was good and I had the Lincolnshire Wolds to myself and the benefit of nostalgia. I certainly found the narrow bars challenging!
It was ok. But when I got home I immediately didn't buy a dropbar bike.
The annoying thing is that all of my riding buddies have got into gravel bikes, road bikes, indoor stuff because they're all on a mission to be the best rider they can. They all have much more time to ride than me and are getting faster and faster.
I'm competitive with myself too, but the priority for me is:
1 - being in nature
2 - intense focus
3 - not spending excessive money on marginal gains.
So more and more i'll be riding off-road and alone.
Let's not forget it's easy to have a shit MTB ride as well as road. Arguably easier, depending on where you are. It's not all gnar and flow.
I enjoy road cycling, I enjoy gravel cycling, I enjoy singletrack, I even enjoy riding a BMX.
I enjoy them for different reasons and for road it is enjoyable because of the higher constant speed you can maintain, the quick handling of the bike, climbing at speed and so on. What I don't enjoy is the amount of dickhead drivers so I no longer have a road bike and only have bikes which are okay on road, okay on gravel and okay on single track meaning I can do it all in one ride and enjoy all aspects of it.
Also my road bike may indeed be shite 🤔. It’s a Merlin own-brand. The bars are narrow, the alu frame and narrow tyres very harsh (with no room for wider rubber). I didn’t want to splash out too much cash on a road bike, but it sounds like I need to try a different bike! The background to this is that, at 65 (😯) I can’t see myself MTBing forever, but will cease to function without a two-wheeled escape route.
I CBA to read all the thread, but just get a decent gravel bike (disc) and a spare pair of wheels (+40mm gravel tyres on one set and widish slicks on the other) - that should sort the bike out, i.e. make it comfortable & safe.
But yes, most solo roadies I see look miserable - which I don't understand as if I'm out on my own (road, gravel or MTB) I'm not - or is that because I'm an MTBer at heart?
Damn!...I am now worried about my back and if I look too miserable when I am on a road bike.
Damn!…I am now worried about my back and if I look too miserable when I am on a road bike.
Yep, no matter how long the ride or how hard you're pushing, always make sure and slow down to give hugs and waves to any MTBers you pass 😂
You could take the opportunity to ask them for some descending tips as well 😉
If individuals need coaxing to find the ‘Joy’ in something perhaps it’s more an issue with them than the specific activity?
Think this issue in this case is those things that are taking the joy away are easily fixed though.
Wait 20 years moley. Standard uk road bike position is awful for your back
WTF is a "standard UK road position", is it different from the standard italian road bike position. (which is probably slightly bigger and not a reverse thread) and how about the standard german position?
I'm 37 years into road biking and the only back issue i have was caused by a mountain biker, failing to negotiate a corner, if anything a bit more road biking alleviates the issues.
Friday will mark 20 years of commuting on a road bike (yes, I have worked for the same company for 20 years) so I can't wait to wake up and my back be destroyed. I'll enjoy these last two days of movement to the max.
The Standard UK riding position was at risk due to sweeping EU legislation, that's the real reason Brexit had to happen. It's well known that Nigel Farage and the ERG (Ergonomic Riding Group) are all dyed in the wool Audaxers.
I’m quite enjoying it. Any mountain biking around here involves plenty of road pedalling anyway, options for big off road routes are very limited.
On the other hand I have miles and miles of back lanes in easy reach with minimal traffic, it’s nice just being out in the countryside. I ride a bike I'm happy to take down bridleways but my MTB hasn't had much use this summer.
You’d also probably be quite surprised about the overlap of people who race on road and who race XC mountain bike and CX in the winter.
Yes I used to get stuck behind them when I did a several Gorrick XC races a few years ago before I had kids. On the plus side it was probably due to their lack of riding skills I finished mid pack 😄
Local doorstep MTB for me is making the most of rutted farm tracks, a quick loop on skateparks, and urban obstacles.
Most people ride road around here but it's not for me. Have had fun on an old road bike, enjoy the speed, or an easy commute on it.
Yes I used to get stuck behind them when I did a several Gorrick XC races a few years ago before I had kids. On the plus side it was probably due to their lack of riding skills I finished mid pack
A crucial tactic for me was to sprint up to the entrance to singletrack sections, as I really didn't want to be stuck behind anyone unable to pass!
Lolz at scotroutes...ERG 😀 😃
Just about anyone can wear baggies without looking like a Tuesday Wednesday And Thursday.
I find it hard to agree with that - the typical UK mountain biker in his knee length baggies (which aren't very baggy, must be said), pale white legs, geeky shoes, fox racing top and a helmet... not exactly a style god.
Anyway I love road cycling: cruising along, chatting with your mates, making it to the top of a tough climb, the joy of nailing a fast technical descent...
I find it harder to chat to your mates when road biking than MTBing, though.
If you are basing joy on whether someone look like they are enjoying riding on the road that is where you are going wrong. I really enjoy cycling to the point I ride all years round in all weathers but woudl you know I am enjoying it by looking at my face - No.
I find it harder to chat to your mates when road biking than MTBing, though.
Is that because you're always stood around waiting for someone to go first?
Or always on double tracks so you can have a chat.
Sounds dull 😉
Impossible to have a conversation round here as 80% of it is single track.
On the road, it's double file (and no traffic worth speaking of) so conversation is easy.
Until i start wheezing...
The Standard UK riding position was at risk due to sweeping EU legislation, that’s the real reason Brexit had to happen. It’s well known that Nigel Farage and the ERG (Ergonomic Riding Group) are all dyed in the wool Audaxers.
😀 😀
Yeah, I like all sorts of cycling. Just did a 100miles ride on the road at the weekend, able to chat with folk on the way round, draft behind them, go fast downhill. Different from MTB, which I did at the weekend too, chatting while stopped then blasting for a while, chatted a bit more.
Different fun 🙂
IME not that anyone is interested.
I ride a Stumpjumper HT with 1.5" slicks for training on and pootleing about on the road. Same issues with back pain, uncomfortable ride, etc with road bike set up and thats after a bike fit and other measures to improve the ride. MTB is so much more comfy.
The roadies I see and that is most days tend to be uncommunicative, self absorbed, arrogant so and so's.
It really doesn't take much to say hello. You can keep your carbon aero fancy pants, look at me, all the gear no idea bollox and shove it!!!
Is that because you’re always stood around waiting for someone to go first?
Or always on double tracks so you can have a chat.
Wind noise, and having to go single file on narrow bits, passing cars etc.
IME the interesting road rides need to have a challenge of some sort, or be done in a super casual toruing mindset. 200km over night, point A to point B a long way away, a large set of climbs can be interesting due ot the challenge. Local loops are dull for me if done with a rodie mentality, however if taken with a more touring mind set, a poodle, stopping for a snooze and some cake, not dressed up in horrible lycra but casual dressed.
I find it harder to chat to your mates when road biking than MTBing, though.
I guess it depends on the pace. On our Wednesday ride I normally spend the whole 5 hours chatting to whoever is next to me. Didn't go this morning as still a bit wiped out after a > 200 km excursion to the seaside on Monday...
Has anyone overtaken a roadie on their mountain bike yet?
Is road biking as fun as mountain biking, probably not. But if you only partake in a pastime for fun you might as well be wearing fluffy pants. Satisfaction, nostalgia, being part of something with a rich history, fitness etc all probably rank higher. If you are more competent at mountain biking or vice versa then your results may very.
The roadies I see and that is most days tend to be uncommunicative, self absorbed, arrogant so
and so’s.
You would think that if your saw me,but that is more an issue with you being judgemental than whether I am enjoying myself (which I will be).
Just realise that not everyone will be smiling and wanting to say hello to you.
The roadies I see and that is most days tend to be uncommunicative, self absorbed, arrogant so and so’s.
That's interesting, because that's how mtbers tend to be, in my experience. Maybe it's a tribal thing, or maybe they're all out of breath from hauling their beer guts up a modest incline, and need to save their energy for the one mile ride back to the car park.
@kerley kind of reinforces the point. What a miserable lot.
And yes it could be perceived as judgemental but this tends to be the rule rather than exception when out and about, not many roadies enjoying themselves, otherwise they they would be smiling and enjoying themselves?
I can't equate not smiling to enjoying myself!
I've long seen riding a road bike in the UK as training towards being able to actually enjoy the riding when escaping to another country. Riding on properly made and maintained roads with a low volume of considerate drivers, in inspiring scenery is something easy to find in France/ Spain/ Italy etc...the Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees, places where there's a culture of respect towards cyclists. Riding in places like Mallorca seem like a kind of heavenly cyclists theme-park in contrast to standard issue UK. Some of the most pleasurable rides I've ever done have been winding up deserted wide smooth tarmac climbs with the sun on the back in the Pyrenees, where it seemed you could ride for hours without encountering a car..and it felt so safe because it was so quiet and peaceful you could hear that car coming a mile off. There are only a few remote spots in the UK that can get close to an imitation of that, always with a far crappier road surface, and an irate oversized car driver potentially around every corner. I love road riding but in my local neck of the woods I spend more of my riding getting off the road as much as possible, mostly to get away from the drivers whose standards and aggressive attitudes have become noticeably worse in recent years.
I'm with ransos on this one. I seem to get blanked by mtbers far more than roadies.
Even way out in the sticks and I haven't seen anybody for hours and an MTB appears but it's rider completely ignores my friendly greeting.
I put this down to me being too old and too uncool.
and having to go single file on narrow bits
You mean like, errrr, most mtb rides?
(And wind noise? I can hear and be heard perfectly clearly up to about 28-30kph without even having to raise my voice. Just a little turn of my head and i'm set. Maybe you have a noisy helmet, or need your ears looking at.)
And yes it could be perceived as judgemental but this tends to be the rule rather than exception when out and about, not many roadies enjoying themselves, otherwise they they would be smiling and enjoying themselves?
Think you've got rule and exception mixed up there.
I can’t equate not smiling to enjoying myself!
I find people who just smile to themselves with no one else around are deeply disturbing.
I find people who just smile to themselves with no one else around are deeply disturbing.
Hiya! But why? Do you never have smiley thoughts? How miserable!
@kerley kind of reinforces the point. What a miserable lot.
And yes it could be perceived as judgemental but this tends to be the rule rather than exception when out and about, not many roadies enjoying themselves, otherwise they they would be smiling and enjoying themselves?
You are still completely missing the point. It is not for you to decide whether I am enjoying myself or not based on what you think 'looks' like enjoyment. You may very well ride along with a permanent smile on your face for the duration of the ride but I don't and maybe all those roadies don't either.
Try and understand that not everyone is the same as you.
Purely for contrast and compare... Is there any joy in football?
The only time that I get any joy from a road ride is when the weather is warm, dry and not windy, but at the end of the ride I'd always feel that I'd rather have been riding my mountain bike. I choose not to ride the road bike now.
If I don't feel like going out on my MTB because of the weather, I tend to just sit on the turbo trainer and watch a film, going out on the road in bad weather is just a grim experience.
Is there any joy in football?
Watching?
Very little from what I can see. the only happiness seems to come from the team you follow (not support, as that implies you are contributing to them somehow) wins or scores one of the few goals in a game. A few moments elation per week for a lot of time and effort exerted.
Playing - even as someone who hates professional football (see above) I occasionally fill in for a work fiveaside evening. as you can guess I'm athletic but not very skillful. Its still good fun in an endorphin and camaraderie kind of way.