Another, and by far the most disconcerting, characteristic of the totally clueless biker, is the apparent inability to remove a lone hand from the bars and place it in a vertically upright position. This gesture is often accompanied by a simple "hey" or "hi there" or words to that effect; however, this breed of biker: "ciclis primadonna" has had these and most of the other courteous genes removed through selective breeding. In this manner, it is supposed that the lack of simple niceties makes for a faster biker. In my observation, nothing could be further from the truth. I am convinced that these people don't quite understand what being a bike racer is all about. 

The bike racing community is a close knit family that spans the entire United States. I have seen it with my own eyes. A person who races bikes can enter a community completely foreign to them and within days they can have instant friends. Only one action is necessary. They just have to find out when and where the local weekend ride is. That's the cool thing about being a bike racer. There is such a sense of camaraderie between fellow cyclists it's incredible. It's sort of an "us" against society mentality. 

Everyone has a story about "the redneck who just last week damn near ran me off the road". Or, the race where "I suffered so bad I thought I was gonna die". Fellow cyclists can relate, because they've been there and done that. There is an immediate bond with other bike racers. That is why it pains me when I see "I'm Joe Cool biker" parading down the road with their scowl. It never fails; they simply won't wave and say hi. The sport is so misunderstood as it is. The least we bikers can do is support one another. 

I've been fortunate enough to see a large part of this country from the saddle of a bike. I've been exposed to many types of cyclists. I've done the big races and have been shelled from the majority of them. I've ridden countless miles when the temperature was below freezing and when the rain gauge was full. I have learned through experience what being a bike racer is about. I have learned what sacrifice is and I have learned to suffer. I share those experiences with thousands of other dedicated cyclists. How hard can it be to acknowledge each other as we pass by doing what we love. I guess I could see it being difficult if perhaps, say, one of us doesn't truly love the sport. 

I think I finally understand what territorial surfers feel when they see some dude decked out with all the cool gear surfing their waves. They think "poser", and, "they're just surfing to look cool and pick up babes". I certainly hope no one starts cycling to pick up women, for they must have been seriously misled by someone. Both surfing and cycling are spiritual. Surfing is one-ness with the power of nature. Cycling is one-ness with the natural limits of your body and soul. To find your limits and press them further is the ultimate.