How to be a gentleman cyclist

What constitutes a gentleman...
Somebody once suggested to me that the difference between a woman & a lady could be determined by whether they rode side saddle or not...
A gentleman wouldn't make the judgement.

"5. Offer a helping shove to the arse on a climb
Keep the group together by giving someone a shove up a long climb."

The last time I did that (30yrs ago?) I got a mouthful of foul abuse.
I have never done it since, at least, not without specifically asking if they wanted a push.

Tragic.... [/bite]

Country Life recently ran an article on what constitutes a gentleman. One of their stipulations is that a gentleman never wears Lycra.

They're seeking nominations for their gentleman of the year award, so I've put forward Sir Bradley of Wiggins. My reasoning is that, Lycra notwithstanding, anyone dubbed 'le gentleman' by the French must be doing their bit to export the best of the British character to the world.

Take care if literally applying Rule 5 without either asking or considering the placing on of the hand. It can be taken the wrong way if no warning is given, or enquiry made. That said I was grateful to the pack from Coatbridge who let me draft them for a spell on the uphill stretch on the A89 the other day, after already impressing them with an earlier hill climb on the 1-speed Brompton, sadly a bit under geared to stretch out as they upped the pace on the flatter sections.

I became subtly aware of a gentle force just below my left shoulder, looking a bit out of place on a Brompton and wearing a jacket & trousers, amid the group tops and road bikes, as I began to slip back on one of the hills.

Thanks guys much appreciated.

4. Help out with repairs

here's one tip I could offer to riders that work in bike shops (specifically if like me you work as a mechanic)

If I see a rider with a mechanical, I'll always stop and assist. Nothing like having a professional mechanic help you out!

Afterwards, I'll give them a business card for our shop (I always carry 1 or 2 with my money) and invite them to come and see us if they need any help in the future

OldRidgeback wrote:

8. Smile and say, "Good day," when you encounter walkers on off road tracks

Off road tracks? What on earth are you doing off road?!

Big Softy wrote:

Give a friendly wave to motorists that actually wait for safe space to overtake you.

Second that, generally acknowledging the courtesy offered by other road users is a good thing. Another one of mine is a nod/wave to oncoming drivers who wait for you to pass through narrow gaps first.

That's a bit harsh.

I hate rules and cycle Nazis who seem to think they have the power to draw up and enforce such stupid jobs worth rules. Well I got some news for you! Go figure with your rules. You obviously haven't got enough going on in your lives.

For a laugh see the Velominati "the Rules" here:- http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

It's courtesy innit ? cultivate the environment you want and it follows. As said above, stopping to help people when you're in a car often surprises (but it shouldn't really).

I always call out & ask horse riders if it's ok to pass and their surprise sometimes worries me about the behaviour of others.

Another one I find if driving through the surrey hills is to make a point of slowing down, indicating and overtaking cyclists I invariably see those behind me in my rear view mirror following suit.

On the whole I find the great majority of cyclists courteous and interested in those who partake of the same hobby as themselves.

If someone doesn't obey the first of these rules, don't throw a hissy fit and start moaning on internet forae about 'ignorant roadies'.

Give a friendly wave to motorists that actually wait for safe space to overtake you.

8. Smile and say, "Good day," when you encounter walkers on off road tracks

It was nice yesterday to get heartfelt thanks from two ladies after I'd calmly asked if their horses were OK with me approaching slowly up the singlelane. Admittedly as this was up a 10% slope I didn't really need to dab the brakes much…

Someone who shall remain nameless, ( ok it was 'Clarkson'. So named as he's always in top gear..) guffed in my face on a club run recently. I could taste it.

I've surprised a few by stopping to help as I drove by, both in car and motorbike. Worth it for the look of pleased amazement alone.

most of this kind of etiquette stuff is nonsense but I think the principle of checking a rider you pass on the roadside is OK is a certainly one to live by still as even if it's something easy to fix it's a morale boost to know someone's looking out for you

There's only one set of rules.

Rule no 5 seems to have changed.....

Re rule 7, a steersman on a tandem should always give fair warning to the stoker of impending "event" so that their face can be averted,.

Are you daring to suggest other rules !?