I was enjoying an above average conversation with a non-cycling buddy when he proposed a valid question: “Why are all road cyclists such pricks?”

Obviously this is a stereotypical assumption, but I have to admit this wasn’t the first time I said it… I mean, uh, heard it. Let us further examine the legitimacy of this statement as any acquaintance of mine is suspect and certifiably mentally retarded.

First off I’m not going to define the term “prick”. These are the same people that have irrational excuses for their 19th place finishing, yell at runners in the bike path, scoff at components lacking white high gloss paint and talk smack about the competency of their coach. If you’re still not familiar with the term please glance at some of my previous posts for clarity on the description. Furthermore, the question was not “if” Roadies are pricks, but rather “why” are Roadies pricks and to what extent – no pun intended.

It seems that there is a direct correlation of pompous behavior to racing category and I refer to it as the “Ass to Class” ratio. It’s a common misconception that as the rider upgrades through the associated categories the more arrogant the cyclist becomes. It’s been my experience that this theory is incorrect, or at the very least, backwards. The more skilled and successful the cyclist the less pretentious the attitude.

We’ve all been stuck next to the Cat 4 on a group ride. After he has screamed “hold your line” to the entire assembly he is delighted to educate you on the inefficiencies of your diet or the ideal cadence / heart rate quotient….or better yet, discuss his hypotheses on the unassuming subject riding in front of you. The veteran cyclist isn’t adverse to having a chat, but they aren’t riding in the group to flaunt their superiority or belittle the Jr. rider trying to pull through. They don’t care to hash over your power at threshold or how many overweight riders are on team X. The Cat 1 has other things on his mind like “I should have brought my f*$king iPod”.

Oh my……I would love to discuss these circumstances further, but my useless coach just forwarded an auction link for a white seat clamp that will surly make my bar tape pop!

Rusty Chain