Why do they do that?

Originally Posted by Peter Henry

I was left with no option but on the next straight leading to a bend to draw right alongside him before the braking zone and dictate who was going in to that corner first.

You don't seem like the total nutter type, it's just that the above quote maybe sounded a bit fruitier than you intended!

This happens a lot in the US over the summer.
The boyos see me on the little SV, and start getting all excited on their Gixxers / Dukes. These are the dudes that take the bike out 5 times a year, and cant really drive.

If they are behind me they are all over the place, left and right, revving, but not going anywhere. If they are in front, they think I am trying to take them, and start going mental too. And then at lights rev the crap out of their engines.

They actually scare me, I will back right off, or leave them behind. I dont want them anywhere near me. I see them crashed on the sides of the road depressingly often, no leathers usually.
Sigh. That's why the cops hate us too.

[Balky001]

I thought that was a vey mature approach Mr Henry.

I've certainly been guilty (when I first started riding) of wanting to keep in front and if a bike came up from behind I wouldn't block but would try and keep my place by using good speed and bike control, nice lines in and braking points - of course I was a rubbish rider then (and now?) and having someone behind me made mistakes more likely to happen - I now let anyone pass who wants to (or can ).

I think you held back as long as I would before outbraking them at the apex of the corner and blocking them off so they had to stand the bike up and got a slow exit letting you use the Ducati torque to pull a lead ahem, sorry, I mean before you pulled alongside them way before they braking point

Its all fun when you at a similar level. but when you get with someone whose riding is obviously out of their league it is scary.

I ALWAYS TRY to ride my own ride, occasionally I can get drawn in but I know my limits, and pretty much stay within them! But my bf is a cracking rider, smooth, safe, and controlled...all that said he can turn up the heat if he chooses.. when I watch an occasional challenger, he always remains composed... (it is a joy to watch) however sometimes the other rider can be untidy and scary! They may be riding at the same pace, but most definitely not with the same control. Boyfriend will see this and back off, and I will always stay well away....an out of control rider can soon take you off when he comes off!

Imho speed and power is why we like our bikes, but some people just can't respect it, such as shame.

If I follow what i consider to be a good rider, I also like to try and tow.. its good practice. Some people just don't seem to realize that we are constantly learning, its about good lines and braking, not speeding past or not letting people past.

Good for you PH for seeing this and trying to be patient. I often feel very awkward about passing other bikers.... I don't want to be making any statements, but if your pace is a tat faster you should be able to pass, without feeling you asking for a challenge.

I have to say, that when I do pass someone, and they seem quite happy with this until they realize by my **** (tight, cute and purt, obviously!) that i am female, then they so often have to pass me again. If out in a gang, it seems to go without saying that I start at the back, they assume I am going to be slower, which once we get going is not always the case, but I am nervous of passing because i don't want to injure egos!