Like most tandem riders, we've had to endure our share of the "He's not pedaling!" comments. KJ, of course, doesn't seem to care. Following the advice of other tandem riders, I try to not let it bother me, but every once in awhile it gets to me. This morning we rode up to KJ's religious school, and KJ actually was doing a very good job of pedaling, in spite of the cloudy 46 degree weather. When we were within a block of the school, we stopped at a minimart for a snack (KJ prefers Little Debbie Zebra Cakes) because we were a few minutes early. As we pulled in, a Ford Expedition (a big-a**ed SUV) pulled in. A large guy (I wouldn't say he was fat, but he definitely could use some exercise) got out and dropped the usual "Hey! I don't think that guy in the back is pedaling.” comment on his way in to get his Sunday paper. I mumbled something about KJ pedaling on the way back, and let it go at that. As the guy got back in his SUV and drove off (no doubt headed 3 blocks or so back to his house), it occurred to me what a moron this guy was. If another cyclist wants to say something like that, OK, fine, you're trying to be funny. At least In my mind I formulated a few snappy responses, which I was smart enough to keep to myself:
1)“Neither are you...”
2)“At least he's on a bike...”
3)“And you're Lance Armstrong?”
4)"Better than driving an SUV..."
If you have a snappy comeback you would like to add, just let me know!