I have a personal rule when I am on my bike. 

I do not say hello to someone if I pass them. 

But I give a huge hello to someone who passes me. 

There could be someone who has chased me for a long time. 

There could be someone I have chased for a long time. 

There comes a point where we both must come to a stop. 

I look over at him. 

I want to thank him. 

Nothing complicated. 

Simple. 

‘Thanks for that, you really pushed me.’ 

…Nothing. 

What is that? 

I am not saying it for all cyclists. 

I will say it for 90% of them. 

The other 10% of the time, it has led to nothing but good. 

A laugh. 

An interesting chat. 

A ride along with each other. 

A beer. 

Why do we not celebrate other cyclists? 

Someone better than us. 

Someone who is riding differently. 

Someone who is doing exactly what I am doing. 

‘Hi.’ 

I mean, you have something in common. 

And everyone will say that if you share something in common, it is a great way to say hello. 

A simple hello. 

It was starting to change me. 

When I arrive at a light and this scenario has the possibility of happening, I would hold back. 

I would say in my head, 

‘Please be one of that 10%’ 

‘Do I want to get frustrated?’ 

But this is not who I am. 

I am spontaneous. 

Friendly. 

Outgoing. 

I will not give up. 

I will persevere. 

I will keep saying, 

‘Hi’ 

‘Bonjour’ 

‘OMG, what a great day for a bike ride, eh?’ 

‘OMG, quelle belle journée pour une balade à vélo, eh?’ 

And, well? 

If I get ‘nothing,’ I gave something. 

‘…NOTHING’ 

Insert persevering emoji here. 

‘There is another way to ride.’