I use the "On your left" when coming up on someone slower and usually just try to keep my ears open as much as possible for people coming up behind me when I'm going slow, which is usually the case lol.

I'm super paranoid about people coming up behind me so I feel like I'm always looking for and expecting someone to. When it does happen, I try to slide off to the side before they even have a chance to say anything

Yep, letting the guy in front know your there is always a great idea..

Make way for the old guy always works for me.

But I have seen cases where the overtaken overreact in a poor passing area as well. 
I don't mind trailing them a little until there's a good place to pass.
But again, generally speaking I like to know they are there (and I usually do), and I usually let them know I'm there as well.

So, I think the best way to handle this is no obligation to let 'em you know you're trailing them. But give 'em plenty of warning if you want to pass. 

Never had anybody cut me off trying a no warning pass, knock on wood.

If a faster rider comes up behind you and doesn't immediately ask you to pass, relax!  It probably means they don't feel the need to urgently pass you.  They may be just out having fun, not trying to get a KOM or they be assessing the terrain and recognizing that passing at this point is no good.   In those cases, calling out, might cause you to slow down or move over at that moment, even if it's not either necessary or desired.  In this case, they are typically content to slow down and pace you until either you hear them or it's a better opportunity for a safe pass.

Anyone looking to win a race will call out and try to get by you as fast as they can.

sager wrote on 10/29/20 at 10:27am:

I like the folks who grunt and groan, and sigh when their behind you. What does it mean. I've waited in the parking lot for groups who look like their faster to go ahead, so I won't have to move aside by multi riders. But I have found that adjusting this and pumping that. Is the big attraction for these groups of riders, and it could take up to an hour before they hit the trail

sager wrote on 10/29/20 at 10:27am:



This 100% I catch people and sometimes I use it as an excuse to catch my breath, or I don't want to spook you in the terrain your in. I try to be considerate of your ride as much as some people try to get out of the way ASAP. I hate when I say "Hows it going" behind someone and they almost crash into a tree trying to get out of the way. Make's me feel like a dick when I was trying to be nice. 

Just remember 99% of people that catch you don't care that much. and the ones that do suck. And please don't almost crash to let me by.

Yellowduck wrote on 10/31/20 at 9:38am:

Never really did a road bike race. But in group rides, it's preferred to pass on your left. If you try to pass on the right, you risk moving the over taken rider into the middle of the road.  Passing only on your left on the trail, seems like your hogging the trail. What if the left side that I'm riding on is the best line. Should I give that up because you just suggest it?

IntheBush wrote on 11/02/20 at 7:36pm:



I've been riding for a while and have never heard this for mountain bike. I generally let the other rider stay on the trail, keep the main line and pass wherever its clear left or right just off trail. It's a trail in the woods the right side isn't always viable and just as I may want to get by lots of people don't want some stranger sitting on their wheel waiting for the perfect on your left spot. 

Just how I've looked at it, maybe I am wrong.

Yellowduck wrote on 11/03/20 at 8:22am:


Big fan of that technique.

Curious what everyone's preferred technique is for passing a runner going the same direction with earbuds and music so loud he can't hear you shouting?  I've given a few guys heart attacks forcing my way around them because they didn't know I was there despite initial gentle reminders, then finally shouting.

Impaler 58 wrote on 11/03/20 at 12:59pm:


Well, not necessarily.
And I also utilize the whole trail..
But that's generally what I do when somebody wants to pass. 
I move to the right, they pass on the left. 

That's why it's nice to know they are back there before they try to pass. So there are no 'misunderstandings'.

And if I'm passing somebody, I almost always do it on the left.
And let 'em know with adequate time that I'm passing.
The only exception would be if they are inexperienced and move to the left, but this almost never happens with bikers.

As somebody mentioned before, some lesser experienced guys/gals will move right and stop. This is somewhat annoying, and unnecessary. I simply don't pass in areas where there isn't enough room to get around 'em. And I'm just not in that much of a hurry..
And if they are trailing me, they'll know when it's time to pass, because I'll move right, slow a little and sometimes tell them. Experienced riders don't need to be told.

TarheelRider wrote on 11/03/20 at 5:15pm:


What else can you do?  Thats why runners are supposed to go the opposite way.

Anybody riding with two ear buds in is obviously inexperienced or is lacking some sense  ..

I don't use 'em while riding, but let me remind those who don't know the drill..

One earbud while on the trail if you must, or nothing at all. It's just common sense.

Today I was out at Springs, and some jogger was running up the tunnel trail with two ear buds in.. I was closing on him at a good clip from behind.
Even though I called out a couple of times, it was clear he had no clue and couldn't hear squat.
Until I was about 3 feet off his rear end..
Then I yelled.. "HEY!"

He about jumped out of his running shorts and started apologizing profusely.. 
Suddenly a feeling of immense satisfaction overwhelmed me.

On the way by I suggested a single earbud may be a better idea. 

Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

That about sums it up for me - passing or being passed.  I can't control other peoples' attitudes.  I try to be patient and courteous, and I try to ride trails that are remote or less traveled, or I ride during less popular times.

That said - I will never understand the whole earbuds thing.  I love my music - but not when I'm running or riding.  I can't imagine being that oblivious when your very life may depend on knowing what is going on around you.

If anyone is looking for a relatively cheap, bell that doesn't look goofy, and effectively alerts someone you're approaching to your presence, this has served me well. It only tends to "self-activate" in the roughest rock gardens or if I overshoot a landing and successfully "ring my bell". It even comes in in stealthy all black! More than once, it was mistaken for a dropper lost lever (before I installed an actual dropper post). Just make sure you keep it far enough away from your actual dropper lever so you don't do any unintended drooping.

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I'm on the clyde end of the spectrum and if I've caught you on the trail, you're probably a newb or I'm out of breath and not looking to looking to expend anymore energy than I have to lol. Most of the time, I'll just keep my distance and take the opportunity catch my breath but on the rare occasion that I want to pass, this thing saves me some energy. I'll still say hello, though, just to let you know I'm not a trying to be a dick!