Bike Commuter Racing

During the warmer months, my cycling co-workers and I see many other bike commuters during our morning and late afternoon rides. To keep things interesting, we have invented a simple game of "Bike Commuter Racing". A while ago, I read a great comment from another bike commuter - I wish I could find it so I could appropriately give credit. It went something like this...

"If two bike commuters are riding on the same piece of road, at the same time, and going in the same direction - they are racing".

This is strangely true. How many times have you seen someone riding ahead of you, then noticed that you were pedaling faster? How many times have you realized that someone was gaining on you from behind, and you instinctively turned it up a notch to stay ahead?

So, since we are all racing anyway, we decided to make it official by creating a point system. Here's how it works:

+1 point - You pass a cyclist going in the same direction.
+1 bonus point - If that cyclist "turns it up a notch" and makes you earn it!
+1 bonus point - If that cyclist is decked out in multi-colored spandex.
-1 point - A cyclist passes you.
-2 points - You pass a cyclist, and he/she passes you back!

This is all in good fun, and standard passing etiquette applies.