Feeling Like an Outcast in the Gravel Community
I’m dead serious about everything I’m about to write and I acknowledge this will all sounds a bit ridiculous/ over analytical. However it’s so noticeable that I’ve crated a Reddit account and am crafting my first post to seek advice on this… I’m having an extensional crisis.
I picked up a gravel bike back in July 2025 and have gotten about 500 miles or so under my belt. I’d consider myself a complete novice at this point. I’ve really been enjoying getting out and taking longer rides/ seeing new parts of Colorado from a new perspective. The bike I picked up has a full carbon frame with some entry level parts and standard pedals (not clip ins). I’m a 25 year old dude and am in good shape.
I went on a solo 40 mile ride between Boulder and Longmont, CO this past Saturday and was again reminded how unfriendly/ judgmental other riders come off.
I often wave or slightly lift my hand off the drop bars to acknowledge or show a friendly hello to other cyclists I see. I believe motor cycle drivers or any other group of people within a similar hobby often acknowledge and show a quick wave/smile.
To date I’ve gotten maybe 2 waves back and I feel like other cyclists just literally stare at me as I bike past them.
I’ve got two theories at this point…
People in the gravel community/road biking community simply do not wave. They are deep into their work outs and don’t have energy or time to acknowledge others on the road.
I’m dressed completely inappropriately… I go on my rides with standard shorts, t-shirt/long sleeve sun shirt and sneakers. I have not made the leap to grabbing a bike jersey yet or picking up bike shoes. So I’m acknowledging that I’m not dressed for the part yet. I also wear a cheaper helmet that isn’t that expensive/high quality.
I’m not expecting to become bffs with random cyclists and talk about our deepest darkest secrets, but damn I get super cold vibes from most people.
Bottom line for me: I’m going to keep slamming miles and enjoying the sport, but I continue to feel like I’m doing something wrong and feel like an outcast.
What are people thoughts? What am I missing here? My roommates claim I’m about to get completely roasted on Reddit and highly discouraged me from starting this dialogue, but I’m losing my mind and need to get a clear answer here.