A gay man’s tweet about turning up for a date on a bike has gone viral.
Andie, who works in sexual health in the UK, shared the tale about one of his worst dates, including a screenshot of the exchange that took place.
He says he arranged to meet the other man for a picnic in a park. We’re guessing this took place in London, given the mention of the tube train system. Ahead of the meeting, the two men swapped text messages. Andie mentioned that he rarely used public transport, relying more on his bike to get around.
What’s your bad date story?
I remember arranging a picnic at the park with a date and got in trouble for cycling there. Needless to say the date didn’t go well, I got ignored. 🤷🏼 pic.twitter.com/G5EPJfxrSZ— andie dyer (@dyerAndie) June 9, 2022
“It’s meant to be a date and you’re on your bike!” responded his date.
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“Eh? What’s my method of transport got to do with anything?” replied Andie.
“Doesn’t matter,” responded his date.
But Andie pushed for more clarification. The date then made his displeasure known, pointing out he’d be walking while Andie had his bike: “Hardly a date – and then ily [sic] cycle home and me the tube!”
“But we’re going to a park. I’ll lock my bike at the station when I meet you!” replied Andie.
“Can we leave it? I’m here now but looks like youre just meeting a mate at the park,” replied the date.
Andie said in an accompanying caption, “I remember arranging a picnic at the park with a date and got in trouble for cycling there. Needless to say the date didn’t go well, I got ignored.”
The tweet has had over 31k likes and prompted thousands of comments and retweets. It also seems to have split opinions. Many sympathize with Andie’s bemusement at the situation, given the date was a picnic in a park.
I didn’t understand either. But there was no reasoning. Just sullenness.
— andie dyer (@dyerAndie) June 9, 2022
However, others say turning up for a date on a bike is a no-no. They point out you risk turning up hot and sweaty, or it suggests you won’t be going home with someone.
As a Dutch person I find this comment hilarious and half a culture shock at the same time. You should spend some time in the Netherlands and you’ll find out you in fact CAN cycle everywhere without getting all sweaty.
— Раrсifаl (@aelythea) June 10, 2022
Hmmm yeah I used to take it as an indication the date probably wasn’t going to end up with us going home together – shallow I know, and I did break that curse several times. But I wouldn’t dream of going off at someone like this about it.
— Justin Myers (@theguyliner) June 9, 2022
I’m with the date. It’s a bit weird to turn up to a date on a bike. You’re not 9 years old. What is she supposed to do if the date is going on well? Were you going to give her a backie home?
— Glassy (@Glassinho) June 9, 2022
Cycling as transport is not the same thing as cycling as sport. Honestly. The tube is often sweatier.
— Eleanor Blair (@lnr_blair) June 9, 2022
And many, many others just shared their own dating disaster stories.
My boyfriend of the time took me for a slap up dinner to celebrate my 23rd birthday. He chose that night to tell me he was in the mafia.
— 🏳️🌈 Nick 🇺🇦 Микола (@nickyoliver) June 9, 2022
I’d arranged a date with a guy and just as was leaving the house to go on the date the text me calling it off because he’d met someone else on the bus home from work and was going on a date with them instead. 😂
— Matt 💙💛 (@weyland76) June 9, 2022
I went on a date to Balans with a guy from FitLads (showing my age).
He spent the whole time checking his phone, then I realised he was actually on Grindr.
So I ordered the steak (most expensive thing on the menu), then claimed I was going to the bathroom and just left.
— Tom PositiveLad 🇺🇦 (@PositiveLad) June 9, 2022
Andie told Queerty was suprised his post went viral.
“It actually happened eight years ago yesterday. I had posted it on my Facebook at the time and it came up as one of those ‘on this day’ things. I’d forgotten about it and it made me laugh yesterday, so posted it on Twitter. I guess it resonated with people.”
We’re pleased to report that all ended well for Andie. After this disastrous date, a few weeks later he “met a handsome Canadian and the rest is history 😍” They’ve now been together since 2015.
Five years together. Went for an ice cream to celebrate. And got engaged. 😁😍😊😀😃❤😘 pic.twitter.com/bDG9FZ8GoR
— andie dyer (@dyerAndie) September 5, 2020
Covid Hermit
Personally, I’d be more offended if my date showed up in a gas-guzzling SUV. Bike? No problem!
Now if only I could meet a cute Canadian like Andie did, especially given how the US seems to be headed toward a date with the executioner…
Man About Town
I’m baffled by all the comments criticizing the bike usage. So what if he shows up sweaty? It’s not a dinner date in an upscale restaurant, it’s a freakin’ picnic in the park!
jt1990
I’m actually impressed to see so many comments supporting the “lame biker”! Although it was probably something besides the bike that ruined the date. Could be the personality or the looks, as is often the issue women have with me. But if Sleepy Joe and Company keep upping the gas prices, we will all be pedaling bicycles. On the bright side, some of us may drop a few pounds this year.
Kangol2
@jt, gas increases are global, not the result of the US president, because of a global energy crisis, but you are so FoxNewsed out you clearly don’t grasp this, as usual!
Jim
If a date showed up on a bike I’d kinda be impressed!!
Creamsicle
I’ve had a date show up on a bike and it’s a complete non-issue. I even went back to his place after a couple drinks and we had some fun.
Eternal.Cowboy
I use a bike for my primary mode of transportation and while I have never had an interaction like the one above, there is a certain subset (queer and straight) of people that are really put out when they learn that you ride a bike. It’s weird.
NateOcean
“cycling = exercise = sweaty” ??? wtf?
How about :
“cycling = exercise = physically fit”?
or
“cycling = exercise = stanima”?
Jaws1939
I would not care. What matters to me is manners & hygiene.
abfab
If it was a tricycle I’d have a slight problem.
cheks
Hot guy in Haarlem took me home and I rode on the back of his bike. He could always chain it up while the two of you take the tube back to your place, and he’d come back and get it the next day. Unlike a car, you can usually park your bike overnight without issue.
scotty
i would be solidly impressed especially if it was a fixie. the best guys ride fixies. especially in charleston, south carolina. or wherever ya gnome sane?
mikhailmaui
Back in the early 80’s I met a guy in Dallas and on our first date he arrived on his bike. Had no idea he was a DuPont trust fund kid worth millions of dollars. Learned from him that he always showed up on his bike for the first dates to see how he would be judged. He knew that if he showed up in his new Jaguar convertible that he would be treated far differently, so he used his bike as a way of seeing if someone liked him for him or for his name/money.
JJinAus
Decades ago I vowed not to date any more men who didn’t have a car or a drivers license at least. I got lucky.