Cycling Etiquette 101

A couple of weekends ago, in RI with my brother Nick, we were riding near Charleston beach. We slowed down to gu, and road by several groups of cyclists headed the other way. I tried to wave and say hi, but there way no response. As it was a Sunday, there were many cyclist on the road (roaders I call them). As we road on, we came across them, and one by one tried to be cordial, and friendly, but their response was stern and lackluster. So I begged the question to Nick, "Why are roaders so unfriendly and stern?".
Do roaders feel it necessary to work so hard that they must not loose concentration for a second to say HI and smile? Is suffering just part of the sport, to the point of unfriendliness? Are they in such agony that they cannot contort their faces into the shape of a smile? Are they so afraid of taking their hands of the bars to give a friendly wave or gesture? The questions vex me. Nick and I continued to ponder the question over several miles, as we kept riding by other riders who simply refused to respond to our simple waves and hellos.
Nick said that they might not have seen us, as they were riding intently only looking forward to gain a line to ride. I said, "Bunk", or something a bit more dramatic. Is being a roader so elite that one must not recognize common courtesy of other riders? I say, "NO!"
We road past a few more unfriendly roaders, then we managed to ride past a woman who waved and smiled.  Nick said, "Aha, there are some friendly riders out there."  I had to agree. 
I only re-emerged as a roader last summer, and remember my youth, when being a roader meant being a part of a "special" community of riders. Riders who looked out for one another, and had a special bond, as there were so few of us then. I would ride for miles just to catch the guy in front of me to say hello, and maybe ask about new routes or riding styles. Ride with them for awhile just to chat about the day or what bike parts are best.
The other day I was riding up to Meriden Mountain, and was riding quite slowly up a grade as not to tire myself out before the mountain, (which by the way never came).  Another rider, a woman, road whizzing past me, without so much as a, "Hey".  Is it so important to leave another roader in your wake that you forget the niceties?  I caught her, while still on the hill, mostly to ask her why I had not hit the Mountain yet, and partly because of pride.  I don't believe she liked me passing her, but I slowed down to ride along side, just to say hi, where are you from, and where am I in relation to Meriden Mountain.  She reluctantly told me I was way out of my way, and never smiled.  I tried to spark a conversion about how beautiful the scenery was, and what a great ride this had been, but very little response if any was given.  Was she afraid to talk to me, not know who I was?  I doubt it.  We came to a fork, and my garmin said to turn right, and she was going left.  I said, "Have a great ride."  She did not respond, other than to say bye. 
In defense of some roaders, I do have to add that I do get some smiles and waves here and there, and I am always glad for them.  These riders are usual riding a slower pace, and or with a friend.   To me, every time I ride is a joy, whether I am going fast, or on a recovery ride going slowly.  I try to be at least cordial to other roaders with a smile and a wave.  Unless on a time training session, or race (which I do not do anymore), when I catch another rider, I try to slow down behind them, and pass after they have noticed me.  Are we Alberto Contedor riding past Andy Sleck for the TDF, no.  Even then he was ripped by the media for an uncouth act. 
As a youth, I always took it as a challenge to catch another rider ahead of me, but always took the time to be courteous once there.  These days I am caught more than I catch, but my expectations for decency have not changed...Be NICE!
Cycling should be about community and comradery with other riders.  Being a roader has turned into a competition for speed and supremacy no matter the cost in human kindness.  So if you are a roadie, be kind and give other riders a wave and/or a smile as you whiz past.  This will make our sport better for all.
Just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who does say hi, gives me a wave and smile....NICE!