TE ladies in Bicycling Mag

[Jo-n-NY]

Is it the July issue that has TE ladies are in. I think I recognize one person. I do not know the TE names to their real names.

~ JoAnn

[crazycanuck]

Do they have an online version by chance?

C

[KnottedYet]

http://www.bicycling.com/home/0,6608,,00.html?location=_*topnav*

But I'm not seeing the issue. Somebody got a better link that brings us the current issue?

[limewave]

Oooh, I'll have to go check it out. I'm supposed to be one of the ladies. A friend of ours just got their July issue and he said it wasn't in there and it wasn't in ours either. He said that only some of the subscribers get a special women's section and that was maybe why it wasn't in his. Perhaps that's why I can't find a link online. Anyways, I haven't seen the article yet so I'll have to check the bookstore . . .

[mimitabby]

only SOME get the women's section?? THAT STINKS!
i have been searching for that article too.

:(

[ShubieGA]

I think I recognized one person - kelowngirl. I think she is Barb Danielson.
Issue is a bit light for women's issues.

[lisa_b]

I looked through my whole July issue of Bicycling and didn't see anything about the women of TE! If anyone finds the link, please post it!

[Fredwina]

Mine had the women's section
The only I recoginized were KelwonaGirl and ChickWhoRips.
Your'e not missing much, IMO.
A couple of articles about training (womens only MTB skills, and doing road group rides with guys.
Each real woman had her pic and a one paragraph blurb about her skills/goals. Then 3/4 of the page was devoted to the staff recommendations for her (bike, clothing). They had a model stand in (maybe to cut cost?)
I'm surprized not every one got it. Maybe they decided that "Bubba Joe Smith" didn't want to read about wimmen's stuff:rolleyes:
P.s. mine had a gold "women's section" sticker on the front.

[limewave]

Mine had the women's section
The only I recoginized were KelwonaGirl and ChickWhoRips.
Your'e not missing much, IMO.
A couple of articles about training (womens only MTB skills, and doing road group rides with guys.
Each real woman had her pic and a one paragraph blurb about her skills/goals. Then 3/4 of the page was devoted to the staff recommendations for her (bike, clothing). They had a model stand in (maybe to cut cost?)
I'm surprized not every one got it. Maybe they decided that "Bubba Joe Smith" didn't want to read about wimmen's stuff:rolleyes:
P.s. mine had a gold "women's section" sticker on the front.

Am I in it? They said I would be. My name is Heather Brewer. Thanks!

[Fredwina]

Am I in it? They said I would be. My name is Heather Brewer. Thanks!

I think so. I'll check when I get home tonight.....

[ShubieGA]

Heather - You are there!

[mimitabby]

what page are these gals on?

[ShubieGA]

It's a 24 page section after page 48. The makeover profiles start on page 12. Got mine in the mail yesterday.

[teigyr]

It's a section within the magazine. I didn't see it in the table of contents and I had no sticker but it showed up at page 48/49 and says "special section".

I saw Heather :D

[mimitabby]

I hope it's in mine too, thanks for the info

[Zen]

It's a 24 page section after page 48. The makeover profiles start on page 12. Got mine in the mail yesterday.


Makeover????

[chickwhorips]

wow i made it?

now i need to hunt down a magazine.

[ShubieGA]

Sorry about that Zen. It's the ultimate gear makeover. Each page prfiles someone with their goal, and then shows a bike and accessories to match the goal. My question is: Did you get the gear that they showed on your page? One can hope!

[Fredwina]

wow i made it?

now i need to hunt down a magazine.

I thought it was you. I got on Saturday, had a sinus infection on sunday, and taght a class after work last night, so I haven't had much of chance to peruse it (hey , I missed limewave:confused: )

[equus123]

if there aren't any links, somebody scan the pages so we can see :D

[chickwhorips]

I thought it was you.

if they give real names mine is Amber if that helps.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Makeover????
Yeah- what if they didn't need gear/bike makeovers?? :confused:

[Jo-n-NY]

if they give real names mine is Amber if that helps.

Yes Amber, if you are a Rish & Wildlife Service Administrator this might be you. Goal: Learn to ride a singletrack.

On page 48 is Spin they usually have with Chris Carmichael then the next page begins the Special Edition Section called "Bicycling Presents Women's Cycling Summer 2007 and the page numbers begin with 1 again.

For the ladies who are featured in here, what were you suppose to or did you get?

~JoAnn

[Kitsune06]

if there aren't any links, somebody scan the pages so we can see :D

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HillSlugger]

For each person they list their goal and also some problem with their current riding gear. That leads into the gear makeover. It's all about the advertising $$$

Heather (limewave) is on special page 14.
Barb (kelownagirl) is on page 20.
Amber (chickwhorips) is on page 22.

[Kitsune06]

What, no centerfolds? ;) :D

[trekin']

I was going to subscribe to Bicycling, but now I'm having second thoughts...only certain issues have a women's section? What are we, chopped liver? Those poor men, having to flip past a few pages devoted to women...well, I'm not really interested in reading about guys...so I think I'll keep my money in my pocket!

[mimitabby]

I am really disgusted with this. Sure enough. we don't have those pages.
PLEASE folks, write to Bicycling Magazine and let them know how disappointed you are!
(I already did!)

[kelownagirl]

I JUST got my JUNE issue and you already have July? Wonder where I can get a copy. Did they use our pictures?

Anyone have a copy they can scan for me???

And no, we did not get anything. None of the gear mentioned....

[dex]

Grrrr. I read this thread at work and just assumed that I hadn't gotten the July issue yet. I just checked the mag that's been sitting on my desk at home for the past week, and sure enough it's the July issue, but without the "special" section.

That just blows. :mad:

[Zen]

When I saw "makeover" I thought it meant they were putting make-up on you:p

They used you.

I think someone should write a letter to the editor and have it signed by everyone on this discussion board who wishes to express their displeasure.
Or better yet, overload them with individual letters :D

[kiwi girl]

I don't have my latest copy to hand. The latest one I have has Floyd on the front cover - and no women's section - is that the one we are talking about

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Not to say anything against you ladies who participated, but I thought they were going to write about what biking means to you and how you gals have achieved rewarding things in your lives due to your efforts and determination.
Instead, the very word "makeover" implies that you all needed to be changed in some way. Like you would be "better" if you only had this gear and that gear.
Phooey! Why aren't you good enough as you are? Why aren't they celebrating that?
And....why didn't they give you even one "token" item of some of the gear they are claiming you need??? :mad:

[kelownagirl]

I agree with you Lisa. That's definitely what I wrote about - the rewards and the personal achievements (mentally and physically) I've made in the past year. She did ask about my goals and I said I wanted to improve my climbing this year so I assume that's what my "makeover" is about. She did say they'd be making suggestions as to how I can achieve my goal but I wasn't thinking "makeover". So does anyone have the magazine and can tell me what I'm supposed to be changing? :(

[Fredwina]

1 a Cannondale Synapse $1500
2. Shmino A520 pedal - they're so easy to clip out of:rolleyes: so you can get rid of the pedal covers $70 if you're clipped in, you can put more power to the pedals:rolleyes:
Louis Garneau Shoes $80
Terry Bella Shorts $85
Terry Presta Top $55
Bell Vela helmet $35
Yes, KelwonaGirl for only $1828 US , you can climb with the best of them!
and your'e lucky
CWR bill is $1970 (she has to buy a bell(to scare off bears?))
Limewave is $2412 (Sidi shoes are just soo expensive
PS. Floyd is last month

[ShubieGA]

3330 Here you go...

[kelownagirl]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: I did mention I had kept the pedals covers on for awhile when I was getting used to the clips but then I said "but don't put that in there, I'll sound like an idiot and besides I'm clipless now." They get you chatting about stuff and you say things you regret later. Thank goodness I hadn't had a couple of glasses of wine. :o

For the record, my current shoes, shorts, jerseys and helmet all cost more than the ones they recommend. :rolleyes:

So I take it I'm not going to want to cut this out of the magazine and hang it on my classroom wall? My kids are so excited and were waiting to see it... :(

[KnottedYet]

KG - I'm impressed by you every day. But I'm NOT impressed by BUYcycling magazine.

[ShubieGA]

As a newbie (who's not looking for a carbon frame ...Yet), I find much better info here, and TE is much friendlier.
Here is Chickwhorips page:

[Zen]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: I did mention I had kept the pedals covers on for awhile when I was getting used to the clips but then I said "but don't put that in there, I'll sound like an idiot and besides I'm clipless now." They get you chatting about stuff and you say things you regret later. Thank goodness I hadn't had a couple of glasses of wine. :o

For the record, my current shoes, shorts, jerseys and helmet all cost more than the ones they recommend. :rolleyes:

So I take it I'm not going to want to cut this out of the magazine and hang it on my classroom wall? My kids are so excited and were waiting to see it... :(


TELL THEM EXACTLY THAT!!!!!

[ShubieGA]

Not to be forgotten - Limewave:
3332
Let me know if I missed anyone!

[kelownagirl]

Thanks for posting those ShubieGA. :)

And thanks for the comments Knot and Zencentury. :cool:

[KnottedYet]

I"m drowning in the shallowness of Bicycling magazine. Is a "makeover" all they think women are interested in?

[mimitabby]

It wouldn't be so bad if they had been up front about it. Thanks so much for putting these up for us to see, but I am sad that they used personal victory stories to advertise products.

[kelownagirl]

Well they did say they were going to make recommendations to help us achieve our goals. I was kinda hoping it would lean more towards training suggestions.

[Trek420]

It wouldn't be so bad if they had been up front about it. Thanks so much for putting these up for us to see, but I am sad that they used personal victory stories to advertise products.

Little tiny portrait of each of you, models on the bikes. You all look waaay better than the models (sorry if the models are lurking).

[kelownagirl]

Oh but if I buy all that stuff, I'll look like the model won't I??? :rolleyes: :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh but if I buy all that stuff, I'll look like the model won't I??? :rolleyes: :p

I think so, because all those models look exactly alike from wearing the gear! If we all buy that stuff, we're sure to look just like that too! :p

(or... is it all the same model??) :confused:

P.S. The model in KelownGal's article looks like either she's taken too much Claritin or else she is screaming in pain from the TORTUROUS CONTORTIONS she is in!!! =8-O

[limewave]

well, I am a little disappointed but not surprised. Originally I thought we would get coaching tips as well. I was also asked about how cycling has changed my life and what skills I would like to work on. So, maybe the intentions originally were to do more with the article but got scaled back later????

[Bikingmomof3]

I was looking forward to this issue to see my TE friends. :) I am sorry the magazine took your stories and boiled them down to the point where your achievements do not shine through and the use of teeny, tiny pictures of the actual woman, verses the huge pictures on the models is sad. :( All three of you are beautiful, no models were needed. You three are athletes! :cool:

So, what did the article teach me about my TE friends? :rolleyes:

-KG girl uses "cheater platforms" on one side because she fell. :rolleyes:
-CWR-owns a heavy bike, has thick hair (which I wish I had), and recent bunion surgery. :rolleyes:
-Limewave-has very, very wide feet (I have never seen your feet, just the impression the article gave). :rolleyes:

I am proud you three are my TE Sisters and I am proud you three were willing to write about your passions. :D It iws indeed a pity the magazine did not focus more on each of you, as individual athletes, rather than the silly little "problems" the mag reported...see above.

[Thorn]

As an engineer who looks at marketing folks with a wary gaze, this episode has got to be going into the marketing hall of shame. Here a magazine which has had a reputation of catering primarily to the male gender had a fantastic opportunity to reach out to the female audience. If they had done this issue right, there would be many new readers out of these forums alone.

Instead, they did a pretty good job of insulting us. No training...just buy gear. Yeah, that will make us better riders...not!

Very sad. My guess is that the TE members interviewed must have mentioned TE once or twice, but clearly Bicycling didn't come here and find out that here there a women who ride; who train; who love the road and trails; and, most importantly know that the tools don't make the rider. Sure, we love our toys just like anyone else, but there is more to riding than kit. Sigh...

[chickwhorips]

-CWR-owns a heavy bike, has thick hair (which I wish I had), and recent bunion surgery. :rolleyes:

i'm disappointed they didn't mention Cold Bay. Hey that's a feat in and of itself! I have so many more goals than that. Just because my bike is heavy doesn't mean I don't rock it. It was bunionette surgery (hey, they are cuter!) and I wish I had thick hair, no idea even where that one came from. All in all, they did spell my name correctly.

Oh and for the record, I did find a pair of shoes. I LOVE my new Sidi's.

Ok my rant is over. I guess we couldn't have expected more......

I must say KG and Lime you do look very pretty.

[mimitabby]

As an engineer who looks at marketing folks with a wary gaze, this episode has got to be going into the marketing hall of shame. Here a magazine which has had a reputation of catering primarily to the male gender had a fantastic opportunity to reach out to the female audience. If they had done this issue right, there would be many new readers out of these forums alone.

Instead, they did a pretty good job of insulting us. No training...just buy gear. Yeah, that will make us better riders...not!

Very sad. My guess is that the TE members interviewed must have mentioned TE once or twice, but clearly Bicycling didn't come here and find out that here there a women who ride; who train; who love the road and trails; and, most importantly know that the tools don't make the rider. Sure, we love our toys just like anyone else, but there is more to riding than kit. Sigh...

yeah! and the fact that they didn't send it to everyone! How many guys that get Bicycling magazine have a woman in the house?? I mean, really, talk about stupidity!!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ok my rant is over. I guess we couldn't have expected more......


Why not?

[Kitsune06]

Boo. CWR's WAY cuter than the chick they had modeling the bike and the gear! (but Iiiiiii know what piiiiiiic you uuuuuused....!!! I <3 that pic. :D)

oh, and yeah, crappy write-up, too. Ahh, Buycycling mag is turning into commercialist pr0n. Joy. Hey, CWR, we should get our tank bikes out and tear up some singletrack... :D ...very slowly. ...bring bandaids. :D

It's things like this that make me want to be a freelance writer for such magazines. ...then I really think about it and realize all my ideas would be rejected- they'd have substance. :rolleyes:

[chickwhorips]

kit i love ya. you always make me feel good. btw slow and steady wins the race right? and I have tons of band aids!

next thing to do, is get you published!

[Bikingmomof3]

i'm disappointed they didn't mention Cold Bay. Hey that's a feat in and of itself! I have so many more goals than that. Just because my bike is heavy doesn't mean I don't rock it. It was bunionette surgery (hey, they are cuter!) and I wish I had thick hair, no idea even where that one came from. All in all, they did spell my name correctly.

That is something. :) If nothing else you could use the write up if you apply to be a contestant on a game show. :eek: Seriously, I think the writer(s) did a dreadful job and you are much, much better lookingthat the model. :D


Oh and for the record, I did find a pair of shoes. I LOVE my new Sidi's.

Fantastic!! :cool:


I guess we couldn't have expected more......

Why? Write and express your displeasure. I have not even seen that section (besides what was posted here) and I subscribe to the magazine. I am a very displeased customer.


I must say KG and Lime you do look very pretty.

Agreed. All three you you look fantastic! :D

[mimitabby]

I got a response:


Dear Mimi:
Thanks for your interest in Bicycling. It's true that the women's insert was only in selected issues, but you can read all the articles that were in it at bicycling.com/womenriders.

Sincerely,

Emily Furia ( Emily.Furia at rodale.com ) (remove the at and put in @ )
Associate editor
Bicycling magazine
www.bicycling.com

[HillSlugger]

I got a response:


Dear Mimi:
Thanks for your interest in Bicycling. It's true that the women's insert was only in selected issues, but you can read all the articles that were in it at bicycling.com/womenriders.

Sincerely,

Emily Furia ( Emily.Furia at rodale.com ) (remove the at and put in @ )
Associate editor
Bicycling magazine
www.bicycling.com

But no explanation of how they decided who gets the insert and who doesn't. Do you think they left it out if the subscription was in a guy's name?

[madscot13]

I still liked to read the articles because it was about such cool women, even if it is only peripherally. You know the thing is those gear recommendations were really short and superficial. I wish they had gone more in depth somewhere, either in the bios or the gear recomendations. It felt more like a marketing tool.


But for anyone who wants to read the online version
http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-1-423-16028-1,00.html

[mimitabby]

But no explanation of how they decided who gets the insert and who doesn't. Do you think they left it out if the subscription was in a guy's name?

I wrote back discussing that very point.

[kelownagirl]

Thanks Mimi, let us know if you hear anything back.

[Velobambina]

I haven't gotten my July issue yet, but I'm one of the "women riders" featured on the website (goal: Bike to Work). First and most upsetting is the complete fabrication that "she needs to be able to tote papers and clothes around. .... And she doesn't want to create a spectacle of her backside." I cannot bring papers home because most of my work is classified, so I don't know where they got that comment. And I never said ANYTHING about my backside. I'm 44 years old, really could care less, and at the risk of sounding immodest, am pretty proud of my strong, biker's glutes. I am all about performance and comfort when I ride, not how I look, for crying out loud. I'm not renewing my subscription to Bicycling. It's more targeted to adolescent males than serious riders

[Veronica]

I don't like how the write ups made you all sound needy and wimpy, because you're not. It didn't take into account that you already have a bunch of gear, including bikes and helmets.

It was just a chance for them to advertise more.

And it was LAME!

I rarely buy a Bicycling issue and this article didn't improve my opinion of them any.

V.

[Duck on Wheels]

Good grief! I just looked up the Internet versions of these writeups. They're a bit better (no model) but still manipulative. They USED you women! Here you are, strong riders all, willing to stand up for women riders, willing to be an inspiration by telling about achievements and goals ... and they 1) misrepresent your achievements, 2) misuse your goals, and 3) show that they lured you into this by misrepresenting their intentions. I'm glad there've been write-ins to complain about this. I'm glad there've been women cancelling their subscriptions. If you want to make an even stronger impact, I suggest writing to the advertisers. Tell them you're potential customers, been looking at their products seriously, but that after this debacle you've really been turned off.

[mimitabby]

I haven't gotten my July issue yet, but I'm one of the "women riders" featured on the website (goal: Bike to Work). First and most upsetting is the complete fabrication that "she needs to be able to tote papers and clothes around. .... And she doesn't want to create a spectacle of her backside." I cannot bring papers home because most of my work is classified, so I don't know where they got that comment. And I never said ANYTHING about my backside. I'm 44 years old, really could care less, and at the risk of sounding immodest, am pretty proud of my strong, biker's glutes. I am all about performance and comfort when I ride, not how I look, for crying out loud. I'm not renewing my subscription to Bicycling. It's more targeted to adolescent males than serious riders

Good grief, that could get you into big trouble at work!

[KnottedYet]

::helmet in hands, pleading look on face::

I am not finding the online version of the article. Can someone post a link, please?

:o

[mimitabby]

http://www.bicycling.com/topic/0,6614,s1-1-423-0-0,00.html


bicycling.com/womenriders

[Blueberry]

I wanted to echo what others have said....I don't think the article is well done, or that it accurately represents the women portrayed.

Nevertheless - I (some how) ended up with a subscription (I've never subscribed or paid for it), and I do have the insert. If someone wants it for some reason, I'll be happy to pass it along.

CA

[Velobambina]

Good grief, that could get you into big trouble at work!

Luckily, I've never been one to take work home. LOL. My conscience is clear and I'm known for my honesty at work (not always career enhancing, as I will speak my mind! haha). The "rearend" thing bugs me more. Makes me sound like a twit, not an athlete. "I can't commute because my bum looks too big in bike shorts." Jaysus....

I'm so appalled by the lack of integrity in the article. I have a BS in Journalism and as part of my required J-school classes in college, had several courses in ethics, law, etc. I guess the advertisers strongly influence the content of the articles. It's not a magazine---it's a catalog.

Makes you wonder if they would have done the same thing---make the subjects sound like wimps---if this had been an article on men?

[pooks]

Okay, so Velo has a background in journalism.

This is an article for Salon, folks.

Agreed?

How kickass riders were turned into whiney simpering wimps in one fell swoop of advertising -- which didn't even get put into all the issues!

It would best be done by a person who actually was interviewed and had expectations, a first-hand account.

Velo, how about it? Want to interview CWR and KG and see if you can sell the story to Salon?

[pooks]

Me again.

I'm a writer. As a published romance writer I got stung more than once by journalists who interviewed me and either twisted my words/story to fit their preconception about that they wanted a story about "romance writers" to be, or who took things I said out of context and ran with them. (This was not difficult to do the first couple of times, because I tend to be either a smartass, or to use self-deprecating humor.)

A journalist friend told me, every good journalist goes into an interview knowing the story they want to write, and interviews accordingly, but if they're good, they drop that idea as soon as you give them a better one.
So what am I saying? The temptation to chat easily with a writer/reporter/journalist is natural, but you never know what will come back and bite you in your wide bum, kick you with your wide feet, or clip you with your cheaters.

Bottom line, that was never meant to be an article of profiles; it was always meant to be advertising masquerading as a "makeover" article for which they needed real women. They knew what they wanted when they interviewed you, even though you didn't. I'm not sure it's really that awful a thing, considering what the press can and does do to celebrities, political figures, etc.

I suggest that the three TE women write a joint letter to the editor where they briefly list their accomplishments (that were left out of the profiles) and voice their disgust with how their images were used.

But I really think a personal article in Salon or elsewhere could be interesting and entertaining and infuriating while it makes a number of valid points about how women are viewed, but from the magazine's point of view they probably didn't do anything wrong.

I think the real issues where I believe the magazine really hurt us are:

A) They only put this section in some of the magazines.

B) Their "makeover" was totally superficial and expensive -- and had nothing to do with training and serious cycling.

Bite me, Buycycling.

And what other mags are out there instead?

(By the way, I got the issue with the women's section; my subscription is in my name, obviously female. What about the others of you? Female name, female section?)

[bikerz]

I think that's an excellent idea, pooks.

I have that issue (not sure how I got it either) and I would never have "recognized" any of you, based on the way the did the write-ups.

[mimitabby]

Our issue came to Mr Raleighdon, so no women's foldout for us!
I agree with you Pooks.

(washing my hands with bleach)

[kelownagirl]

What's Salon?

[mimitabby]

It's an online magazine. Independent. Some of their articles are excellent, there's a lot of women represented; but you need to buy a subscription. (Last I looked, there was a free one day pass you could use though) It's probably WORTH the subscription too.

[pooks]

I don't know if it's the best choice, but it's a great site:

http://salon.com/

as is Slate:

http://slate.com/

Others may have other/better ideas.

[madscot13]

I would love to put out a zine on biking and how it really is. Looking back, I get bored of hobby/ sport about three months into a subscription. The magazines fail to inspire, make me feel like I have to spend all of my money to be worth anything, and don't really give me worthwhile training hints even. I think I have really found the antithesis of that in this forum: so many cool established riders and newbies who are psuhing their limits and showing others how, great gear advice, and helpful/detailed training and fit advice. So I guess this is a thanks to everyone here who have helped me learn to ride my bike.

[kelownagirl]

I went back to find the original email that asked for our "stories" and I hate to admit that they didn't really misrepresent the story idea. That's not to say I like what was eventually written but here's what they were asking for... It's pretty much what they wrote...


We're looking for six women-all of whom have a goal to do something for the first time on a bike. We'll run a photo or illustration of the woman and include a mini-profile that describes her characteristics as a rider and her goal. Based on her profile and goal, the editors will then suggest the gear that will help her-and other women like her-reach her goal.

We're looking for a wide range of women. Newbie, advanced, roadie, mtb or cross rider, commuter, racer, messenger, rec rider, young, old and in
between. The important thing is that she has a goal to do something she's
never done before, such as:

Start riding for the first time since childhood
Enter her first race (road, mtb, or cross)
Start commuting
Ride a century
Do a triathlon
Start work as a messenger
Take a touring vacation
Ride an epic distance (24 hour solo race, an endurance race, or ride across
the state/country)
Start mountain biking/road riding/cyclocross riding
Move up a category or a class, or make it to the podium
Keep up with her friends/significant other
Lose weight

[dingster1]

Well, just got mine yesterday! You guys look great. :D

[pooks]

They do look great -- all three of them!

And while thinking about how they look better than the model, I thought if somebody has web design skills it would be fun for somebody (not me, I know nuthink!) to put together three pages of them on their bikes, with the articles the way they'd like to be written!

I'd love to see them.

OTOH, I'm all too good at dreaming up work for other people. :D

[KnottedYet]

Four of them: Velobambina, CWR, Kelownagirl, Limewave.

[pooks]

Oh -- I lost one.

Sorry!

[Velobambina]

Pooks---Great idea for an article. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to take a pass on writing it, even though I'd LOVE to do it.
Our July issue arrived yesterday and there was no womens section. The subscription is in my husband's name. My husband could not find the womens section in any July issue at local book stores/news outlets. So, at least fewer people will see the article, and apparently, it isn't included in the copies that going to retailers.

[uforgot]

Got mine yesterday. It's in my name, Claudia, so I had the special section. Probably went only to obvious female subscribers. I did read in there somewhere that the section was only in "select" magazines, but now I can't seem to find that part. I thought it was in the index...

You guys look great! I'm with everyone else in that I would have liked to hear more about YOU than equipment. The equipment does not inspire, you do! That can be seen every day on TE. I also wish they would have mentioned this forum. It has helped so many and it's a safe place to post.

Velobambino - if you can't find a mag with the section in it, I'll be glad to send you mine.

[GLC1968]

I also got mine yesterday...adressed to me (Catherine) with the women's section.

And honestly, I read the little bio's of each of the women, but I didn't even read the gear recommendations. Why would I? I get much better info from TE. :D I also wish that there was more info about the women and their real accomplishments and less advertsing dribble.

[lisa_b]

I also got mine yesterday but no women's section as it comes addressed to my boyfriend. Very annoying that they assume that just because a mag is addressed to a man 1) he wouldn't also be interested in any "womens" cycling issues and 2) no women would be residing there and sharing a subscription!

[Ninabike]

Kelownagirl, did you ever get your copy? I got mine and I will send it to you if you want. You can PM me.

[kelownagirl]

Nina - we didn't get ours yet. It does usually come until the middle of the month (ie around June 8-15th). Our subscription is in DH's name so we probably won't get the women's issue. I emailed the woman who wrote the article and asked if she coul have one sent to me. She said she'd try but she didn't know if there were any left.

I'll let you know if I don't get one. Thanks!

[Ninabike]

OK, let me know.

[chickwhorips]

Nina - we didn't get ours yet. It does usually come until the middle of the month (ie around June 8-15th). Our subscription is in DH's name so we probably won't get the women's issue. I emailed the woman who wrote the article and asked if she coul have one sent to me. She said she'd try but she didn't know if there were any left.

I'll let you know if I don't get one. Thanks!

You've got to be kidding!

I want one, so I have it, but I haven't been able to get to the store yet. Something tells me it won't be there anyhow.

I guess I won't waste my typing trying to get a hold of the one that wrote the article.

[li10up]

I too am disappointed that they did'nt use larger photos of you. They want to write about real women but they use models...how lame is that. If they can put that really obese man in their mag (the "hey big fella" issue) they sure as heck could have used the women's photos!! It seemed to me that they just used these women to sell the wares of those that advertise with them. I sure wish a better cycling mag would come out.

Shame on you Bicycling Magazine - or to steal a phrase from someone else... Bicycling Ad-azine.

[kelownagirl]

You've got to be kidding!

I want one, so I have it, but I haven't been able to get to the store yet. Something tells me it won't be there anyhow.

I guess I won't waste my typing trying to get a hold of the one that wrote the article.

CWR - I have a feeling they only went out in the subscriptions to women, but not in stores. I haven't heard of anyone who's seen on in the stores yet. I think it would be worth yorur while to email Christine and ask her for one though. She sounded like she really would try to get me one.

[Blueberry]

My offer to send mine (with special section) on to someone is still open...

Otherwise, it's headed for the recycling this weekend.

CA

[GLC1968]

I'd be happy to give mine to whomever would like it, as well.

I haven't read much of it yet, but it won't take long considering the normal lack of 'solid' material in it anyway. ;)

I'd be happy to send it along instead of recycling it. :D Just let me know....

[xeney]

Wait, I'm still stuck on this:


Nevertheless - I (some how) ended up with a subscription (I've never subscribed or paid for it)

Because that happened to me, too, except I never got an actual magazine ... just a bunch of bills, and then a collections agency bugging me. I paid the damn thing but have still never seen the magazine.

Not that I want to, after reading this thread, but I'm just a little surprised to find out that it's not only me getting mysterious subscriptions I didn't ask for.

[chickwhorips]

does anyone have the magazine left, that has the articles in it that would like to donate one to me? please.....

[mtbdarby]

I'd give you mine CWR, but they didn't send me one:mad: So not all female subscribers got them. Talk about irritating...

[bikerz]

does anyone have the magazine left, that has the articles in it that would like to donate one to me? please.....

I'll send you mine - PM me with your address and I'll send it off next week... :)

[uforgot]

does anyone have the magazine left, that has the articles in it that would like to donate one to me? please.....

I'd also be happy to give mine to anyone who wants it. Just PM me with your address.

[rapid cycler]

My subscription is in my name, obviously female, and I got the insert, which I thought sucked fetid wind. The one piece that was at all of interest was the mountain-biking skills women's retreat. C'mon, the other primary article in the "women's" supplement was about why we should ride with men to become better cyclists! %&#* It was written with just a dash of humor—men are funny because they crash (because they're bigger risk takers)—but the takeaway lesson was, Hey, ladies, riding with your little female friends is fine when you want to gossip or can't take the pressure of keeping up with the menfolk, but when you want to improve your skills you're gonna have to enlist some testerone. [Expletives deleted]

I had no idea any of the "makeover" gals were TE locals, and I hadn't paid much attention to that section because, in addition to its being a flagrant example of product placement, it seemed to assume that women just weren't as serious about cycling as men—most of the products recommended were low- to medium-end bikes and accessories. As kelownagirl notes, everything she already owns is of a higher quality than what was recommended to her.

I would like the editor in chief, Stephen Madden, to imagine a parallel universe in which he subscribes to a cycling magazine that focuses primarily on female athletes, because he loves to ride and, dammit, it's a woman's world so that's all that's available—but he's accustomed to such slights and will take what he can get. Then they throw him a bone, an issue all about men and their special cycling needs and goals. Well, it's not really a whole issue, but rather an insert, included only in issues addressed to men. Darn it, Stephen's subscription is in his wife's name. So he borrows his friend Dave's copy and is flabbergasted to read all about why men who always ride with their male friends really should ride with women from time to time to develop a stronger skill set. He's also fascinated to read the magazine's recommendations for his friend Dave (who already rides a Trek Madone with a Dura Ace drivetrain): an entry-level MSD (men's specific design, natch) Giant OCR, plus a nice clavicle-baring cycling top and shorts that flatter his straight hips and "package."

Absurd, isn't it, Stephen? How we women wish it were absurd to us, but we encounter that level of condescension every goddam day.

[Velobambina]

I'd also be happy to give mine to anyone who wants it. Just PM me with your address.

C--I sent you a PM. I had a change of heart---hope someone else hasn't beaten me to it. Might be the only time I'll ever be in a magazine!

[teigyr]

I also have a copy if anyone wants it. Just let me know - I'll hold off on putting it in recycling for a while :)

[Ninabike]

Does anyone else still want a copy? Please let me know.

[LBTC]

It was written with just a dash of humor—men are funny because they crash (because they're bigger risk takers)—but the takeaway lesson was, Hey, ladies, riding with your little female friends is fine when you want to gossip or can't take the pressure of keeping up with the menfolk, but when you want to improve your skills you're gonna have to enlist some testerone. [Expletives deleted]


Man, this attitude still cheeses me, and I haven't even been able to ride for almost a year!

Back when we had the money to spend, the bike stuff I could get that worked for me was never as good as what DH could get. When he bought carbon-soled shoes, and I needed new shoes, too, they didn't make a ladies shoe with a carbon sole. I spent just as much money on a shoe that was 2 notches lower than his. It took years of waiting before there was a full suspension bike small enough to fit me.

And don't get me started on the attitude about riding skills! Yikes! There's still a guy in my old home-town with a target on his head over that one. Some of the best riders I know are women (and I used to be nearly as good as some of them); and there are plenty of men who can get clocked by a chick any day of the week!

The part that sucks the most is that magazines perpetuate this ridiculous discrimination. Sure, I guess it could be argued that it's a reflection of the real world attitude; but it definitely is not a reflection of real women who love to ride.

Yes, DH got his, and since the subscription is in his name, no women's section.

Utter hooey.

~T~

[teigyr]

The part that sucks the most is that magazines perpetuate this ridiculous discrimination. Sure, I guess it could be argued that it's a reflection of the real world attitude; but it definitely is not a reflection of real women who love to ride.

Yes, DH got his, and since the subscription is in his name, no women's section.

Utter hooey.

~T~

The majority of things are geared (as it were) toward men. Womens magazines are fluff and how to take care of our homes and men. Don't get me wrong...I love recipes, etc., but women generally aren't taken seriously. We know the names of male athletes but female ones aren't as well-known. It's sad.

I got the womens section. You weren't missing much, unfortunately. I think it's silly, why can't men read about women and why not put it in all copies?

[mimitabby]

Be sure and let BICYCLING magazine know what you think. I wrote to them and received a reply, but i'm only one person. you know?

[DirtDiva]

I've never read Bicycling magazine and really don't feel compelled to start. Looking back at the email kg was sent, it does rather look like they've done exactly the sort of article they said they would, but what a missed opportunity. How much better would it have been if they'd actually given all eight women that kit to use for a month and written all about how it had actually improved their riding, or at least made it more comfortable? That's the kind of advertising that makes me want to buy stuff.

[madscot13]

whoa yeah that is a good idea DirtDiva! These are fantastic women with lofty goals. Why not actually help them achieve their goals and put their money where their mouth is err pen. But hey the stuff loses their value after they've been used lets give it to them, huh?