New Biker, Was recently shunned!

[bicyclulz]

:o Hello All! First time poster, almost a first time biker and just wanted to share my newbie story:


Some background...

So, its been YEARS since I have been on a bike. But my bf got into cycling and decided that it was time for me to get on a bike again (I have not been on one since my pink huffy ca. 1992). Well, this was almost 6 months ago. I was riding on a Raleigh steel frame bike with friction shifters (!!). I loved that bike....

Well, this past weekend my wonderful guy bought me a new FUJI Finest 2.0 as a present and as a reason to convince me to go out to see him ride in his first century. Since I have only been commuting to the office (7 miles one way---easiest commute on a bike!), I haven't had a chance to get on the road and really have a good long ride. I surely wasn't ready for a full century so I decided to just ride 25 miles.

Here's where the story really begins...

I loved how the new bike felt. it was light and fast and pink! Now, I have always considered myself athletic, but more in the soccer and lacrosse side rather than cycling, but nonetheless, I am by no means scared of a little sweat. There were a ton of women on this 25 and 50 mile route. We stopped at the first rest stop at this mill about 10 miles into the ride. I was feeling amazing and couldn't wait to get back on the road. I was chatting with a group of riders who were riding together as part of a weekend cycling club and they were super nice to me and very encouraging as far as me finishing the ride without wanting to give up biking forever.

I left this group, went to the restrooms and chatted with a few more people in line. there was a group of about 4 women, all about my age, who walked back over to where our bikes were and I smiled and tried to strike up a conversation when one of the women took a look at my bike, smirked, and said in a very catty way, "Cute bike...and look, its pink." Her pals laughed and the other one turned to her friends and fired off with this gem: "I hate girls sometimes...always out riding in flashy colors. Might as well have ribbons in their hair...," all while giving me this nasty look.

Now, my first instinct was to fire back with some rude comment right back... but I held off. THEN, when i was getting back on my bike they laughed and one girl roared with "I wonder if she can even make it back...."

I was so outraged that I think it just fueled my fire and instead of riding just 25, I worked off that anger and rode for another 15 miles before calling it quits.

I want to ride that century next summer and do the full ride....and I surely am not going to let a bunch of catty chicks make me feel lame just because i haven't been riding all my life! We all have to start somewhere right?

ok, that's all. Just wanted to vent about a negative almost-first time riding experience!

[Pedal Wench]

How completely rude! How can some people be so rude??? You should be SO proud that you went far beyond your previous limits - they probably could only do the 25, and their words were the only powerful things they had. Grrr. Makes me made. Especially since I have four pink bikes. Two of them are replicas of the PROFESSIONAL T-Mobile race team, and one of them with the colors of the PROFESSIONAL Lampre men's race team. Yeah - real racers race pink bikes!

Oh yeah - you didn't have a negative first-time experience. YOU rocked. THEY were the ones with the problems!

[indigoiis]

Uh, how old were these... women?

You know, the new Trek Pilot, which retails for around a thousand bucks, is pepto bismal pink. And after test riding it, I can tell ya, it's no ribbon bike.

http://bandlbicycles.com/merchant/914/images/site/PinkPilot.jpg

Congrats on your first quarter plus century. Keep enjoying your fuji finest. I test rode one of those, too, and really liked it. I'm new at this, too, and appreciate the desire to be a part of things -- the nice thing about TE is, you ARE!

[bicyclulz]

Thanks for the encouragement and nice words!:D

I am going to try a few routes this weekend. There was this great website called babesonbikes.com and they have a few cue sheets for rides in Arlington and in the Northern VA.DC.MD Area so I am really excited!

Also.....bf is getting me to try out some clipless pedals this weekend...wish me luck in not tipping over!!!!!

p.s these women were definitely in their late 20s/early 30s and should have learned how to not be such school yard bullies!

[mimitabby]

wow, what aZZholes!

I ride a gaudy bike and I know a lot of men who do too. Please know that
most of us bicyclists are not like that!

enjoy your new bike and your new passion. I hope you meet many more bicyclists who enjoy biking enough not to make asinine and nasty comments about other riders...

[East Hill]

All I can say is--it's obvious they weren't TE ladies.

Not proper TE ladies, at any rate :( .

So never mind them, just get out there and enjoy your PINK bike.

East Hill

[PinkPilot]

Uh, how old were these... women?

You know, the new Trek Pilot, which retails for around a thousand bucks, is pepto bismal pink. And after test riding it, I can tell ya, it's no ribbon bike.



Trust me (and the rest of us who bought this no longer available 2007 Trek Pilot 5.2 WSD, although that's a picture of the 2006 model)......she retailed for three times that!!!! And she's an all-carbon powerhouse and light as a rose petal. With an experienced rider--or maybe someone p*ssed off enough after their comments to be raging with adrenaline--she would leave them whimpering in her wake!

I'm new to cycling entirely myself and I can totally identify with you since I have not yet ridden in any event like this. I'm outraged.

There was a thread a few days ago about "motivation". Like you this past weekend, bicyclulz, I just now figured out what mine is! Ride on, FUJI Finest!!!!!!!!!

[Eden]

don't worry about people like that - they are most likely insecure and try to bolster themselves by putting down others.
Just take that pink bike out and show them what you're made of. At 5' tall and a little over 100 lbs, I do not cut an imposing figure by any stretch of the imagination and I often hear comments about my "cute little bike", but most people find rather quickly that it does not pay to underestimate me - I won 3 state championship medals this year ;)

[silver]

don't pay any attention to these people! Up with Pink Bikes (I don't have one)

There are some really snobby cyclist out there. But I think there are soooooo many more friendly cyclists!

Where's a picture of TrekJeni's purple bike with the purple streamers on the handlebars? She can stream past most of the riders out there on that baby.

I get the snobby thing from road cyclists quite a bit, because......I'm thin, I'm a triathlete, I was riding with someone who was killed.....:( Then I get the snobby thing from the tri folks because I don't ride a tri bike. Oh well!

here's another pink bike thread

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=14133&page=3&highlight=streamers

I could only find a picture of Jeni's bike from her wreck pics:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10083&highlight=streamers

[bicyclulz]

Just wanted to let you all know that your words of encouragement have been amazing....

....wish me luck...i try clipless tonight!

[mimitabby]

how about this bike :cool: :cool: :D :D :cool:

[Eden]

or this outfit....
http://www.alkirubiconracing.com/little100/2007Little100slides/images/DSC_0141.jpg
http://www.alkirubiconracing.com/little100/2007Little100slides/images/DSC_0132.jpg

[Jo-n-NY]

I will repeat what everyone else said, IGNORE THAT SNOBBY LADIES if you want to call them ladies. geeeez I am sure next year you will be riding right past and leaving them in the dust if they are still riding by then.

Good luck with the clippless pedals. If you fall, do not worry, it happens to all of us :)

Chins up bicyclulz, you rode a great ride!!!!

~ JoAnn

[mimitabby]

well, Eden, at least YOU'RE wearing a helmet!

[teigyr]

It's too bad you couldn't have had some fun with them. I'm the type to say something to interject into their conversation ... like "oh RIBBONS! That would've been SO CUTE! Oh wow, I wish I would have thought of that. Thanks for the idea, I will definitely do that next time!" And at the rate I've coordinated things to my bike (the Bianchi, not the gaudy Orbea), I have even done things like match nail polish.

I know what it's like to be athletic but new at something. I would have felt bad too - swimming is new to me and if someone made fun of me or made me feel inferior, I'd be upset.

When I was first riding, I was doing a century on my mountain bike. I had equipped it with city tires but the bike was not geared for road riding. I was riding about 6,000 miles a year on it though and was proud that I could keep up with roadies on occasion. On a century once a guy said in this totally patronizing bike "oh wow, look at you go! That is SUCH a heavy bike!". It wasn't said in admiration, I felt like he was talking to a child. I ended up passing him on a hill. I really wanted to say something but I didn't.

Life is too short not to have fun. Nothing wrong with pink bikes or streamers or ribbons. Go see an Aids Ride sometime if you want to see festive :D

[mimitabby]

you did 6000 road miles in one year on an MTB! you rock girl!

[redrhodie]

:o Pink bikes are cool! Those chicks were just jealous!

Good luck with the clipless pedals! You'll love them in no time, I promise.

[Trek420]

I ended up passing him on a hill. I really wanted to say something but I didn't.

Life is too short not to have fun. Nothing wrong with pink bikes or streamers or ribbons. Go see an Aids Ride sometime if you want to see festive :D

A simple "on your left" would do at that point ;)

His buddies will take care of the rest "dude, you got passed by a gal, on a mountain bike, with knobbies...on a hill...." ;) :D :p

Trek-3 time California AIDS rider proud of my metalic pink bike-420


Good luck with the clipless pedals! You'll love them in no time, I promise.

And....you'll pass those gals in no time. Give them a cheery and very girly wave!!

[Zen]

I'm not a pink person but I'd NEVER say something like that and I don't know anyone who would. Everyone I've met so far has been nothing but welcoming and helpful. I'm sure they're out there but those nasty women are definitely a minority.
You don't even want to be associated with people like that. You'll meet so many more nice people you might even start to feel bad for that group.

[teigyr]

you did 6000 road miles in one year on an MTB! you rock girl!

That was before I knew better. I had more fun on that bike!!! Even toyed with the idea of putting aerobars on it. I loved the fact it (or I) didn't look fast but I could average 18-20 mph on 50 mile rides. Somehow can't seem to do that on the "fast" road bike. Go figure. I think I liked the challenge of surprising people.

[Deanna]

What a bunch of BEE-ITCHES. Everytime I hear of people making mean comments about pink bikes, or stereotyping them as girlie, I think of a good friend of my husbands. Though he doesn't compete he is one of the strongest riders we know and for years he rode a pink Ritchie and bike shorts with lace up the side. The first century my husband an I did on a tandem, his wife and him did it on a tandem as well. At about mile 40, he cut off back to the start to drop his wife off. Once there, he hopped on his pink bike, went back to the course where he turned off, then proceeded to catch and pass us at about mile 70.

[Zen]

I could average 18-20 mph on 50 mile rides. Somehow can't seem to do that on the "fast" road bike.

If I could do that I'd keep riding that bike!

[bicyclulz]

...drinking their hatorade?

But again, you guys have been nothing but amazing...and giving me great personal stories that only make me proud to 1) be out there riding 2) be out there riding in all my very girly glory.

Also, just wanted to share PINKZILLA will all you wonderful ppl!

http://www.waterfrontbikes.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/fine2_3.jpg

[mimitabby]

ah very cool bike! and welcome to TE!

[northstar]

Ooh, beautiful bike. Enjoy it!

Stupid people are...well...just stupid. Unfortunately, they're everywhere. :o And many of them feel their commentary is valuable.

Try not to let it bother you...you've got a beautiful bike to ride!

[DarcyInOregon]

I ride the pink Pilot 5.2 WSD too. It is an awesome bike.

TE ladies do make rude comments about the color pink. There are other past threads and they use such terms as "girlie." It is very insulting and sexist. I always figure if someone has to denigrate another person, then the problem lies within that person.

Bicyclulz, your bike is quite pretty. I've ridden my pink bike all year and get mostly nice comments from other cyclists. When you need new tires, try the pink tires that TE sells. And try pink handlebar tape.

Darcy

[Ninabike]

Very nice bike. Did any of you see the pink, special edition Giro d' Italia jersey that Terry was carrying a few months ago? I bought one because it was so beautiful. They must have sold out because it is not on their site any longer.

[wannaduacentury]

:o Hello All! First time poster, almost a first time biker and just wanted to share my newbie story:


Some background...

So, its been YEARS since I have been on a bike. But my bf got into cycling and decided that it was time for me to get on a bike again (I have not been on one since my pink huffy ca. 1992). Well, this was almost 6 months ago. I was riding on a Raleigh steel frame bike with friction shifters (!!). I loved that bike....

Well, this past weekend my wonderful guy bought me a new FUJI Finest 2.0 as a present and as a reason to convince me to go out to see him ride in his first century. Since I have only been commuting to the office (7 miles one way---easiest commute on a bike!), I haven't had a chance to get on the road and really have a good long ride. I surely wasn't ready for a full century so I decided to just ride 25 miles.

Here's where the story really begins...

I loved how the new bike felt. it was light and fast and pink! Now, I have always considered myself athletic, but more in the soccer and lacrosse side rather than cycling, but nonetheless, I am by no means scared of a little sweat. There were a ton of women on this 25 and 50 mile route. We stopped at the first rest stop at this mill about 10 miles into the ride. I was feeling amazing and couldn't wait to get back on the road. I was chatting with a group of riders who were riding together as part of a weekend cycling club and they were super nice to me and very encouraging as far as me finishing the ride without wanting to give up biking forever.

I left this group, went to the restrooms and chatted with a few more people in line. there was a group of about 4 women, all about my age, who walked back over to where our bikes were and I smiled and tried to strike up a conversation when one of the women took a look at my bike, smirked, and said in a very catty way, "Cute bike...and look, its pink." Her pals laughed and the other one turned to her friends and fired off with this gem: "I hate girls sometimes...always out riding in flashy colors. Might as well have ribbons in their hair...," all while giving me this nasty look.

Now, my first instinct was to fire back with some rude comment right back... but I held off. THEN, when i was getting back on my bike they laughed and one girl roared with "I wonder if she can even make it back...."

I was so outraged that I think it just fueled my fire and instead of riding just 25, I worked off that anger and rode for another 15 miles before calling it quits.

I want to ride that century next summer and do the full ride....and I surely am not going to let a bunch of catty chicks make me feel lame just because i haven't been riding all my life! We all have to start somewhere right?

ok, that's all. Just wanted to vent about a negative almost-first time riding experience!

Someone needs to cinch their pigtails! How rude, I hope they got dropped. You did great to ride another 15 miles and the nice people you talked to were the ones that count. Keep riding, I like pink too. My road id is pink. Jenn :)

[VeloVT]

I'm so sorry... I can't believe adults said this to you, it seems so junior-high.

About the ribbons thing... I just absolutely abhor this argument. Like somehow you can't be strong AND feminine. It's actually insulting to women. Apparently the only good woman is a man, and in order to be taken seriously, women must be as man-like as possible.

People who know me consider me a feminist and apologize in advance before making certain jokes or comments... but I don't feel a bit guilty pulling out stilettos, red lipstick, anything pink, etc.

And I'm an athlete. I want to be as strong and fast as I can. I'm not afraid to sweat or hurt or get muddy. But when I run my outfits match (and sometimes involve pink), and I have pink all over my bike, and usually wear pink when on my pink bike. (I have three different shades of PINK armwarmers :o ...). I'm still secretly worried that my bike might be **ugly** (sometimes it's hard to be objective), but not worried a bit that it's pink.

So that's my rant.

But, at the same time, for the past year I've really wanted to try some local group rides and I've been afraid to do so because I'm still a relatively new rider and I don't want to have to deal with snotty attitudes...

[7rider]

Wow.
Meeeeee---yow!!!
Who spiked their waterbottles with nasty-juice??
Some people just have NO class.

As you can see, not all cyclists hold that attitude.
In fact, I think you may find that "cyclists" - and I really have to put that in quotes - such as you encountered on your ride, are truly a minority. This is particularly true on organized rides where FUN and comraderie are the order of the day.

You'll never get that kind of treatment from us D.C. area TE'ers!
Welcome to you and Pinkzilla.

[Pyannyplayer]

PINK ROCKS! Don't let those snobs get to you! Geez! I didn't know Trek had a pink bike until AFTER I bought my blue one last year, soooooo......guess where my baby is going on Monday? To Trek to be painted PINK!!! :p Oh yeah! I want people to KNOW it's a girl passing them - PINK ROCKS! It's how all my friends know that I'm riding - all in pink from my helmet to my socks (even the accents on my bike shoes) and soon my bike!

I feel bad that these people said these things to you; all the cyclists I know are just so darn nice! My mom always said (and I'm sure ALL our moms said this) "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". It's my rule to live by.

Kudos for ignoring them; just grin and wave when you pass them ;)

Lorie

[Pyannyplayer]

I should mention that my favorite biking buddy, my DH, wears bright orange down to his shoes! We make quite the pair, but it's what we like. Sometimes someone might say something about my pink and his orange (we do clash a bit :rolleyes: ), but we just tell them it's what we like. I don't like blue, but a gal that rides with me does......cool! I would never "bad mouth" her blue bike or her matching blue jersey (her tri outfit even matches her bike which I think is so neat!). Another friend likes bright yellow while another always rides a bike that's red; again, cool! Whatever makes a person happy. Just don't "bad mouth" someone else's choices!

BTW "Pinkzilla" is not only dang pretty, she has the NIFTIEST NAME!

Lorie

[elk]

I'm with Liza and Tyeger... WTF is wrong with ribbons anyway?????????
Do they think that the only way to be legit is to dress like men???

Phooey.

I started wearing lipstick when I was 20. It was becasue of this great scene in Hitchcock's Lifeboat. This cruise ship goes down . Next scene: Tallulah Bankhead is sitting in a lifeboat out in the middle of the ocean, all by herself and the first thing we see her do is put her lipstick on....

Now THAT is cool...:D

[KnottedYet]

Does anyone remember, 20 years ago or so, the Ladies Mountain Biking and Tea Society? One of the first bunches of women to really get out and ride with the men, and they always wore pearls and lace gloves and "girly" stuff so the guys knew they were being passed by women.

Folks who make rude comments about your pink bike (and hoping you'll hear it) are insecure and trying to make themselves feel better by putting you down.

I'm not a pink bike kind of gal, but I have a pink helmet and lavender bar tape and usually ride in a skort.

Ride on!

[Trek420]

Does anyone remember, 20 years ago or so, the Ladies Mountain Biking and Tea Society? One of the first bunches of women to really get out and ride with the men, and they always wore pearls and lace gloves and "girly" stuff so the guys knew they were being passed by women.


Wasn't that W.O.M.B.A.T.S?

Womens Mountain Bike and Tea Society? :cool: Think they still ride around here. :D :p

Cyclists are generally some of the friendliest folk around, these gals the exception to the rule. Don't let the idiots get you down. Ride on. :)

BTW; what were they riding? I bet your bike has nothing to be envious of.

[KnottedYet]

Yeah, baby, the WoMBATS, I knew you'd remember!

[Trek420]

Yeah, baby, the WoMBATS, I knew you'd remember!

Thank you! Yes, I am a veritable font of worthless trivia....and where are my keys? :rolleyes: ;)

[onimity]

Wow, that's seriously immature & I'm sorry you were treated so rudely. I've encountered bikesnobs of so many sorts & it's a shame to see people that have so little self confidence that they have to cut others down or think poorly of them because they have different preferences/budgets/whatever.

One guy that I see pretty often on my commute home was always friendly when I was on my road bike but would sneer and not return my hello when I was on my MTB. One day I was riding the MTB kept right behind him for 2 miles at 20 MPH after he passed me (sneering) and then blasted past him on a tough hill with my fully-loaded panniers and messenger bag. I looked right at him and smiled as I said 'on your left.' He is friendly anytime he sees me now. :) I shouldn't have let my ego get to me, but it was fun...

But the vast majority are friendly like the crowd you see here. And pink bikes rock! I always make a point of complimenting them because I am jealous. I got a great deal on my bike but I wish it weren't red. Every other piece of bike gear I have is pink. :)

Rock on & enjoy the new ride. Make sure you wear ribbons next year! And maybe decorate your bike with a kids horn and little flowered basket full of stones to throw at them as you pass! I'm kidding, but just barely! :D

Enjoy your beautiful new bike!

Anne

[Zen]

i don't care for pink...
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/medone.jpg
but I do like baby blue :D

And pink & orange are a great combination!

[crazycanuck]

K...I might not like pink clothes, bikes, etc..BUT i'm not going to say to the person''s face that I don't like them.

If you want to ride a pink bike, please do.


C

[SouthernBelle]

Wish we could find out who it was, sneak over to her house, and spray paint her bike luminescent pink.

OK. Just ignore that bit of imaginary vandalism.

[elk]

Here's another nasty response I fantasized about:

"yeah, its pink: I ride in spport of women w/breast cancer...who do you ride for?"

:eek:

[Zen]

You need some of these http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2007/09/official-bsnyc-seal-of-disapproval.html

[Velobambina]

Were those girls still in High School? Obviously, they haven't evolved since that time in their lives. Sounds like you handled the situation well by not reacting to their comments. Dignity always wins out over meanness.

I think your bike is pretty. I have two pink Lunas, by the way.

[OakLeaf]

Good grief.

Ya know, in my kid days I had a snobby attitude myself, but I NEVER would have made a comment like that out loud.

You know what happened to my snobby attitude? FloJo.

I suppose the people who dissed you are too young to remember her. But watching FloJo tear up the Olympics on TV pretty much drilled into my head that having perfect hair and makeup and long fingernails does NOT mean you're not an athlete!!!! And if someone feels it's worth it to take the time with their apearance (self or gear) before drenching it with sweat and grime, well, fine. Good. I wish I had their energy. (Not that she had to put a helmet on over that perfect hair ;) )

You rock. As for the ones who dissed you, I hope for their sake that they get over themselves, but if they don't, it's their loss.

[Trek420]

You need some of these http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2007/09/official-bsnyc-seal-of-disapproval.html

They're sold out....so you need this nifty chain guard

www.triathletesports.com/Bianchi-Your-Bike-Sucks-Decal-p/acacmi0023.htm

[KnottedYet]

No, not that chainguard.

The bikes are the innocent victims of those chickies' poor upbringing. All bikes are beautiful, all bikes deserve love. From the lowliest box-store beastie to the finest Vanilla Cycles work of art.

We need the chainguard that says "Your snobby attitude s*cks." :D

[Starfish]

I commend all you wise women for your excellent attitudes. Am I the only one here who would have lost her temper and, in the absence of a quick-thinking brain, shot out a succinct FU?

Sorry, not proud of it, and it isn't right, but it could happen. :o

[Trek420]

We need the chainguard that says "Your snobby attitude s*cks." :D

Well, my chainguard says 'Lizardskins" but where is the chainguard that says "Don't laugh, I'm passing you"

Problem with that idea is the person you're passing does not see it so we need the one that says "That's MS on your left, to you"

[KnottedYet]

Well, my chainguard says 'Lizardskins" but where is the chainguard that says "Don't laugh, I'm passing you"

Problem with that idea is the person you're passing does not see it so we need the one that says "That's MS on your left, to you"

Dunno about your bikes, but mine have the drivetrain on the right. So as I'm passing someone my drivetrain (and therefore chainguard) is facing them.

So, "Don't laugh, I'm passing you" would work just fine.
'cept mine would have to say, "Don't laugh, I'm trying to pass you."

[Trek420]

Dunno about your bikes, but mine have the drivetrain on the right. So as I'm passing someone my drivetrain (and therefore chainguard) is facing them.


Duh, you're right, dear :rolleyes:


So, "Don't laugh, I'm passing you" would work just fine.
'cept mine would have to say, "Don't laugh, I'm trying to pass you."

No, yours says "Don't laugh racer boy, you're being passed by a gal in a skort on a steel bike with racks and pannier and fenders and platform pedals ...."

But seriously you can get shunned with any bike. My road bike's kinda special, an obviously full custom Mondonico in a lovely custom lavender metallic. And there aren't many Mondonicos in the first place.

So like VW's in the 70's we tend to wave to each other.

On the Cinderella last year I was already having the foot issues that have me on injured reserve now (shoulda been a clue) so I was slower than my usual slow but steady pace.

But I went and at the first rest stop there were two Mondonicos. So I park my bike next (think there's a picture here somewhere of the 3 bikes) went off to do the rest stop thang, got back - they have left. We played this game of tag throughout. Get to lunch, triplet Mondonicos, leave they are gone etc. At some point I passed them then about 2 miles from the end the two gals catch up, I look left, small wave and say a cheerie "Hey, nice bikes!" Nuthin', they just whizzed past.

Maybe they were tired but I really thought "we're faster than you....bye"

[KnottedYet]

... and flip-flops. don't forget the flip-flop sandals! :D

[Trek420]

... and flip-flops. don't forget the flip-flop sandals! :D

This is not going to fit on a chain guard .... maybe on a wool jersey. Which reminds me "...and wearing wool" we forgot the wool :p :rolleyes: ;)

[Trekhawk]

I commend all you wise women for your excellent attitudes. Am I the only one here who would have lost her temper and, in the absence of a quick-thinking brain, shot out a succinct FU?

Sorry, not proud of it, and it isn't right, but it could happen. :o

Snort!!!:D :D
Oh Starfish your honesty makes me laugh. I probably would have thought that too.:)

[nancynyc]

I loved elk's retort about riding for breast cancer. It's amazing how idiotic and 7th grade those women were. Wow. I've heard that at the turn of the 20th century, pink was considered more appropriate for boys b/c it was a stronger color. At any rate, pinkzilla is beautiful! Enjoy!

[Zen]

Somebody needs a pair of these
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=23673
Maybe me :p

[Trek420]

Nothing like passing someone while wearing ....

[lph]

I'd really like one of those. But I DO wish that slug didn't look quite so... um... well.

I wish it could be redesigned with a snail or something. :o

edit: I'd like a pair of bike shorts with the following message printed over the back:

Catch Up.

[bicyclulz]

Oh Noes! I need one of those hill slug jerseys!

I was thinking that although there are numerous trails in this area I will probably run into these biker bozos sooner or later....

....should I smirk? make sure im not tipping over on my new clipless? wave smile then smoke them on the trail?

[Eden]

My bike may be burgundy red, but I wore a ponytail holder with ribbons attached to it in your honor this weekend ;)

[bicyclulz]

Thanks eden!

[SandyLS]

Eventually I'll get around to posting about my 5 day Labor Day tour this year, but for now I'll just say that I rode the whole thing (480 miles) with a tiera on my helmet, a monkey on my flag pole and a sign that said "Ask me about my Grandkids". Luckily any would be bike snobs kept their opinions to themselves and let me enjoy the ride. Some times you just have to ignore the rest of the world and do what makes you happy. (Like ride a pink bike!)

[rij73]

Sorry I'm late to this thread... I'm not quick on the draw with the snarky comments, but the breast cancer retort would have been brilliant...

As it is, it was good that you didn't tell them where to go, because I find that when nasty people get called out, they only get nastier and feel justified in being rude in the first place...

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with some people??? :confused:

[Geonz]

Welp, I figure if I rode with nice people, and I rode by beechy people, I would focus on the former. I can't control what they have to say, but I can control which folks I focus on... this, of course, being said from a safe distance. I suspect had I been on the scene I'd have said something like, "well, aren't *we* the happy ambassadors for cycling?" or "WHo put sand in your chamois?" or "Does this mean you won't kick your dog?" or "does your crank arm need adjusting?"

[rij73]

"WHo put sand in your chamois?"

LOL! :D

[lph]

Or the good old "What an amazingly rude thing to say!", with a BIG smile on your face.

[amymisk]

I cannot believe that people can be so rude.

As my avatar clearly shows, I like pink.

I might have had fun with the comment and responded with a "Yes, it is pink, and my lovely LeMond has a Floyd Landis signature on it in hot pink as well. How do you like me now?" I will tend to respond to rudeness with equal rudeness, but the signature on the bike stops a lot of people with their pink comments. Floyd signed it with no problem in pink.

I would venture to say those rude women never watch a pro race- no color is off limits.

[bicyclulz]

Amy,

i love your signature. And thanks for the kind words of encouragement....

..i cant bike fast worth a damn, but i try:-)

[Cactus Flower]

Hi everyone - I'm new to this site and pretty new to cycling.

I'll tell you what - there are WAY more friendly accepting riders out there than those women you encountered. And your story made me smile. When I went to pick out my bike, I took my trainer with me. She's a triathlete and has completed the IronMan THREE times (training for her fourth). One of the first things out of her mouth was, "What color are you gonna get? The pink ones are so HOT!"

See? You never know. I didn't end up with a pink Fuji, but a Fuji nonetheless and it is AWESOME!

I'm about to go for my first group ride tomorrow and already the group has been very welcoming. I'm so lucky - hang in there, and you'll have many wonderful stories to share as well.

[flirtees]

I'm one of those women who bought my first bike based on colour. I love to chat and gossip on long group rides. I love to buy kits that match. We all do our nails before a race. WE love Pink!!! The common denominator is that we love to ride. We should all encourage women to ride.

It's wonderful to read everyone's posts! This is a great community of women cyclists. Look forward to chatting.

Tanya

[quint41]

Late getting into this thread, but just wanted to say ...

1) the vast majority of cyclists are fantastic people. Which leads me to believe those women you encountered are not "real" cyclists.

2) I agree with the very first comment -- they probably are not capable of riding any farther than 25. My very first thought was, "if you're such a great cyclist yourself, why aren't you out on the century?"

3) I heard of a guy on a group ride (and this guy was apparently all man), who rides one of those pretty pastel teal green Bianchi's. He had the green bike, water bottle, bar tape and even the helmet to match! I'd like to hear them comment on his pastel ride!

4) Someday I'm going to have MY frame powder coated like this:

[sundial]

Personally, I would be honored to be smoked by a chick on a pink bike. :)

[LadyInMotion]

I know this is a late response, hadn't been online in awhile but I also had a similiar experience as a new rider. I winced as I read this because I know how it feels when you want to fit in and some are determined that you are not.

No they did not attack the color of my bike and no, its not pink. I brought up the end of a group (both F and M)ride and two of the front female riders made a comment they didn't think the big girl was going to make it - in not so nice tones and both laughed. Others nearby looked very uncomfortable and obviously did not know what to say. Yes, I know I am a big girl trying to lose the weight and I know my face was red and sweaty but by-gosh I did it and I was not going to let these two diminish my accomplishment. The adult thing to have done would have been to ignore them but I just couldn't. I just smiled and said "I'm sorry {long pause}...exercise usually helps PMS." and then went over to fountain and refilled my water bottle. I did notice after that others made a point to smile or encourage me on the ride.

There are some like this in all groups, not just cyclists, and they will ridicule anything and it really wasn't about the color of your bike or my size they had a problem with.

[indigoiis]

When I first rode with the local bike shop, I was riding my mountain bike.
The owner told me to leave early with the fat bottom girls.

I couldn't believe what he said. I looked at him askance. "Tha whaaat?"

What he really said was "The flat-bar'd girls" meaning, the girls on mountain or fitness bikes who were leaving early because of having fatter tires / slower bikes.

His accent really threw me off.

[KnottedYet]

"Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go 'round.... ....Get on your bikes and RIDE!" (Queen)

Dang, I wanna start a "Fat Bottomed Girls" ride! We could have so much fun! Extra points if your saddle has springs! (mine does :D )

I think I'll post one up for November, and see if anyone wants to join me!

[elk]

I would LOVE to come along...with my springs and my brick house bottom...;-)
but you're far....

e

[KnottedYet]

Not THAT far! A mere 3 1/2 hrs away!

[onimity]

Knotted, you ride fast!!! :D

I *so* wish I could join in the Fat bottomed girls ride! It would be great ride for my Queen Bicycle Race jersey! (when I wear it though, I am surprised by how many people have bike bells. :) )

I think it was one of the local RAAM racers that said that the thing he liked most about Boulder was how many people he saw every day on their bikes and the thing he liked least was how many gray-haired ladies passed him on mountain bikes loaded down with groceries. :)

Anne

[sundial]

Extra points if your saddle has springs! (mine does :D )

What about bicycle bells? Any extra points? ;)

[KnottedYet]

Oh, yeah, bike bells are also extra points! (each of my bikes have springs and bells, so of course I'm gonna go for extra points!):D

Still got reflectors in your spokes and on your platform pedals? More points! (I like to be seen in Seattle's gray low-light days, bring on the reflectors!)

I think I'll try to do up a Fat Bottomed Girls ride in November. It'll probably rain, but who cares!

[teigyr]

"Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go 'round.... ....Get on your bikes and RIDE!" (Queen)

Dang, I wanna start a "Fat Bottomed Girls" ride! We could have so much fun! Extra points if your saddle has springs! (mine does :D )

I think I'll post one up for November, and see if anyone wants to join me!

ME ME ME!!! That would be fantastic. No springs, alas, but I match some of the other criteria :rolleyes:

[bicyclulz]

To LadyinMotion/Pam: Wow, that was a very sheisty thing for those "ladies" to say and I applaud you for getting a comeback in! So jealous, wish i had a chance to shun them right back.

And to everyone else who has had similar experiences, I am so grateful to hear so much encouragement and similar stories. I know for me its made me a bit hesitant to meet up and go on a group ride because I don't want to not be able to keep up (I am a self-proclaimed slug). But I did go on my own little mini 14+ mile ride around this neighborhood while my daughter and BF were out on a mountain biking group ride:-)

So cheers to us ladies who keep riding:-)

xxoo Bicyclulz

[sundial]

Aw man, why do you guys have all the fun?

Guess I'll have to stick to my backroads solo rides. :p

[Running Mommy]

Coming in VERY later here, BUT I have to say.. I COVET pink bikes! Never been able to find one that fits me when I'm looking for a new steed, but I just LOVE them! I dream of pink, and your Fuji is GORGEOUS! When I saw that the company that makes my tri bike (QR) is now making a pink bike, I almost traded mine in on the spot! :p

And MOMELISA- a TE tri stud from here in the valley- rides the most beeeuuteefull pink tri bike! She proudly calls her malibu barbie, and boy howdy does she smoke the Ironman courses on her! In fact there are a few pro women who not only RIDE pink bikes, but wear all pink in the Ironman races.
Arrgghh
I wish we could all run into those dults at a ride. I think we all have something to say!

Sheesh, there is just no room in this sport for hate like that! Personally I'm not into vintage bikes, or some of the more classic looks the ladies are into here, but I don't think any less of them. I think all bikes are beautiful in their own way!

I dunno, I think some bike karma is going to come to those jerks! And it AINT gonna be pretty! :cool:

[elk]

I got bells
I got springs
I got reflectors all over the place including spokes and pedals AND
...get this...
I have an orange reflecting vest that has batteries so it LIGHTS UP!!!

[wannaduacentury]

I like pink and purple bikes although mine are silver and black. I like to wear pink & purple too. But I do have a question about the reflectors on the wheels. Is it taboo? I left mine on. Just wondering ;) :rolleyes: :D :confused: :)

[DirtDiva]

Not taboo, just a bit dorky. :p Personally, I'd leave 'em on a commuter bike and take 'em off anything else.

[Eden]

But I do have a question about the reflectors on the wheels. Is it taboo? I left mine on. Just wondering ;) :rolleyes: :D :confused: :)

Wheel reflectors actually do cause a subtle wobble, but seriously, unless you make a habit of flying down mountain sides at 45mph its not going to be noticable (it is a bit disoncerting if you do actually do this though....) The reflectors they put on these days are kind of junky though - I'd take them off just because I'm not so sure how secure they really are. I'd hate for one to break and lodge in the spokes - ouch!

Someone brought a bunch that attach old school style back from India and gave them to the bike shop down the street from me - too cool - peacocks, rabbits and other fancy shapes. My expensive wheels came with reflective stickers on the rims rather than spoke reflectors.

[KnottedYet]

I have spoke reflectors, pedal reflectors, reflective sidewall tires, and reflective tape here and there.

And I still don't feel bright enough...;)

[jules]

if it makes you feel better, that kind of thing doesn't just happen to new cyclists, or to women cyclists. i've been made fun of, my boyfriend has been made fun of, and what it boils down to is that some people are just mean. it's a shame that they bring their negative energy to a group ride. it's clear to me that they were just intimidated by a new face. if they were really confident as cyclists, they would encourage and welcome the new person. so, no worries for you. good times ahead!!

[ibcycling]

Hey, I might be able to make the "Fat Bottomed Girls" ride! I'm going to post a thread when I know the dates for sure but I'll be in Seattle for 2 weeks training on my new job. :D Of course my bike HAS to go with me and I'll need some of you gals to show me around. I've been to Seattle twice since we moved here and LOVE it! I'm not a city gal but for some reason Seattle spoke to me and I'd love to ride there! I don't have a pink bike but I definitely qualify as a fat bottomed girl.

Lora

[teresa]

Why do women treat each other this way? I hate that you had that experience. I've only been on one organized ride myself and I know how out of place I felt and that would have really hurt my feelings. I am especially glad that this forum exists for women to share that kind of experience and then receive the support they DESERVE from other women. My bike is sea foam green with flowers painted on the top bar and I love it!! I hope you do the century next year. I hope I can ever do one.

[sassyc]

Those girls aren't cool enough for pink!

I have a friend (male) who is an INSANE athlete. He has pink streamers on his MTB, and a pink Chris King headset (which retails for $125ish, snazy).

... and his girlfriend just bought a pink Ellsworth Truth... retails for over $5,000!!

so there. :p

[teresa]

That is one very secury man!! I don't know him but I love him already!! Yes, pink does rock! And sea foam green! And streamers! :)

[mimitabby]

secury?
what IS a secury man?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I got a new digital camera for myself a few months ago. I'm not sure why, but all the black and silver ones seemed so boring to me, and plus i wanted my camera to be "different" from my DH's clunky older digital camera. So i got a PINK one! :p :p
When DH saw it, he said "Hah, I bet you bought that pink camera so that I would be too embarrassed to borrow it and use it, right?....well your plan WON'T WORK!"

That's a secury man.
;) :D :D :D

[Pedal Wench]

I just rode my mtb for the 3-Day, with pink streamers, a pink stuffed hare on my seatpost bag, and every inch of the top tube covered by a fuzzy pink boa. And people thought I was a hero for doing it. Proud to be Pink.

[teresa]

Sorry, don't know what was going on with my fingers. What I was trying to type was "secure", not "secury". Now I'm not feeling very "secury" about my typing.

[alicestrong]

Hey there

Sorry that happened...:confused:

I'm building my first fixed gear bike and it's going to be pink. Yeah! Proud to be pink!

[caribou]

What a great thread!

Check this out for something similar from Seana Hogan, multiple-time Race Across America woman winner who gave the guys a run for their money, too:

http://gainesvillecyclingclub.org/1995/10seana.html

I also had a snitty comment from a woman rider once, re. my Speedplay cleats, of all things. She seemed put out the whole ride that I was there; everybody else was nice. This was a group ride I was trying for the first time. At our rest stop, she said loudly, in a snarky voice, in my hearing, "Those cleats she's wearing. Those are the ones that are supposed to be hard to walk in, aren't they?"

I was too shocked to give the obvious answer--"They're a little awkward to walk in, but they're meant for riding and they're great for that"--which would have been delivered with a sweet smile and tone of voice that made it clear that I was the much nicer person of the two of us ;) . Needless to say, never tried a ride with that group again.

Thank heavens most riders, women AND men, are nice, supportive, etc. etc.

Re. FatBottom Girls Ride: maybe we need multiple venues at once!! An International FatBottom Girls Day. Complete with bike bells encourageed on all bikes. I would SO go for that!

And, is that Slug shirt available somewhere??????

Okay, enough time wasted reading about riding. Time to get on the bike.

[KnottedYet]

The hill slug shirt is here on TE: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=23089

Maybe the rude chickie was just jealous of your cleats. I've heard of road bike riders getting a little friendly harrassement for using mtb cleats, but can't say I've heard of someone getting it for road cleats! (and SPEEDPLAY of all things!)

[KnottedYet]

And I totally agre with Seana Hogan: I love whuppin' the racer types on my steel bikes while wearing a skirt and all the fred reflectors and screaming yellow I own. It's especially sweet when I'm also wearing my flip-flop sandals.

(the best one yet was when I did it on an uphill riding a steel mixte singlespeed! Wheeeeee!)