"Ride like a girl"... How do you feel about that?

[Running Mommy]

Ok, so Terry has a bunch of products with the phrase 'ride like a girl' on them.
We have the saddle in our terry test program here in the shop.
At first I thought that women would like it, or think it was kind of cute.
I've actually gotten quite the opposite reaction.
I'd say that three out four women tell me that they find it demeaning.
I had someone railing about it today...
So out of curiousity, what do you think about the "ride like a girl" merchandise- and things like it??

[crazycanuck]

I wonder if a woman would like something that says "ride like a boy"

I don't have a problem with it & wouldn't make a fuss about it.

I want the shirt that says "run like a girl"

[TxDoc]

Well, I have not had the chance to see any of the merchandise, so I'm speaking out of ignorance :D and I'm never fortunate with women-specific items (especially bikes and saddles, I find them totally uncomfortable, most of them!)...
But I would think that "ride like a girl" is appealing, it inspires the idea of items that are girly and maybe nice, colorful, or with some nicer design... So I guess if I see "ride like a girl" on the box I will at least stop and look at what's inside.
Not sure it makes sense, but it would make me curious to look at it or try it.

[Eden]

Intentionally girly things do not generally appeal to me. I would be highly unlikely to buy anything with the phrase on it in any case, insulting or not.

As I think about it more, I suppose I'd rather not be considered a "girl" for the rest of my life either.... I have grown up. I doubt you'd ever find things aimed at men that have the phrase "like a boy" associated with them. Men don't tend to find that cute at all - referring to a grown man as "boy" is usually a pretty bad insult.

[Zen]

I agree with Eden. I'm a woman and I'm not too fond of it either.
When someone says of a man "he (runs, swims, rides, whatever) like a girl, it's said as an insult. To perform a task "like a girl" insinuates the performance is sub-par.

[Kalidurga]

I've seen that "Ride Like a Girl" stuff in other shops and catalogs, and I also agree with Eden and Zen. I wouldn't say that I find it demeaning, but it does annoy me a little bit. I was well into my thirties before I began to feel like I had outgrown girlhood, so to be referred to as one now makes me feel like I'm back in kindergarten or something. Especially when other full-grown women go around calling each other "gurl" and "girlfriend".

And yet I have a severe case of Peter Pan syndrome and have avoided many of the more obvious trappings of adulthood. Go figure.

Could someone just come out with gear that reads "Ride Like a Person"?

[makbike]

I'm with Eden and Zen. If you were told you "throw like a girl" it would be an insult and leaves no doubt that you can't toss a ball. I personally would not purchase anything with this on it nor would I make a fuss about it. I simply would spend my money on other products.

[sfa]

My daughter had a shirt that said "dunk like a girl" that she wore to school when the second grade boys told her that girls couldn't play basketball. She showed them girls can.

I think that's the intention behind the "...like a girl" merchandise--it's taking a phrase that is meant traditionally as an insult and turning it into an asset. When you "ride like a girl" you aren't weak and powerless, but skilled and strong. Now, I might have a problem with it if it was put on wicker baskets with plastic daisies, but if it's put on quality performance products, it's all good.

Sarah

[indysteel]

I have a couple of "ride like a girl" items so they must not bother me too much. I think it's intended to be a little tongue in cheek. If anyone else, however, says I ride "like a girl" I'd be mad. There's a thread on Roadbikereview's forums about whether women feel uncomfortable climbing out of the saddle. Some of the gender stereotyping in the discussion has me a little miffed. The most irritating comment came from a guy complaining that his GF "climbs like a girl.". What, exactly does that mean? If that were my BF I'd run him over with my bike!

[ilima]

I don't mind the 'ride like a girl' stuff, but I probably wouldn't buy it, either.

OT-I can't believe your website is still hijacked.

[Flur]

I like it. I don't generally like "girly" stuff - flowers embroidered on my saddle, script lettering, etc, but if "ride like a girl" is done in a sporty manner, I'm down with it. I grew up as a tomboy, digging in the dirt, jumping off the top of the jungle gym with the boys, etc. People still gave me dolls and flowery dresses and that made me mad. My own aunt, who was a tomboy type herself, would ignore me b/c she thought I couldn't play catch with the boys, so she'd take my male cousins out to play instead. That made me mad too. But as I got older I made my peace with it and am proud to be a girl. I don't tend to think of myself as a woman even though I am one - to me it sounds too matronly to accurately describe me. So, yeah, I'm proud to throw like a girl, run like a girl and ride like a girl. After all, I'm a girl. And as anyone who's seen the Olympics knows, we girls can do all those things pretty well. :)

[SadieKate]

I have "ride like a girl" socks in multiple colors and love 'em. I wear them mountainbiking when I'm usually the only girl and frequently one of the faster climbers (cuz I ride with a lot of old farts) -- and do the least whining.

I'm never felt very feminine growing up even though others thought I was and I just didn't "get it", but as I've gotten older I'm really happy and content being feminine and doing the same tomboy-ish things. I was well into my 40s before the women on this board got me to try a pedicure and I've been hooked. Nothing like taking off your "ride like a girl" socks and having a huge bath rub ring on your ankles and grime ground into your sparkly toe nails.

It's just plain ol' fun.

BUT I wouldn't use a saddle or wear a jersey with the motto. It's has to be something small and inconspicuous to keep it a little personal joke.

[singletrackmind]

Like I could ride any other way???


Could care less about the slogan, but I don't like traditionally 'girly' stuff. For awhile there I was known as the chick that rides like a guy, whatever that means, and that didn't bother me either. It's the context that counts.

[Tuckervill]

"You throw like a girl" is one of my biggest pet peeves in youth baseball. I've been around youth baseball for 20 years, and now I'm president of the local league. More than once I've heard a coach say, "Don't throw like a girl!" and more than once I've said, "Hey! What's wrong with throwing like a girl?!"

I really didn't want my sons (with no sisters and therefore not as much exposure to girls as some other boys) to get the idea that being a girl was bad.

So for the last 4 years, my son has been on the all-star baseball team with a girl. When she was much younger she was really as good at baseball as almost any boy on the team, although some of the coaches didn't like to admit it. They still picked her every year, though, because she was that good.

At almost 15, though, the boys are starting to out grow her in a big way, so it won't be long until she can't hit their fast balls anymore or out run the throws to first. (That's okay becuase she still plays football and competitive fast pitch softball.) She gets comments sometimes from other teams. so this year at the state tournament, she smacked a ball way out in the outfield and burned the outfielder. Because I'd heard a comment from one of the boys on the other team, I stood up and yelled, "That's how to hit like a GIRL!"

It was such sweet revenge for having to listen to all those misogynist coaches all those years!

So yeah, take it back! Do it "like a girl."

Karen

[LBTC]

I used to go to a ladies only kickboxing class. We were looking at getting "kick like a girl" shirts made.

As long as the imagery that goes along with the phrase is tough, the empowering aspect of taking the phrase back really works for me. :o But, hey, I know that I'm not like other girls. :rolleyes:

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[momof4greatkids]

I had someone railing about it today...
So out of curiousity, what do you think about the "ride like a girl" merchandise- and things like it??

It's just fine, I would buy it (at the right price) It pokes fun at what some have said is a thinly veiled insult. It's always helpful to not take ourselves too seriously.

When you wear "ride like a girl" gear, bring your "A" game and represent the feminine gender w/courage and pride!

:D

Colleen

[sbctwin]

I like it :D ... My DH has bought me several things (t-shirt, sweatshirt) with the phrase because he knew I thought they were cute. They were a complete surprise for me and for that I think of the clothing as special. Maybe it's my age...at 55 and 'frumpy' I enjoy being able to 'ride like a girl' and totally enjoy myself :p:p:p

[OakLeaf]

As long as the imagery that goes along with the phrase is tough, the empowering aspect of taking the phrase back really works for me.

That's the key, for me. It has to be an image of a girl completely owning and mastering (mistressing?) the physicality of the sport.

[salsabike]

As long as the imagery that goes along with the phrase is tough, the empowering aspect of taking the phrase back really works for me.



Yeah, well said.

[Wahine]

I like it. But then again I often ride with the boyz and when they can't take 120 miles and I can, I often tell them they should learn to ride like a girl.:D:D

LBTC said it best.

[7rider]

There's a thread on Roadbikereview's forums about whether women feel uncomfortable climbing out of the saddle.

:confused::confused::confused: Huh? I don't understand that one at all.


Re: Ride Like a Girl.
I think folks over-think things sometimes.

There is a woman on my group ride who re-applies lipstick at ever rest/re-group spot. She's a national TT champ and she can whip just about anybody's butt - male or female - on a bike. She's got calves the size of Buicks.

There's another woman on the ride who was just showing off the ride color-coordinated toe nail polish she had done for a triathalon she just completed.

We tease them both that they are "Girly-girls" and slap each other on the back and call each other girlfriend ("Hey Girlfriend. Wassup??"). Our ages are in our 40's and 50's.

Our local mountainbike advocacy group has a women's ride program that's called "Ride Like a Girl (http://www.ridelikeagirl.org/)". It's designed to get women (or girls) to learn skills and get out in the woods riding in a fun, supportive environment. The guys join sometimes for "Ride Like a Dude" rides. But not always.

The whole intent is to be light-hearted and fun. Because isn't that what it's all supposed to be about??? I do this stuff for FUN. If you don't find it fun, then move away from it and move on.

p.s. ETA - that said...I probably wouldn't buy anything with a RLAG label...but then, I'm just not fond of the pink that it usually comes in. But I don't find it insulting.

[emily_in_nc]

I kinda like "Ride Like a Girl". I always took it to mean "hey, girls CAN ride...we rock...get over it!" :D

[Zen]

... I don't find it insulting.

And that's why you're our Potomac Princess
and I'm the drill sergeant ;)

[KnottedYet]

I can take it or leave it. Kinda find it amusing at first, but not something I'd want to buy 'cuz the amusement would (and already has) wear thin.

My tight sexy black "Surly" girly t-shirt, now THAT'S a bike-thingy that amuses me every time I wear it. :D http://surlybikes.com/clothes.html

[Geonz]

I like the idea of owning hte phrase... but I also figure - hey, it's marketing.
And then I think... and marketing has a pretty profound effect.

I wouldn't buy it 'cause I don't ride "like" anything. I just ride. I like turning "ride like a girl" into something strong.

[Kalidurga]

I wouldn't buy it 'cause I don't ride "like" anything. I just ride.

Thank you! That's exactly how I feel, and you said it perfectly.

[NbyNW]

I got one of the beanies from Terry that fits under your helmet and is long enough to keep your ears warm. I didn't realize it had "ride like a girl" on it until it came in the mail.

I probably wouldn't have chosen it since I'm not really into things with slogans, but I figure it's barely visible under my helmet and gets the job done. Having "ride like a girl" on it was not enough of a reason to return a perfectly good beanie.

The way the phrase is used on Terry merchandise doesn't bother me. I agree that they're taking a traditionally derogatory phrase and trying to rework it into something empowering.

[firenze11]

I don't mind the phrase in the context of being a strong, athletic woman.
I'm starting to love this new feeling I've developed over the past year, since I've gotten my bike actually, of being both feminine and strong. Part of me doesn't love the use of "girl" but part of me really likes it. I think it's cheeky and I like reclaiming a phrase that is often derogatory. I'm not sure I would buy something with the phrase on it, but only because I usually don't wear clothing with slogans.

[Blueberry]

I can take it or leave it. Kinda find it amusing at first, but not something I'd want to buy 'cuz the amusement would (and already has) wear thin.

My tight sexy black "Surly" girly t-shirt, now THAT'S a bike-thingy that amuses me every time I wear it. :D http://surlybikes.com/clothes.html

I'd really like a pink "ride like a girl" sticker for my Surly.....

I find it amusing. I don't tend to wear pink, but I do like the message. I see it as you don't have to be a guy to be a really awesome rider.

CA

[maillotpois]

BUT I wouldn't use a saddle or wear a jersey with the motto. It's has to be something small and inconspicuous to keep it a little personal joke.

Like my silver necklace pendant. :D

I keep it right next to the Tiffany & Co. pendant I got for the Nike Women's Marathon 2006. Run like a girl, too, I guess. :rolleyes: Or hobble.

[Bluetree]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

[Zen]

My new saddle has CrMo written on it.
At least they got "Mo" right

Maybe I'll take a sharpie to the 'Cr' part :D

[Blueberry]

Like my silver necklace pendant. :D

Where did you find that?? Sounds awesome!

CA

[mimitabby]

I personally would not like it and would be unhappy if my DH surprised me with an item bearing that slogan, but it wouldn't bother me at all if my LBS carried it because it takes all kinds, as you can see from the answers here.

[smilingcat]

At almost 15, though, the boys are starting to out grow her in a big way, so it won't be long until she can't hit their fast balls anymore or out run the throws to first. (That's okay becuase she still plays football and competitive fast pitch softball.) She gets comments sometimes from other teams. so this year at the state tournament, she smacked a ball way out in the outfield and burned the outfielder. Because I'd heard a comment from one of the boys on the other team, I stood up and yelled, "That's how to hit like a GIRL!"

It was such sweet revenge for having to listen to all those misogynist coaches all those years!

So yeah, take it back! Do it "like a girl."

Karen

I view the idea of RLAG in same vain. I've always wanted to put pink streamers on end of my handle bar, old fashioned bicyle bell... and wear a jersey prominently displaying "ride like a girl" and go chick lot of guys on hill climb. Well that's my dream. Misogynistic in reverse.

:D
smilingcat

[bounceswoosh]

I intentionally put a "ski like a girl" sticker on my ski helmet, so I guess I like it =) When I'm having a bad day or thinking of wussing out on something, I remind myself that I want to ski so that if anyone's watching, they'll understand that skiing like a girl means skiing for guts and glory and fun =)

[maillotpois]

Where did you find that?? Sounds awesome!

CA

Terry.

They don't have it any more. :o It's like a big donut.

They do have this - very cool: http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=7292&c=Accessories

[Fujichants]

I think it is rather cute.

[Zen]

Mimi, I think Bluetree meant if that were the shops idea of fulfilling the needs of female cyclists.

Of course I could be wrong. It happened once in 1987.

[Crankin]

I see the phrase as meant to be empowering. Like SFA said. I don't really like the pink marketing trend, though. I just don't wear that much pink and I certainly would not want it on my bike. Don't like flowers, designs, or other cutesy pictures on my bike related stuff.
I have the RLAG saying on a couple of pairs of socks, nothing really visible.
And yes to the bike stores that carry small bars, small wheels, small bikes, and woman's clothing. After my 2 year saga of a bike that's too big, I was the one who went to another store to buy the right bar to put on my new frame...

[ASammy1]

I don't mind the slogan and I really like the idea of taking it back as a strong woman. I just wish it wasn't all "pinked out."

[singletrackmind]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

BINGO!!!
While I don't use the smaller stuff it would be nice to be able to find high-end women's gear, especially clothing, as well as people not automatically steering me towards a hybrid when I say I want to ride dirt, etc.
It'd also be nice if that gear was a mix of girly (bleh) and whatever you call the regular not girly stuff, rather than all girly or nothing.

[short cut sally]

I purchased the RLAG socks a couple years back and gave them as gifts to the other girls that I rode with. One lady asked me if I was trying to tell her something. She responded first with, I don't know if I should be offended or take them as a compliment. She then asked me if I thought she should slow down and cycle slower like the "rest of the girls did". Needless to say, I never purchased socks with that saying again. I still wear mine, and enjoy wearing my socks. I wouldn't mind a small bumper sticker that says that, but as far as bigger items, shirts, sweatshirts with that saying, not for me.

[chutch]

I never took offense to it. I always assumed, like others, that it was to give an offensive phrase new meaning. I do think they should branch out and try some other colors instead of pink. It can still be feminine but more color variety may tone down the cutesy-ness of it.

[Irulan]

I have "ride like a girl" socks in multiple colors and love 'em. I wear them mountainbiking when I'm usually the only girl and frequently one of the faster climbers (cuz I ride with a lot of old farts) -- and do the least whining.

I'm never felt very feminine growing up even though others thought I was and I just didn't "get it", but as I've gotten older I'm really happy and content being feminine and doing the same tomboy-ish things. I was well into my 40s before the women on this board got me to try a pedicure and I've been hooked. Nothing like taking off your "ride like a girl" socks and having a huge bath rub ring on your ankles and grime ground into your sparkly toe nails.

It's just plain ol' fun.

BUT I wouldn't use a saddle or wear a jersey with the motto. It's has to be something small and inconspicuous to keep it a little personal joke.

My sentiments exactly. Perhaps as a mountain biker, many times the lone female or definately in the female minority at many events.... it's a fun little joke. I've had people offer to buy my socks off my feet. I have a pink Ride Like A Girl visor hat that is my trademark at trail work parties.

This makes me think of the Bianchi "your bike sucks" socks. It's humor, people...

[malkin]

In my most humorless early twenties, all females were "women," until I worked with some of women in their 70s and 80s and they called each other 'girls' if they were close and 'ladies' if they were social, but not so close. The crowd of them had been everywhere and done everything and worked for their rights and to correct society's wrongs, and best of all they got me through my humorless phase.

RLAG doesn't stike any nerve for me.

[Irulan]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

instead of punishing your LBS, if if you have that strong of feelings about RLAG, perhaps write a letter to Georgia Terry, founder and owner of Terry bikes. She's female obviously, and had done a tremendous job of promoting and enhancing women's cycling.

Terry builds bikes for women, and has an incredible line of clothing and accessories. I doubt that RLAG is not women friendly, it's just a perspective that doesn't appeal to you.

[DDH]

Really it just goes along with the diversity of the world. I've been reading through these post and am amazed at how differently people take things.

So I guess I have to say it all just depends on each individual and how they take things. I don't take offense to it at all. I think it's rather cute myself and I have the Rosie saddle with it on there, and if my butt didn't hang over it would display it proudly. LOL

Of course I don't mind being called a girl either. :D

[Deborajen]

Hasn't RLAG been around for awhile? I know I've seen it in the catalogs for at least a few years now, so somebody must like it and be buying it.

I don't find it offensive at all. I wouldn't want to be told I ride like a guy. But on the other hand, I wouldn't wear anything that says "Ride Like a Girl" or anything bright pink on a ride. I don't want to stand out from a distance as - "Woman . . . BY HERSELF!!" if I'm riding by myself or have gotten separated from the group.

I like the message. Girls can ride. Some girls are darn good at it. I'm not surprised some women like it and some don't care for it at all, but personally I'd only wear that kind of stuff for day-to-day off-the-bike.

Deb

[Bluetree]

Well, I certainly dont refer it as "punishment" as there is nothing punitive in my choice of shops. And yes, it IS a different perspective.

In my area I'm very fortunate to have about a dozen local bike shops from which to choose. Some are geared towards the bling-bling/race crowd and others are geared towards the more recreational riders... and it's easy for me to get an idea of which one according to the merchandise on the floor.

It's about perception, branding, marketing and name-recognition. If I walk in and see names like Assos, Sidi, Campagnolo, Cervelo, for instance, I get a good idea of the focus of the store. But with the limited floor space of most LBSs, if I see the womens section highlighted by an overload of pink (or RLAG stuff) my perception is that the store is not aiming at me as a customer.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that approach, and I can certainly understand why one segment of the womens population would like it (Terry's success is proof of that)...but it's not for me. I speak with my $$$ and I'd rather do my talking elsewhere.

[Bluetree]

Btw, I have no feelings one way or another about the slogan. I don't really need one to show people I'm "a girl"... Kinda obvious, you know! ;)

Besides, it doesn't matter if you're wearing pink, riding a triple, have a ponytail, or dressed in a burlap bag... When you drop a guy, he knows darn well he's been dropped BY A GIRL!!!!
:p

[SouthernBelle]

I do have the RLAG wool sweater that was in the catalogue last year. It is happily not pink. I got it to wear on really cold rides, but it so comfy I wear it more than that.

I don't care for Terry's pink RLAG line. I find it just too precious overall, not just the slogan.

[Jiffer]

I have some Ride Like a Girl merchandise. The picture that goes with the slogan is a girl having a blast riding her bike with her legs outstretched on either side. To me, it keeps the "fun" in cycling and, in a way, proclaiming to guys that YES I'm a girl and YES I'm a cyclist, but I can have fun with it, too.

To be honest, though, sometimes I do have mixed feelings because I DON'T want to be viewed as "less than a guy" or someone who is just goofing off with a bike instead of a serious cyclist, but I do think it's all in fun.

[shootingstar]

It never occurred to me that RLAG as a brand marketing phrase was insulting.

....BUT just last week, I commented to another woman at work, that where we work now, is the first time in many years, that men at our workplace refer to women as "girls". Not all guys, but enough. Other workplaces where I've been, less guys or hardly guys seem to use girls for "women" or ladies in the workplace.

Including my boss, who is senior manager. However ironically he has always treated me with respect, delegates management responsibities that is part of my job, has good supportive understanding of what I do.... everything one could want in a senior manager except for "girls" term. :confused: Ah well, things could a whole lot worse.

If I bought Terry apparel I probably wouldn't be wearing it at work anyway. ie. I don't wear T-shirts at work.

In all honesty, if others know you cycle alot and have for many years, to wear a LRAG item, would appear on you as a tongue in cheek statement or empowering..particularily if you know people already respect you for your long-term fitness decision.

I have 2-3 pink items...I even sewed a pink coral wrap dress that I work with black pumps and large black belt for a few years ..but always items in 1 solid colour and classic cut. I choose the colour because it can look well on those with black-hair.

[Zen]

I think I might give a pair of RLAG socks to a guy I know.

[jaydee]

Now well past my "girl" years, I would be quite chuffed to be told I ride like a girl. And working in boys' education, I know that there are so many things we "girls" do so much better than boys. If I am told I am doing anything like a girl, my response is that it is only one of many things I am doing at that particular point in time, unlike those of the opposite gender for whom multi-tasking is nigh on impossible.

Yay for girlpower!:cool:

[bounceswoosh]

It never occurred to me that RLAG as a brand marketing phrase was insulting.

....BUT just last week, I commented to another woman at work, that where we work now, is the first time in many years, that men at our workplace refer to women as "girls". Not all guys, but enough. Other workplaces where I've been, less guys or hardly guys seem to use girls for "women" or ladies in the workplace.

I don't understand why any man in a workplace would have legitimate occasion to refer to the women at the company as such. I don't say, "Here's my team lead <name>; as you can see, he's a guy." Nor would I expect him to say, "You should talk to Monique about this; she's a girl." Maybe I'm being obtuse. When would this even come up?

[Thorn]

Fascinating thread, RM. It made an interesting morning read.

If I look at it as when I was a girl, riding was all about fun, speed and daring, then I'm not offended by it--it says "capture the inner child, go out and have fun".

However, as a female in a very male dominated field, "girl" is one of those words that can rankle. Yes, bounces, clueless males will point out gender. And, yes, that rankles, too. It is the same as the news--they almost never point out "white", but they do point out minorities. Society is often too obsessed with differences, but, sadly, not in a "hey, cool we're different!", but in a "ooh, yuck, you're different". I keep pushing for the first--'cause, hey, cool, we're different!

[shootingstar]

I think part of the problem where I work is that quite a number of the women at work, on the job, refer to each other and other women as "girls".

This is why I made that comment at work to an employee who works in my dept. She does it all the time. I reminded her..she's a mother of 2 adult boys..and asked her does she think of herself as a "girl"? I let that one stew in her head.

On the other head would I wear a t-shirt or cycling jersey that overtly expressed women power.. I don't think I NEED to.

Not at my age. :) I do know something...

[spindizzy]

I want the shirt that says "run like a girl"

CC:

I want the shirt that says "Run like a Jamaican girl!"

[Wahine]

Forget the sticker!! I want to run like a Jamaican girl!!!!

[sundial]

I grew up as a tomboy, digging in the dirt, jumping off the top of the jungle gym with the boys, etc.

I used to chuck dirt clods at my brother and his friends, play in the mud, jump of the roof with my parachute (an old sheet that was supposed to break my fall), climb trees, and I whined big time when my brother got a pocket knife and I didn't. Oh, and the chemistry set too. I don't care for the "ride like a girl" addage. It sounds too juvenile to me. I do like the Rosie the Riveter slogan, "We can do it." I guess it has to do with the iconography of the slogan and the context it's taken.

I don't know what the targeted market is with Terry, but I wonder how much of their merchandise is sold to ladies in their teens and 20's vs. 30+ or so. I think I remember Georgena's earlier motive was to get as many young people moving and if that encourages them to ride, then maybe they have accomplished their goal.

[Trek420]

Forget the sticker!! I want to run like a Jamaican girl!!!!

Where is the swimsuit that says "swim like a 41 year old Mom" ;)

[Sgritn]

I like the slogan--I think it's cute and I like CUTE...kind of taking the negative out of the saying for me. I do not find it insulting or demeaning.

[Skierchickie]

I like the saying (because I think of it in sort of an empowered, "I can do anything they can do" way), but I don't care for the emblem. Looks to cutesy and pinky for me. It doesn't offend me in any way, just doesn't suit my taste. And it seems like the emblem detracts from the meaning I choose to draw from the saying. So I probably won't be buying any.

However, I do have an "I run like a girl" license plate frame, and a Runner Girl sticker on my ski box. The frame has no picture, and neither is pink.

My very favorite, I have to say, is my new Life is Good shirt that says "Run like a dog"! :D My dog runs with great joy, complete abandon, and a huge smile on her face! And very, very fast. And never gets crabby while running (unlike me :rolleyes:). If I could do anything like anyone, it would be her.:)

I did think of this thread today after chicking my DH on a big hill today, and pretty much every hill thereafter, on our 83-miler.:cool:

[Tuckervill]

I didn't give birth to any girls, so I don't know too many of them that are in their 20s (like my sons). So this is a random, tiny sample.

The girls I do know seem way different than the girl I was. When I was a teenager, you could either be a tomboy or a girly-girl. Everyone wanted me to be a girly-girl, but I was a tomboy through and through. Most of the tomboys I knew were not the most attractive girls, either. But the girls I know today--so many of them athletic and not afraid of sweat--and yet still putting on the make-up and dressing up for the prom. Still interested in the clothes and all that other stuff. But they get their sweat on and compete in sports and I think it's AWESOME.

They're post-Title IX girls, who grew up knowing the sports were there in (somewhat) equal measure, so it's a fact of life for them. I was in junior high when Title IX went into effect. I remember when my cousins played half-court basketball in high school. These girls don't even know half-court existed.

They are SO lucky. (But don't tell Phyllis Schlafley (http://townhall.com/columnists/PhyllisSchlafly/2008/08/26/title_ix_tied_our_hands_at_the_olympics).)

Karen

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I never really thought of it as offensive I guess. I was online buying my second Terry saddle and I saw the RLAG line and looked at the shirts and I guess it's the emblem I didn't like. See if they did it like the "Life Is Good" with a girl on it on a mtn bike, wouldn't it be more appealing? That is my opinion I guess.

FWIW I ride a pink bike. The frame is the only pink on it. It's a tribute to 2 women, and now a third since I bought the bike, that had breast cancer. One of the three died so it means more to me. Pink to me is strength. It's that hidden strength that men will never be able to understand. It's a quiet yet powerful strength and like someone said, it's better if they made things that were sort of secretive like the strength that women hold. I had two women behind me in a car in NYC laughing at me and then passed me and said "ugly bike" as it was on the back of my Jeep. I don't have much to say about that other than: clueless.

As for the girl connotation, I find it a phrase that those you feel close to can use. If a guy that I didn't know called me a girl, I would probably be a little taken aback. If one of my riding buddies from the LBS called me a girl, I wouldn't blink. I even used it in a thread on Jeni's race report. Jeni, I hope I didn't offend you!!!

Riding like a girl, to me, means you can pick through the best rock garden and ride a good line. It means you aren't a nutbar and ride sensibly. To me, it means I can power up hills and usually pass guys cross country. It also means that when a group of us get lost, I'm the one that tries to keep them all chipper while I figure out how to get out of the woods. It also means I'm usually the one with more water, an extra tube and a power bar that someone always seems to need by the end of a long ride.

I agree it's kinda cutsie. And I had to laugh when someone posted about pedicures. I work in a very male dominated field and wear no jewelry, no make up. But pull off those "sock guy Beaver socks" and there are some of the best pedicured feet and sometimes a toe ring to boot. I think to me, it *could* mean that girls have the best of both worlds: a strong rider and we clean up nice :)

[TahoeDirtGirl]

They're post-Title IX girls, who grew up knowing the sports were there in (somewhat) equal measure, so it's a fact of life for them. I was in junior high when Title IX went into effect. I remember when my cousins played half-court basketball in high school. These girls don't even know half-court existed.

They are SO lucky. (But don't tell Phyllis Schlafley (http://townhall.com/columnists/PhyllisSchlafly/2008/08/26/title_ix_tied_our_hands_at_the_olympics).)

Karen

I had to do another post for this. Title IX changed the landscape for us. I remember trying to find athletic wear when I was in high school. Forget it. Jogbra was the first athletic bra I bought and I STILL HAVE IT from 1989. I think we tend to forget that it wasn't that long ago that we were limited in both high school and college sports. Now we can actually get something with RLAG on it, forget it, you wouldn't have found this 20 years ago.

[Irulan]

Riding like a girl, to me, means you can pick through the best rock garden and ride a good line. It means you aren't a nutbar and ride sensibly. To me, it means I can power up hills and usually pass guys cross country. It also means that when a group of us get lost, I'm the one that tries to keep them all chipper while I figure out how to get out of the woods. It also means I'm usually the one with more water, an extra tube and a power bar that someone always seems to need by the end of a long ride.



LOL, why is it that we girls usually have a better stocked camel back?:D

[Wahine]

Where is the swimsuit that says "swim like a 41 year old Mom" ;)

Yeah!! I want that swimsuit too!!!:D:D

[Zen]

I like my Harlot t-shirt;)
It has the same message without being cute.I haven't worn anything cute since fourth grade.

From the Harlot homepage:

The reclaiming of a derogatory word

Language is a funny thing. Words can have multiple meanings and change over time. "Awful" used to mean awe-inspiring, and "artificial" used to mean artistic. (Not to mention silly linguistics such as "phat".) If you don't like a word's meaning, change it!
That's what were trying to do with Harlot. There is something to be said for labeling yourself before someone else does it for you. If a bunch of us start calling ourselves harlots, and we are all smart, self-reliant, independent women, then the word starts to be associated with strong women rather than loose women. (Not that there is anything wrong with being loose!) Over time, any derogatory power that word had is removed. Don't you think we owe it to our foremothers of the bicycle who endured name-calling and ridicule just so we can all ride our bikes to make that happen?

[Irulan]

that reminds me, I have some "ride like a harlot" socks too...


www.harlotwear.com

[shootingstar]

Guess I didn't see the RLAG line had anything to do with the old way of thinking of tomboy vs. more feminine ways.

I seriously never distinguished between tomboyish girls and all other girls when growing up. Just saw the more athletic girls having a great skill that other girls didn't have but then the "other" girls had other stronger skills.

You know, growing up with 4 sisters who were all polite but abit driven in what we liked to do and nuts, where we argued ferociously with one another..it would be an enormousl protest/struggle if any of us claimed 1-2 of us were more tomboy than the other.

So the RLAG line is..just a fun line for outside of work.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

that reminds me, I have some "ride like a harlot" socks too...


www.harlotwear.com


There is always room for a pair of harlot socks in my sock drawer!

[BiketoWork Barb]

I did think of this thread today after chicking my DH on a big hill today, and pretty much every hill thereafter, on our 83-miler.:cool:

My sweet husband told me about the term "getting chicked" the other day, when I managed to dig deep and pass a guy who had just passed us on a good-sized hill probably 20 or so miles into the ride.

For context, I'm a daily commuter who does occasional long rides on the weekends, and sporadic sessions with Coach Troy on Spinervals DVDs. Overtaking a guy on a hill feels pretty good and I can't take it for granted.

So then I was riding home from work a week ago, pedaling up a tiny upslope, and heard a cyclist coming up behind me.

I'm not ego-free so when an old guy (as in, fluffy white hair, polyester pants and a windbreaker like my dad wore golfing, and open grocery bag-style carrier bags on his panniers with handles flapping in the freeze) buzzed by me like I was standing still, I started working on the phrase to describe this experience. Had I been gramped? Geezered?

Then I saw the electric assist motor on his bike. I felt much better.

--barb
www.biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com