Wow. I'm puzzled. [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 02:12 PM

I posted the Little Red Riding Hood link on bikejournal just because I thought there might be women who don't frequent this forum but would appreciate knowing about the ride.

Couple of the guys . . . I'm just speechless right now.

I don't quite know what to make of it. What is the difference between this and a race that is men-only? So, what? How many of these guys wish they had a wife or girlfriend who rode but they've alienated by leaving them in the dust or making them provide all the support while he rides his bike or . . . I don't know.

www.bikejournal.com

Selkie

03-31-2006, 02:15 PM

What happened?

maillotpois

03-31-2006, 02:20 PM

Yeah, I saw that. I'm a little conflicted, to be honest.

I know when I first started riding, I thought Cinderella was a great and supportive way for women to get their feet wet in an organized event. I still do. It was my first organized bike ride back in 2001, and Em and I hope to do it again on the tandem.

I remember having a "harumph-y" reaction from my husband about the event. I mean Mike's about as liberal and politically correct/sensitive as you can get, but he thought it a bit fishy, more from a legal sense than anything, to have a women only ride. Sure there are races categorized by sex, age, etc. But what if a bike club tried to sponsor a casual, fun, men's only metric century ride? How well would that be received? Is Cinderella really different from that?

And I have to say its a grey area. Like I said, it is a great ride and the premise is fantastic. There need to be more supportive ways of getting women on bikes, period. But what if it were men only?? Why is this different?

yellow

03-31-2006, 02:40 PM

I almost posted (on BJ) something like:

"I'm just going to ignore that..." but didn't for fear of the backlash.

I remember when the first woman ran the Boston marathon and the race director attempted to forcibly remove her from the course (I grew up in a running-focused household). As a result of that memory, I have always felt very strongly that women should be encouraged to be active. As a participant in many different all-women sports activities, I can say that they have been some of the most rewarding and memorable of times.

What would happen if a man rode in LRRH? Probably nothing, other than a few stares and snide comments.

I'm puzzled too. What do the men of TE say?

SalsaMTB

03-31-2006, 02:45 PM

Do you women really think you would care if there were men only events that were sponsered by a local club/shop?? I could care less. I think it would be like the majority of the group rides anyway :p

Veronica

03-31-2006, 02:48 PM

Well I posted on BJ. :D For some reason it didn't get blocked when I followed SK's link. I hope they were joking. I was kind of offended by the belittling comments, so I felt the need to reply.

Men can just be so apelike sometimes. :p

V.

Veronica

03-31-2006, 02:50 PM

Off topic - but Sue I like the new avatar on BJ. Nice jersey!

V.

yellow

03-31-2006, 02:51 PM

Well I posted on BJ. :D
I did too. I think our posts are complimentary, V!

Dianyla

03-31-2006, 02:52 PM

Loved your post, Veronica! :cool:

maillotpois

03-31-2006, 02:53 PM

I posted, too. In the time it took me to write it, V and yellow both had posted responses also.

maillotpois

03-31-2006, 02:54 PM

Do you women really think you would care if there were men only events that were sponsered by a local club/shop?? I could care less. I think it would be like the majority of the group rides anyway :p

I wouldn't care. But if it were "official" don't you think there'd be some pretty bad backlash?

tprevost

03-31-2006, 02:54 PM

I was working on some sort of comment as well. There's a certain bond between women and its so great to have a few events like this where women can enjoy the ride and friendships. Its a shame that the first two posters are so ignorant.

The initial post was a good idea - maybe the posters just haven't gotten any lately. (sorry, just couldn't help it)

Tracy

Veronica

03-31-2006, 02:57 PM

The initial post was a good idea - maybe the posters just haven't gotten any lately. (sorry, just couldn't help it)

Tracy

:D :p :D :p

I don't know what the initials are, but I'm laughing my butt off and rolling on the floor.

V.

maillotpois

03-31-2006, 02:58 PM

I did like that one guy who jumped in and said he'd SAG for a women's only ride. (He has figured out the way to avoid "not getting any" is to help out....)

tprevost

03-31-2006, 03:02 PM

Actually... with that attitude, I'm SURE they haven't gotten any... hmmm... wonder why?

I'm afraid to respond because they ticked me off and I'm sure I'll stick my foot in my mouth. Those who have responded so far... well done.

Tracy

Trekhawk

03-31-2006, 03:37 PM

OMG - Im mortified. Do guys like this really exist?
Im pleased to say the men I know would never begrudge women an event just for them in amongst a sea of male dominated sports.
To those men at BJ who feel slighted I say - GET A LIFE.
LOL - lets hope they mention it to their wives/girlfriends and maybe we will have a few more riders.:D

DrBee

03-31-2006, 03:47 PM

Yeah - they definitely aren't getting any and I hope they don't for a very long time. :D

It's really disturbing to see that kind of attitude towards women cyclists. While we know it exists, it just horrible to see someone actually write it. Ugh! You ladies posted some great and well-thought out comments. You have represented us well! Thank you!

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 04:05 PM

Right after I posted I left to go get lunch. Low blood sugar doesn't help, but I was a bit upset. Came back to find my computer had blown up and needed umpty-bizillion Miscrosoft updates. Finally get on and see what all my friends and compatriots posted. Thanks. My hats off to TsPoet for the bravery to start it. I forget now which one of you posted the bit about Title 9 but I edited it out of my initial posted on TE. Great minds.

I'm going to post a reply but I just need to compose it calmly. I do agree with the politically incorrect issues but we aren't raised in a fair world. When I hear what MP Jr. is still experiencing at school it makes me so sad. The same stuff I got at school and from my own parents and I'm 46, a heck of a lot older than MP Jr. Remember the old Virginia Slims ad "You've come A long way, baby!" I want to tell those guys that we're trying to drag them along with us, but we're tired of their kicking, screaming and whining.

Deanna

03-31-2006, 04:57 PM

I'm amazed at the rudeness of the responses, but unfortunately not surprised to see them. There's a man up here suing the locally owned women's only gyms for not allowing men. I guess he's not quite man enough to go after a big gal chain like Curves yet so he keeps picking on these single gym, small business owners--even after he won the right to attend the gym he checks up on them and goes back to court if he finds little things that don't match the ruling to the letter.

Susan Otcenas

03-31-2006, 05:15 PM

A couple of year's ago, we ran a contest. I can't recall all the details, but basically the contest was for an all-female trip with a bicycling touring company (they also did co-ed trips). A guy wrote in and asked:

"I'd like to know what your response would be if you encountered a Team Testosterone web site that was raffling off an all-male biking trip. Might I suggest you'd find the above highly offensive?"

My response was:

"Thank you for writing. While I can appreciate your opinion, I don't believe our contest is offensive.

Would you find women-only trips offered by companies such as Woman Tours or Luna Tours offensive? How about couples-only weeks at Club Med? How about singles-only or youth-only events offered by your local church group? My point is that while there are many many options available for all-inclusive trips, people of all stripes occasionally enjoy trips with people with whom they have an affinity.

Sometimes women enjoy the comaraderie of other women, without the testosterone-charged atmosphere that occasionally surfaces in male-dominated groups. To each her own, however. Some women enjoy co-ed groups, while the reality is that some women find those groups somewhat intimidating. Our goal as cyclists should be to promote cycling for everyone, in environments that are comfortable for everyone."

Given the other examples, he seemed to change his mind and decide it was OK after all (not like I "needed" his approval :D ). But sometimes I think people need to just look at things from another perspective.

Susan

maillotpois

03-31-2006, 05:25 PM

Right after I posted I left to go get lunch. Low blood sugar doesn't help, but I was a bit upset. Came back to ding my computer had blown up and needed umpty-bizillion Miscrosoft updates. Finally get on and see what all my friends and compatriots posted. Thanks. My hats off to TsPoet for the bravery to start it. I forget now which one of you posted the bit about Title 9 but I edited it out of my initial posted on TE. Great minds.

I'm going to post a reply but I just need to compose it calmly. I do agree with the politically incorrect issues but we aren't raised in a fair world. When I hear what MP Jr. is still experiencing at school it makes me so sad. The same stuff I got at school and from my own parents and I'm 46, a heck of a lot older than MP Jr. Remember the old Virginia Slims ad "You've come A long way, baby!" I want to tell those guys that we're trying to drag them along with us, but we're tired of their kicking, screaming and whining.

I made the Title 9 comment - and I really am bitter because even though I am of an age where I supposedly benefitted (I'll be 40 this year), I feel like I never got any encouragement to do sports at all. It wasn't til I finally got a bike that I ever felt like an athlete.

"MP, Jr.!" Hee hee!!! :p :p :p

tatormc

03-31-2006, 07:02 PM

I saw the thread on bj and was shocked by the comments. Had no idea this was a hot topic. If there was an all guys ride I could care less. I like the idea of an all girls ride and wish there was one closer to me.

Trek420

03-31-2006, 07:48 PM

Dianyla "Loved your post, Veronica! :cool:"

me too. go get 'em ;-)

snapdragen

03-31-2006, 07:50 PM

Added my three cents, for what it's worth.

If only there were more Thoms in the world :D

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 07:56 PM

"MP, Jr.!" Hee hee!!! :p :p :pPetitePois! :D

There are so many male-only opportunities it makes my head spin. Wasn't the history of the Cinderella that the men started it as payback for all the support from the women at all the other rides?

Title 9 - The girls' HS tennis team had to use used balls from the boys team. We only got new balls for matches, not for practice. The boys teams for all sports had priority use of the school van. In 1977, my college tennis team got its first shoe sponsor while the men, of course, had had one for years.

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 08:09 PM

Susan, thanks for relating your letter. I may lift portions of it for my response. Hope that is OK.

I just have to post my own response so I can sleep tonight. I'm rather curious at the few men who have posted support, but then we know they are the cream of the crop. ;) I'm wondering what the silent ones are thinking.

Trek420

03-31-2006, 08:20 PM

SadieKate "I'm wondering what the silent ones are thinking."

probably something like (picture biker guy with thought bubble here)

"ok,so if I come out in support of the women the guys'll tease me. But on the other hand the gals will dig it. Hmmm, ribbing from the guys vs. chicks digging me....hmmmm"

But seriously I don't think of the Cindy as an easy century anymore, and it sounds like they think "womens ride = easy". I mean it's not my training goal of the year, more of an early season dust the cobwebs off thang, see where I am kinda thing. You gals know I'm not fast or good at climbing but I suppose I'm no newbie anymore. I don't get a real idea of where I am with a group of men riders. Sure they pass me, they all will. But with a group of gals I can see like last year, big improvement, could tell I was being "spit out the back of the fast pack" as opposed to just finishing, and felt good. This year, well showing up was good enough for me, I did not time it.

Tater

03-31-2006, 08:22 PM

Wow. I too, was shocked at some of the posts on bj. It makes me sad just to read them. (As well as pi$$ed!) I don't see many female bikers in my neck of the woods, I don't see many female runners either, for that matter. I wish I did. So when I see an all female event, I am all for it. As for an all male event, meh, go ahead. But in that respect. I also agree with SadieKate, in that there are so many male-only oportunities, it isn't even funny.

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 10:16 PM

Whew. I posted. Really long but I needed to get it off my chest. Someone needs to get TsPoet over here, or is she under another name? TsPoet, you lurking?

I give CrazyMike credit for re-thunking his comments.

bikerz

03-31-2006, 10:40 PM

Hey SK - what a thoughtful and heartfelt post on BJ - nicely said.

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 10:45 PM

Thank you, BZ. That means a lot to me.

SadieKate

03-31-2006, 10:49 PM

Hey, yellow and PZip. The guy in the middle of the picture in the yellow helmet is Guide Scott, soon to be met in person.

Selkie

04-01-2006, 01:40 AM

crazycanuck

04-01-2006, 05:05 AM

I ventured over to BJ & you ladies rock! What a bunch of whinging males.

I've never particpated in an all ladies road event but if I were in your neck of the woods i'd participate in the cindy one. If it gets more chickies on their bikes & spreading the word of the biking goddess, more power to us. Who cares if there are women only rides!

I've never been harassed by guys whilst on my bike. Most of the guys we ride with are more than happy to have a woman with the group. They like the fact i'm out there-trying every trail i can & aiming to get better. Who'd want to bother little me on the trail at 9pm???(kangaroos...)

I find male roadies are the worst-they usually (not all i might add) have their heads up their behinds. Just because they're on a road bike doesn't mean **** all.

c

Susan126

04-01-2006, 06:46 AM

I have been following this thread and I also checked out the thread at BJ. Amazing that there are still "neanderthals" alive and well in this day and age. I loved all your responses back to them. I guess I have been fortunate as I have not encountered harrassment by guys . . . could it be that my riding partner has something to do with that? When I ride with hubby (200 lbs and 6 feet tall) we get waves and nods. This summer though I will be riding during the weekdays without him. A first. I am off all summer long and I usually wait for him to come home to catch a late afternoon ride (usually after 6:00) but I want to try and get early morning rides in this summer. So I am looking for riding partners from June 15th through August 28th. It will be interesting to see how guys react to me minus hubby and with gals riding with me instead.

Trek420

04-01-2006, 06:54 AM

mickchick "The Bikejournal site is down, so I'll check back later and perhaps, post something."

uh oh, we broke it. Too much Estrogen for it. :cool: but me too.

crazycanuck "I find male roadies are the worst-they usually (not all i might add) have their heads up their behinds. Just because they're on a road bike doesn't mean **** all."

and yet, and yet some of them wonder why they are still single???? a simple call out while passing would do the trick. or, more to the point a subtle "nice bike" when we pass them. ;-)

VenusdeVelo

04-01-2006, 07:28 AM

LOL Trek -- that's a good one. And Susan, your response was great, articulate, classy yet hopefully shut him up.

I guess I have no problem with womens only or mens only provided it's not exclusive, I believe if a woman or a man really wanted to ride in these events, they probably would have to be let in. Legal issues would probably prevail. Maybe we could try a wrapper skirts only ride...must wear skirt over shorts...or maybe must wear a bra and a heart rate monitor strap (god i hate the 2 straps together!) -- that'll keep 'em away!

I've seen men I ride with (HB for one) really change their style over the years, and I am glad as they've become better men for it. Men are used to being degraded and yelled at in the football locker rooms, and can't quite understand why women do not respond to that sort of infantile training. Sorry, not bitter, I just think we need to train our "boys" to become better men, and some of it starts there. Teach him aggression, and he'll be aggressive....isn't it about time we learn a lesson here?! :confused:

*Sigh*.

Trek420

04-01-2006, 07:53 AM

VenusdeVelo "I believe if a woman or a man really wanted to ride in these events, they probably would have to be let in. Legal issues would probably prevail."

I'd hate to see it get embroiled in that because the cost of the legal battle would likely end the ride and even the club itself. Localy we've seen what happened here to Cherry City Cyclists when they were sued. Good to see them back with an event this year, took almost 10 years.

And we've seen that these events have value for women and girls and cycling in general and therefore are a benefit to male cyclists and guys and the planet in general.

Maybe when they let *us* in the TdF?

VenusdeVelo

04-01-2006, 08:02 AM

I agree, it's always lose-lose when legal issues are tested, and it's never the same after. Maybe a span of 10 years has helped heal some wounds.

Well, there used to be a Tour de Feminin that has since been cancelled for a few years now I believe...but was the female version of TdF. Unfortunately I am sure it was cancelled due to lack of $$ and sponsorship. Women do not draw the $$ like men do (cycling, basketball, etc. etc.), but it's getting a little tiny bit better when you read pubs like Velonews where they actually mention women's results, publish (albeit very short) articles, and huuuuuh! god forbid, they even post pictures of the teams. Now when a woman gets on on the cover...

Although many hate to address the issue, women and girls do respond better to female only environments in sports like you mentioned. It's a different kind of pressure, a pressure to do your best and find out what you are made of, rather than a contest of "might".

Another *sigh*.

maillotpois

04-01-2006, 08:05 AM

The BJ site is still down. I think we killed it. I feel kinda bad.

VenusdeVelo

04-01-2006, 08:06 AM

...patronize the women's events -- cyclo-cross races, road races, mtb races, women's tri's like danskin, irongirl...it all helps!

Trek420

04-01-2006, 08:33 AM

clarification~Cherry City Cyclists were sued over the right to organize a century. It went something like this: the club had organized rides for years in the Bay Area and I think it was '97 they organised a ride and had all the permits except for...one corner, approx a few hundred yards or less. Rather than re-route the whole dang thing they went ahead and did the ride. I was on it, it was great. My first metric century and I was so slow that I had my own personal sag wagon, last one in and the sweep vehicle just hung back kept me (and my ex DP) in view I think he even pulled over and read ;-)

They could not have been more supportive and friendly to newbie women. That experience helped get me hooked.

They got sued over that narrow bit of road and it kept them from doing more than training ride series till this year. I think their clup prez. even spent time in the pokey.

They have returned with a vengance with this:
http://www.cherrycitycyclists.org/CenturyRide/CenturyChoicesPage.html
84 miles with up to 10,000 feet of climbing. I don't thinks so, but you gals go ahead ;-)

There are seven major climbs and descents on this ride, plus an optional Cat. 1 rated eighth climb, including:

Wildcat Canyon - Grizzly Peak - Skyline Blvd - Pinehurst Rd - Redwood Rd - Palomares Rd - Calaveras Rd - Sierra Rd (optional CAT 1 climb)

These are the same roads traveled in Stage 2 of The 2006 Tour of California, clearly a world-class cycling route.

But back OT (on topic) what VdV sez, support women's sports.

bluerider

04-01-2006, 05:02 PM

The Bikejournal site is down, so I'll check back later and perhaps, post something.

As a female who rides alone, I've encountered a variety of different attitudes from male cyclists. I'm one of only a couple females who rides every day. There are men I pass regularly who are incredibly rude---one in particularly likes to try to intimidate me by drifting to the center of the trail when we are going past each other in opposite lanes. Gives me the stare, if you know what I mean. Another one actually harassed me about my bike light, rode along side me for about a mile, yelling at me. I reported that doofus, who had no bike light even though it was dark out, to the cops.

Have any of you ever had a guy tail behind you, refusing to pass, so he could watch your butt? That's happened a couple of times and I usually stop so they HAVE to go by. Sexual harassment on wheels.

Fortunately, there are nice guys, who help to compensate for the jerks. Ones who are encouraging, respectful, and kind.

That's insane mickchick. I haven't had guys tag my butt as I usually pass them. Hee Hee. But I did have this one old dood who rode on my tail for 15km and refused to take the lead. I was so annoyed because he neither announced himself or made an attempt to say hello.

I can relate. I ride alone all the time and encountered a total of 5 women last summer. Let's face it, it's a male-dominated sport where there is more smack talk than skills. 99% of the male roadies I encounter are very friendly and cool. But there will always be jerks.

But the one thing we as ladies shouldn't do is let a GUY make us feel inferior. We belong on the roads with guys and if they have a beef with having events that encourage female ridership, that is something they will have to get used to. I don't have stats but my LBS said they see women have contributed the biggest growth at their shop. So fellas, get used to it and be ready to meet us ladies on the road.

If you are nice to us, maybe we'll push you up the hill next time and fix your flat.

pkq

04-01-2006, 05:06 PM

Having worked with men for 17 years, many resent the strides women have made. Sex discrimination knows no age boundaries either so young and old resent strides of women. Makes me glad I am single. :)

snapdragen

04-01-2006, 07:03 PM

Makes me glad I am single. :)

Amen sister!:D

SadieKate

04-01-2006, 07:22 PM

Trek420

04-01-2006, 07:33 PM

That takes empathy. Some people (of either gender) don't have that.

mtkitchn

04-01-2006, 08:11 PM

Just got in from out of town and read the posts here and on BJ. Thanks for posting the threads, SadieKate, because I didn't even know about these women only events (being new to cycling) and would love to get in on something like this!
As far as the clowns who get their panties in a wad over women-only stuff (women power?), don't forget that there are small minded people in every corner of society, including cycling! I see that there were just as many or more men who were supportive. I've worked in predominantly male occupations all of my working life and there are a lot of supposedly educated men out there who are truly bozos, but I believe women are gaining more (well deserved) respect all the time.

doc

04-02-2006, 04:45 AM

I couldn't find the link. what am i doing wrong?

Selkie

04-02-2006, 08:03 AM

Doc - Look under the forums section. You'll see a thread w/Red Riding Hood in the title.

yellow

04-02-2006, 08:37 AM

Sigh, reading the responses from the original posters. They don't get that a person's past experience affects what they do today and think that their sterling behavior is the behavior of all men. They must have been born with blinders attached. I can guarantee you I can find some chauvinistic and dominating males in south Texas, thinking of one right now who shall remain nameless.

And they still don't get that all sports are segregated in some way.
I posted another response this morning.

It finally dawned on me that some of them are looking at it as a personal affront. In other words, it's all about THEM. And most of us here look at it as being about US. That is, something special for us. We see it as a positive. The THEMs see it as a negative. Venus and Mars or whatever.

Of course I still think our positive spin is preferable! :D What's not to love about an event that celebrates and empowers active women? DUH!

I always used to ask my good friend HotRod (whom some of you know), a man that has a tendency to say "insensitive" things: "what GOOD will come out of what you say?" He always conceded that I had a point.

Off to kick some male butt on the ski hill!

y

Trek420

04-02-2006, 09:24 AM

yellow "It finally dawned on me that some of them are looking at it as a personal affront. In other words, it's all about THEM. And most of us here look at it as being about US. That is, something special for us. We see it as a positive. The THEMs see it as a negative. Venus and Mars or whatever."

water bottle half empty or half full :)

"Of course I still think our positive spin is preferable! :D What's not to love about an event that celebrates and empowers active women? DUH!"

Do we synchronise watches (one hour ahead) and begin "operation TE" with frank discussions on BJ of dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, periods and whether or not to ride pregnant?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5569&highlight=multiple

off to walk the dog

Selkie

04-02-2006, 01:08 PM

yellow "It finally dawned on me that some of them are looking at it as a
Do we synchronise watches (one hour ahead) and begin "operation TE" with frank discussions on BJ of dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, periods and whether or not to ride pregnant?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5569&highlight=multiple

off to walk the dog

I suggest how to ride on "heavy flow" days---how many tampons can one fit in your saddle bag and whether the caffeine in Midol will give you a boost to go faster. ;)

Trek420

04-02-2006, 02:20 PM

mickchick "I suggest how to ride on "heavy flow" days---how many tampons can one fit in your saddle bag and whether the caffeine in Midol will give you a boost to go faster. ;)"

good idea! :D

Since the guys objecting to women only rides are lined up in droves to lead a progressive ride series for women they need to know what supplies to bring along, only fair.

This sport takes time, and money and I though to myself "self?" I thought "while these guys are off on their epic rides, if they have kids, who's watching the kids? We're all over this "how to balance life/work the bike" issue." My guess is they have it solved too.

SadieKate

04-02-2006, 03:40 PM

Don't give up on BJ. That was probably the only thread I've seen in the 13 (14?) months that really went awry. And, you have to admit that it wasn't the flame wars you see on other forums.

I love having no more issues than 2,600 other women . . . I think. Was that a compliment? :D

BTW, I loved everybody's posts. Makes me appreciate my friends even more.

jobob

04-02-2006, 04:40 PM

I thought of responding to that thread, but I've decided those guys are just tedious twits who deserve no effort of a response on my part.

Plus everyone else already said what I felt, and said it better at that.

SadieKate

04-02-2006, 04:45 PM

jBraTTon just made a very nice response. He's still clueless that there will always be times when female camaraderie and sharing is appropriate just as there is the same for men. I give him kudos for listening and trying to comprehend.

pkq

04-02-2006, 06:02 PM

Amen sister!:D

Did Hades freeze over? You agreed with me! I think I am going to faint. :D

snapdragen

04-02-2006, 06:05 PM

Did Hades freeze over? You agreed with me! I think I am going to faint. :D

Hey, you're OK for a conservative, engineer type......:D

Eden

04-02-2006, 07:40 PM

A little OT, but a little related. My husband was totally shocked to find out that when I ride alone I sometimes get ummmm comments from men, not other cyclists mind you, but guys out on the street. It never happens when he's with me, but who would want to chance making a lewd comment when the 6'4" hubby is around. I was actually surprised that he was that naive about the habits of other men and the effects that his presence has on them.

maillotpois

04-05-2006, 01:03 PM

Hey - speaking of guys that don't "get it" in the context of BJ -

What happened to that Curtis guy who was going to do every single double in CA his first year out, and the brevet series, and who diss'ed you guys for not riding in the Solvang deluge?? I know a bunch of folks had fired off at him, including me in a backhanded way, on that thread. And he hasn't posted since. From what I understand, he had basically ruined his knee by doing too much too soon - but boy was he ambitious and cocky. I looked at his journal and only 3 rides in March.

Weird. I guess he took his toys and went home. Which is dumb, because it doesn't seem like he learned anything.

:rolleyes:

SadieKate

04-05-2006, 02:31 PM

OMG! ESP! Great minds singing the same tune again.

He's awfully wrapped up in his BJ rank compared to other far more seasoned riders, rather than focusing on training, events . . . and learning.:rolleyes:

MP, is Giny your old riding partner? Bubba said she told him that she rode the Solvang century and realized how lucky she was to come through unscathed. He said she said that she personally saw 5 crashes. Wind gusts to 30 mph. It takes incredible bike handling skills and mental alertness to stay upright on a bike when it gets into those numbers.

maillotpois

04-05-2006, 03:55 PM

Yeah, when he sets out a goal of beating someone else's mileage, that's pretty shallow.

Yeah, Giny and I rode together for a season with TNT. She's very cool and fun to ride with - super competitive. She's a good bike handler, and would have done fine under those conditions. Her ex husband owns Showers Pass, the rain gear company - he's a wacky dude and I actually learned a ton from riding with him. It was in my first year of riding, so I was a complete sponge.

Worst ride for crashes was Tucson last year. So many crashes. Mike saw a tandem endo. Visualize that.

SadieKate

04-05-2006, 04:00 PM

Mike saw a tandem endo. Visualize that.Do I have to?? I've been airborne on one flying across a steel deck bridge as we were madly trying to slow down from 62 mph. That was close enough.:eek:

Lise

04-05-2006, 04:07 PM

Mike saw a tandem endo. Visualize that.
Ho-lee-cow! Don't like that image. Yikes. Not too fond of the airborne--steel deck bridge--62 mph image, either! :eek: Glad you survived to tell the tale. L.

maillotpois

04-05-2006, 04:55 PM

Wow - both bad images. I am glad your experience ended up okay, SK. The endo tandem stoker was not so lucky. She stayed cliepped in but ended up facing the wrong way on the bike.

How did we get off on this topic????

Veronica

04-05-2006, 05:11 PM

All topics digress eventually and turn to food, the Diva cup or Brazilian waxing. :D

V.

Trek420

04-05-2006, 07:09 PM

aka_kim

04-05-2006, 07:16 PM

All topics digress eventually and turn to food, the Diva cup or Brazilian waxing. :DAnd if there's a new barrage of the latter two topics, we know who to blame. :)

maillotpois

04-05-2006, 08:39 PM

maillotpois "She stayed cliepped in but ended up facing the wrong way on the bike."

ok, I think there's no way you can do that without ratcheting your ankles hips or knees 180, right?

yikes, shivers

Diva cup, food, waxing.

Right. 180. Or some other angle you DON'T want to think about. Love me a diva cup. (Actually, I'm planning to try it out, but that's for another thread...)