need some female cyclists

[judir6]

hey female cyclists. i am trying to get a womens c race at an event thats been held here in cinti for 27 years. women have to pay the same fee to race with the cat4/5 men. we last a few laps and it's over. a few really fast girls make it all 20 laps. ive been attacked by the men that head the group and have created quite a fire. it'd be nice to have some other females back me up. we need more races that will give women a start time!

http://milesandmadness.blogspot.com/...shitstorm.html

[loopybunny]

I read this yesterday after Joao Correia shared the link on Twitter.

I'm 100% behind you, though I don't live in your area or race. It's unfortunate that women are an underserved, and sometimes ignored, demographic in the sport.

Best of luck!

[judir6]

thanks so much! it's dispicable that they could talk to me this way after one lousy email to a usac rep. i very much appreciate the support. women never got anywhere in ANY sport until they fought for it dammit.

[OakLeaf]

The fact that things have changed not a bit since I was racing 20 years ago, really points to there being a cause and effect relationship, IMO.

OTOH, at least in those days, when there was a separate women's race, it was just that: a women's race. So the cat 4's like me were thrown in with the Pro/1/2 riders. Typically I'd do better in a mixed cat 4/C race than in a women's race where I was completely outclassed.

It never rankled so much as the day I finished third overall in a local TT. There were awards for three places for men, but only one for women. Perpetually second to another woman on my team, I got no recognition, while the male who finished fifth overall got a third place trophy.

Good luck with your efforts. It's long past time for things to change.

[Owlie]

I see you're in Cincinnati. Hi! [waves]

I no longer live in the area, nor do I race. I do wish you the best of luck, though.

[Desert Tortoise]

Judir6, I don't live near your races and am nowhere near racing (hence my name) so I can't join your efforts. But I do want to commend you for speaking up for something you believe in.

Unfortunately you got slammed for it and disappointedly were not backed by those one would expect, fellow women racers. However, you were well backed by some men and other women.

At first I thought it was a gender issue but after reading your posts, it sounds like it's more about character. In the midst of some of those crummy people, there are some really good people out there and they are with you.

I hope you continue to stay strong and do what you believe is best to do. I wish all the best.

DT

[judir6]

thanks to all of you! we, as women, have to stand up and fight for whats right in any sport, not just cycling.