We Beat The Guys

[Cali Sunshine]

Cali,

Your post made me a bit uncomfortable, the way you describe it. I'm not disagreeing that it happened that way, I just haven't come across too many men who still harbor those outdated, macho ideas. My cycling group includes crit racers, cyclo(psycho)cross riders, Ironmen, and guys who have completed Breathless Agony, Badwater and Death Ride. If anything, they have an utmost respect for women cyclists and have all been humbled (at one time or another) by some of the female pros in the area. Hard to make fun of "mere girls" when its Hillary Biscay http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/edi.../0000062.shtml blowing past you.
I hope it's just indicative of their relative youth, and something they will soon outgrow.

Congrats for the great ride!

P.S. PLease introduce yourself in Open Topic > Getting To Know You thread!

I don't exactly understand what you mean (about it making you uncomfortable).

I do agree, it did sound a like cliche male "macho" stereotypes, and to clear the record, most men are not like this. The majority of men from my experience (98%) are not like the men I described.

[Bluetree]

I don't exactly understand what you mean (about it making you uncomfortable).

While I support the empowerment of women to compete on the same level as men (and I work in one of the few professional sports where women do) I do not condone antagonism between the sexes. Your story contained a bit too much venom for my comfort.

Sure, "a group of guys rolling by laughing" is completely unacceptable. But is it acceptable to gloat over competitors who are "broken, defeated, sweat-drenched, humiliated, shocked, and embarrassed?"

Sportsmanship goes both ways. Grace is not the private domain of either gender, and should apply to everyone... in defeat or victory.

[Squeaky]

Sure, "a group of guys rolling by laughing" is completely unacceptable. But is it acceptable to gloat over competitors who are "broken, defeated, sweat-drenched, humiliated, shocked, and embarrassed?"

OH, I know this answer! It's yes when it's in response to people like the "men" who rode by laughing and making snide remarks. Sorry, but you gotta be able to take what you give. Is it the most gracious thing to do? Maybe not. I suppose it would be easier to sit on my high horse and judge people if I were perfect all the time. But then, perfection is highly overrated.

[Cali Sunshine]

While I support the empowerment of women to compete on the same level as men (and I work in one of the few professional sports where women do) I do not condone antagonism between the sexes. Your story contained a bit too much venom for my comfort.

Sure, "a group of guys rolling by laughing" is completely unacceptable. But is it acceptable to gloat over competitors who are "broken, defeated, sweat-drenched, humiliated, shocked, and embarrassed?"

Sportsmanship goes both ways. Grace is not the private domain of either gender, and should apply to everyone... in defeat or victory.

Maybe I did have some "venom." Maybe I was angry. And yes we gloated but they deserved it.