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[Crankin]

OK, I laughed about the snobbiness of Marines. My son, who is a Marine, is home before he heads out to the "Hollywood" base at Camp Pendleton. He did go to Parris Island, he's a machine gunner, and he just got done with 2.5 years in the "Fast Force," a unit you get chosen for on the basis of an intelligence test. He definitely feels a bit "superior," but when I annoy him about not finishing college and become an officer, he gets really mad! It's the same thing. He is a major cyclist, by the "snobby" definition, but I know he would not make fun of anyone who rides. He was probably the most encouraging person to me when I started. My former exchange student, who is a professional racer in Europe, rode twice with me last summer. He also was just so encouraging about my progress, since i was toodling along on my mtb on the street when he met me. So, I guess what I'm trying to sy, is that we all have our definitions of who fits in a group and who doesn't. I try not to be a bike snob, and I actually like helping beginners, but I know that sometimes I am.

[Duck on Wheels]

A thought that just occurred to me ... Maybe we should take this thread back to where it started. Seems to me the question was whether it's ok to flame someone on this forum as long as the flame gets sent as a PM. Was that the question? If so, then my vote is "No, it's not OK." I'd say it's ok to disagree, preferably out in the open and politely. It's also ok to ask whether something we found hurtful was meant that way, and that might be an appropriate message for a PM, at least as a first step. But it's not ok to flame.

[Tuckervill]

One of the big Harley guys growled, "Son, WE'RE the bikers. YOU'RE the bikEEs."

Along those lines, there was a recent headline in my local paper:

"Cyclist, 16, killed on road"

Oh no! It really was more of a tragedy than at first glance, because the boy was killed when his own father crossed over the centerline on the country road near their home, and hit the boy with his truck.

But the boy was riding a MOTORcycle, not a BIcycle.

I think they were wrong to use the word "cyclist" to describe a motorcycle rider, but that just may be because of my perspective as a cyclist.

Karen

[Pax]

I listen to the evening news while cooking dinner. Reports of a cyclist hit by a car stop me in my tracks. I find myself hanging on every word trying to identify, is this a cyclist or someone on a bike? Without thought I try to identify if this was someone who was aware of the laws and following them. Yes, I try to identify if it is someone in "my group" or not. I am struck harder if someone I consider a cyclist has been injured. It's not that I care less for the other person it's just that it feels more like it could have been me. I can relate to this person and their level of risk more.
At my work, we are in the process of creating small groups of people with related interests. We have groups who like to work out before daylight in the morning. We have a tri-athlete group. We have a group of seniors, people who like to cook, a book club, a group of attorneys who drink wine and ride bikes......The goal is not to exclude people but to create a sense of family, community. We are pack animals. We like to belong. We enjoy being around people who have something in common with us. We enjoy meeting people with shared interest. Why must we feel that creating communities is excluding someone who doesnt share our interests? I belong to so many different communities. I rarely blend these groups together. I enjoy hanging with my cyclists friends on some occasions and my foodie friends on others. If you are not part of this group it just means we don't share this interest.
Don't let your emotions get in the way of healthy debate. Isn't the idea here to get together a bunch of people from different places with different ideas. Isn't it more interesting if we disagree, argue and debate? One group you can exclude me from is the one where everyone agrees with everything I say.
Just my 2 cents.

I agree that circles are inevitable, we meet up with people who share our common interests...it becomes problematic when we use our circle to denigrate others because they're not in the right circle.

TE is a circle, and a special one at that, I would consider it a negative thing though if people from TE made denigrating comments to other women who ride because they aren't member of TE or because they don't participate in TD/triathlons/racing/etc. It's the "snob factor" that sets my teeth on edge.

[Geonz]

the sidewalk thing: if it is ILLEGAL to ride on the sidewalk, then I say don't do it because it is a TERRIBLE way to represent the sport of cycling! if it is LEGAL and the BEST METHOD to get from point A to point B, then use it because that makes you a VERY WISE cyclist!

Welp, it's legal. I'm still rolling my eyes at your condescension - actually, I have no reason to assume you train harder than I do and are "more of a cyclist" even by *your* definition. My 8o00+ miles last year didn't all come on the sidewalks.

But... here's the bigger issue:

I really love cycling - and not just so I can win things. I think it can improve the whole planet and so many of the people in it.

Are you assuming that I like (or even accept) the fact that to keep my skin, I have to negotiate sidewalks instead of being reasonably safe on the roads? If that's why you hold sidewalkers in contempt... what are you doing about it?

I mean, besides being condescending to people riding on the sidewalks?

Does that make the roads safer? Do you honestly think that brings those people out onto the roads?

No, in fact, it makes those sidewalker think "oh, okay, I'm just not *brave* enough for this. They are. Must be something wrong with me, not with the way the roads are designed. I can't expect better. Roads were made for cars."

Yes, one of the reasons I don't like riding on the sidewalk is because I don't like the message it sends to drivers or other cyclists or possible future cyclists.

I'm on our town's Bicycling and Pedestrian Advisory commission, I'm on the board of the League of Illinois Bicyclists; I write letters, I've been on the telly. ...but more than all that, IMO, I *ride* visibly and often, and do my utmost to get others to do so by leading beginner rides and just being a "normal" person who rides a bicycle to show it's a feasible option.

I want our roads to be places where cyclists can ride safely and efficiently. Right now that ain't the case. Some places, it is for people who have the courage and conviction and speed to negotiate the traffic - but so many, many people think that there's no need to make the roads safe for cyclists. They think that there's no reason to divert funds or inconvenience motorists for a bunch of Lance wannabees - let's face it, we wouldn't do that for hockey players, would we? Why should the public support your recreational pursuit?

I love cycling . I think it can do far more good than the benefits that athletics provide. There are so many current Stupid Problems that bicycling helps with, either a little or a lot, either individually (health) or societally (let's slow down and talk to each other!) or environmentally, or.. or..

HOwever, cyclists are a barely significant minority - even here. On the third hand, I talk to so many people who would *love* to ride more, either for fitness or instead of driving - but there are barriers.

Do you want to be one of those barriers?




... my most recent motorbiker interaction: pulled up to the Blarney Stone (only place for food in Ivesdale) as three motorbikes pulled up.
"Lance!"
We just grinned, went in... and then met the same group at teh Sadorus Pub which was our next stop... yea, our ration of riding to drinking was a little higher than theirs

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Seems to me the question was whether it's ok to flame someone on this forum as long as the flame gets sent as a PM. Was that the question? If so, then my vote is "No, it's not OK." I'd say it's ok to disagree, preferably out in the open and politely. It's also ok to ask whether something we found hurtful was meant that way, and that might be an appropriate message for a PM, at least as a first step. But it's not ok to flame.

I agree with all that. And I think "politely" is a key word here.

[stacie]

A statement was made. Some agree some don't. I believe we are so afraid of being labeled a ***** that we don't disagree, be assertive or be bold. We can't have healthy debates if we are so worried about stepping on someone's toes. This entire argument has been because someone could get their feelings hurt if someone happened to exclude them and then ridicule them for not being part of the group? If you disagree with someone, argue your point. I actually think this forum would be more interesting if we had some healthy passionate, debates. Please read Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher.

[Pax]

A statement was made. Some agree some don't. I believe we are so afraid of being labeled a ***** that we don't disagree, be assertive or be bold. We can't have healthy debates if we are so worried about stepping on someone's toes. This entire argument has been because someone could get their feelings hurt if someone happened to exclude them and then ridicule them for not being part of the group? If you disagree with someone, argue your point. I actually think this forum would be more interesting if we had some healthy passionate, debates. Please read Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher.

Some may have felt denigrated by the implication that they aren't "real cyclists" as stated below.

some people ride bikes

some people are cyclists

some people are roadies - they ride on the road

some people are mountain bikers - they ride on trails

there are those who do both while racing -- they are cyclocross racers

there are no sidewalk cyclists

some people ride bikes -- please do NOT confuse them with cyclists!

I truly enjoy a rousing argument and am not usually concerned about "stepping on toes". However as I've read various posts on TE, this board seems much "softer" in that area and I try to respect the culture of the board I'm visiting.

[Geonz]

It is denigrating - as well as pretty hysterically absurd - to be told not to confuse a person with a cyclist because they have a different opinion.


In fact, it pretty much prevents actual debate about the cycling issue.

[guest1]

Welp, it's legal. I'm still rolling my eyes at your condescension - actually, I have no reason to assume you train harder than I do and are "more of a cyclist" even by *your* definition. My 8o00+ miles last year didn't all come on the sidewalks.

But... here's the bigger issue:

I really love cycling - and not just so I can win things. I think it can improve the whole planet and so many of the people in it.

Are you assuming that I like (or even accept) the fact that to keep my skin, I have to negotiate sidewalks instead of being reasonably safe on the roads? If that's why you hold sidewalkers in contempt... what are you doing about it?

I mean, besides being condescending to people riding on the sidewalks?

Does that make the roads safer? Do you honestly think that brings those people out onto the roads?

No, in fact, it makes those sidewalker think "oh, okay, I'm just not *brave* enough for this. They are. Must be something wrong with me, not with the way the roads are designed. I can't expect better. Roads were made for cars."

Yes, one of the reasons I don't like riding on the sidewalk is because I don't like the message it sends to drivers or other cyclists or possible future cyclists.

I'm on our town's Bicycling and Pedestrian Advisory commission, I'm on the board of the League of Illinois Bicyclists; I write letters, I've been on the telly. ...but more than all that, IMO, I *ride* visibly and often, and do my utmost to get others to do so by leading beginner rides and just being a "normal" person who rides a bicycle to show it's a feasible option.

I want our roads to be places where cyclists can ride safely and efficiently. Right now that ain't the case. Some places, it is for people who have the courage and conviction and speed to negotiate the traffic - but so many, many people think that there's no need to make the roads safe for cyclists. They think that there's no reason to divert funds or inconvenience motorists for a bunch of Lance wannabees - let's face it, we wouldn't do that for hockey players, would we? Why should the public support your recreational pursuit?

I love cycling . I think it can do far more good than the benefits that athletics provide. There are so many current Stupid Problems that bicycling helps with, either a little or a lot, either individually (health) or societally (let's slow down and talk to each other!) or environmentally, or.. or..

HOwever, cyclists are a barely significant minority - even here. On the third hand, I talk to so many people who would *love* to ride more, either for fitness or instead of driving - but there are barriers.

Do you want to be one of those barriers?




... my most recent motorbiker interaction: pulled up to the Blarney Stone (only place for food in Ivesdale) as three motorbikes pulled up.
"Lance!"
We just grinned, went in... and then met the same group at teh Sadorus Pub which was our next stop... yea, our ration of riding to drinking was a little higher than theirs

Good for you! I am sure you are proud of what you have accomplished and what you do as a cycling advocate. However, I sure hope your crown doesn't hurt your head TOO badly when you wear your cycling helmet!

[Geonz]

Good for you! I am sure you are proud of what you have accomplished and what you do as a cycling advocate. However, I sure hope your crown doesn't hurt your head TOO badly when you wear your cycling helmet!

Okay, okay, climbing down from my *own* little "I'm higher than you" elevation

Pax

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It is denigrating - as well as pretty hysterically absurd - to be told not to confuse a person with a cyclist because they have a different opinion.


In fact, it pretty much prevents actual debate about the cycling issue.

I don't know, I simply found it mildly snobbish (I can be mildly snobbish about lots of things too, including biking). Several people have already expressed that they did not find anything offensive at all in the post. Clearly the post is viewed differently by different people. That's not unusual. It's ok to enter into discussion that disagrees with the poster's opinion. That's what the forum is about- exchanging various ideas and opinions. There's probably nothing we would all agree on.
What makes this case different is that apparently someone sent a nasty private message in response to the post. Just how nasty it was we will never know, but if it was indeed nasty and rude well then that was inappropriate and uncalled for. It's healthy to disagree and argue one's point, but I think it's NOT ok to be toxically nasty and/or attack people personally. In my opinion, using the cover of a PM in order to get away with saying nasty things to another member without it being openly seen is abusing the forum.

[rocknrollgirl]

I don't have any answers, but this sure has been interesting......

[roguedog]

What is a cyclist?

This has actually been on my mind lately and something I'm trying to figure out.

I'm new to "cycling" though I've been riding bikes since I was like 5. For me it was just about the only alternative left since I hate running and I've gotten really sick of going to the gym. So I just started... and I found out I enjoy it.

However, I haven't ridden since Tday with holidays, family and other social stuff going on. In that time I've been contemplating this question since I feel all this guilt or feeling like a "slacker" since I'm not out there doing my 100 miles a week like some folks. In some sense this has been good cuz it gives me perspective.

When did biking become cycling to me? When did I need to don my fancy clothes (of which I don't have many really) to just ride to work?? I mean I went to UC Davis for god's sake and spent (cough) all my college years biking around in jeans and sweats in the friggin wind, rain and cold on a used bike from the bike auction. I didn't even have a car for 2-3 years. Walking or riding were my only alternatives.

Then I was reading thru Rivendell's site and their pragmatic approach to cycling/biking was really fresh air to me.

"Special clothing just to ride a bike? Are you sure?

(This is kind of a long rant.)

If you have any doubts that you can ride in normal clothing, consider that 200 million people worldwide do it every day. So it comes down to clothing for "serious, performance cycling," and that's when the clothing starts to look and feel funny. Based on the snug-fitting clothing of the famous comic book superheros, cycling clothing has continued to devolve to its current state, which is: "

So yesterday morning, I just jumped on my little mtn bike with my jeans and geeky reflective cuff velcro thingy and went to work.

What am saying.. rambling? I guess ...that we are privileged to live in a country that gives us the choice to be cyclists. And that as long as I am aware of that, I've defined it for myself. I've defined my "circles." Will I keep buying stuff. Ya betcha cuz I love shopping And will I train for the Terra Bella and the Cindy.. yup as much as my life will allow me at the moment.

But.. I have to remember that cycling is one of my hobbies and I'm a damn, friggin lucky a$$ bastard to have that choice.

I'll leave this morning's contemplation with this photo. The lady in the picture below has my respect and awe. I took this when my tour bus had an engine problem outside of Shanghai. While we were just wandering around stretching our legs, this lady just came riding up on the opposite side of road, toting her load and then quietly just disappeared into the horizon. She "trains" everyday because she has no choice. And she's definitely not a a weight weeny! And god knows how far she has to go everyday..

This picture just makes me laugh at myself but also makes me feel very lucky.

Enjoy...keep on pedaling (I'm off to work .. in my jeans)

[snapdragen]

Good for you! I am sure you are proud of what you have accomplished and what you do as a cycling advocate. However, I sure hope your crown doesn't hurt your head TOO badly when you wear your cycling helmet!

Okay, okay, climbing down from my *own* little "I'm higher than you" elevation

Pax

Well thank goodness, I thought I was going to have to put on my moderator crown....er hat.