Internet Exploring

[snapdragen]

I've spent all day recovering from a mild bout of food poisoning, tonight I finally ate real food, and I still feel fine. Yippee

Most of my time, when not sleeping, has been online, exploring. I've discovered a few things. The TE boards are not your average online bbs.
I thought things here were so cool, because it's pretty much all women (with the occasional man wandering in) But that's not it, because I've gone to other sites with mostly women and whoa! The difference!

One weight loss bbs I went to is a nest of vipers. I've never seen so many nasty women! The name calling etc. is astounding! And it's supposed to be a support system for weight loss Another one seems to be a gathering spot for people with eating disorders. This one really scared me, since it's run by a national magazine that promotes health.

So what is it that makes these boards different? Are we as cyclists more "civilized"?

[Jo-n-NY]

Personally I have come to the conclusion that cyclists are just plain nice people. Whenever riding on the road or the bike path and you see another cyclist, there is always a nod and a smile of acknowledgment. It makes this one of the most pleasant sports to be a part of.

Yes, Snapdragon, I think you are right, we are all "civilized," and a nice bunch of people who appreciate one another, at least for the most part.
~JoAnn

[DeniseGoldberg]

Somehow the TE forum has managed to attract women who respect the opinions of others - whether or not we all agree. It's a real pleasure to participate in this discussion group!

I get the same (or similar) feeling from the guestbooks and forums on crazyguyonabike.com, although that is really focused on touring by bike. But I don't get that feeling on some of the more general biking forums; I just hate it when people start flaming, and I think it's that mutual respect that's missing.

I send a big thank you to TE for hosting this forum - and a big thank you to all of my fellow participants too. I know that this is a good place to look for answers to any cycling-specific questions I may have.

--- Denise

[yellow]

Another good one, very supportive, mostly women, is the Runner's World women's running bulletin board. If you're a runner, then you should be visiting that one too.

I quit visiting that one as it made me too nostalgic and crabby about not being able to run. This board reminds me alot of that one in tone.

But of course this one is THE BEST.

y

[Trek420]

As we ask in my family at Passover "why is this board different from all other boards?" (I can make that joke, I'm Jewish and it's my birthday).

It's odd isn't it that this board is so different: more informative, supportive, funny, we could go on and on, like a favorite restaraunt or LBS that's why we come here. My theory why it's better here.

* TE and the admin does a great job of quietly running things in the background

* senior & newbie members keep the tone light ~ worst thing that ever happens is someone asks for the umpty blobdillionth time "why does ___ hurt?" and is politely asked "did you search for the 242 threads "why does ____ hurt?".

* TE board members don't live for the drama of the net. We log on, get our tips, buy shorts from TE and LOG OFF AND GET OUTSIDE.

* then there's something I can't put my finger on why or how this happens here, anyone know why? we're a diverse group of women, different races, religions, nationalities, our politics are all over the map, gay & straight, we even have mountain bikers but we share this quirky sense of humor. Even when we share difficulties and dangers that are a part of our sport, chalenges of riding with dissabilities there's just a warmth, humor and support here about it.

[Irulan]

we even have mountain bikers

Hey, I resemble that remark!

I think it has to do with flavor set by posters here, which says a lot. I don't think of it as a tone set by our moderators, as I can only think of one or two instances where we've had to bring them in to put out a fire.

Funny tho, I moderate at a board that is unrelated to cycling, and we have a team there that is very visible in terms of "always there" who set the tone for the board, which the group has let us know they want, to keep the board from turning into one of those other boards.

just my usual blunt 2¢ ... ;-)

irulan

[LBTC]

This is definitely the best board out there! The why of it I haven't completely figured out.....but, well, look at the thread asking how many of us are over 45.... while I'm not, yet, I noticed that many of us are....could it be that we are just generally "mature"? and anyone who cycles passionately that's over 30 has a strength of character that's not seen in many other passtimes....If we haven't moved on to golfing and curling by the time we're 40, we're really dedicated athletes!

and, of course, great people simply attract great people....I see it all the time!

I do thank all the regular posters...you all have set a fabulously supportive tone! Thank you!! And thank you all for not complaining about how chatty I can be....

This is the best and let's just keep it that way!!

Namaste,
~T~

[LBTC]

oh, right, and snapdragen, I'm sorry about the food poisoning!! The good thing is it is over relatively quickly, but there's nothing quite as obnoxious as the dry heaves!!!

Glad you're on the mend!!

Namaste,
~T~

[Susan126]

I love this TE forum because everyone here is so nice. Willing to listen and help and never discourage. Everyone in here shares their experiences and stories and I just love reading about each and every one of them.

Oh . . . I made myself a new "avatar" this afternoon. It's raining cats and dogs (for the last 2 1/2 days) and I am trying to keep myself sane!

Sue

[jobob]

You'll be happy to know that our friend Snap was looking mighty fine on the club ride today, methinks she suffered no long-term ill effects

This board has become a small but important part of my life - it's nice to check in, see what people are up to. I'm really thrilled to see all the new (uh, faces?) that have joined recently, I think we have a great mix.

I'm really looking forward to meeting many of you at the Cinderella dinner this Friday!

- Jo.

btw, very nice avatar, Susan

[SadieKate]

This is definitely the best board out there!

Because we are LaMass! The Ladies' Mutual Admiration and Support Society!

[CorsairMac]

And thank you all for not complaining about how chatty I can be....

Namaste,
~T~

are you chatty?.....guess I just hadn't noticed!

There was/is a chance I may be transferred to Phoenix and have to work a Real job! My first thought after the intial excitment about getting back to Phx?......OH NO.........I won't be able to check here during the day now! I'll have to find time in the evenings to make sure I check here. The thought of going more than a few days without "checking in" was just more than I could take!!

[CorsairMac]

Oh . . . I made myself a new "avatar" this afternoon. It's raining cats and dogs (for the last 2 1/2 days) and I am trying to keep myself sane!

Sue

Awesome avatar! I love the colours both fore and back ground! Well Done!

[LBTC]

heehee
yes, I am chatty. I post long posts, when I post....see any of the threads about diet or weight loss!

I love Susan's avatar! amazing colours!! good work!

Corsair I can't believe you're moving!! And waddya mean you can't check the forum when you work a real job? Guess where I am right now? hahahahaha

Namaste,
~T~

[CorsairMac]

I've spent all day recovering from a mild bout of food poisoning, tonight I finally ate real food, and I still feel fine. Yippee

Welcome back to the land of the living Snap! I can not think of anything worse than food poisoning!

If it should happen again, try charchol. (sp) I know,,,sounds funny but you can buy it in tablet form and charchol absorbs EVERYTHING!! Think aquarium filters or HEPA filters. You can't take anything else with it for several hours but it'll absorb the poisons and speed the recovery.

But welcome back and what a very nice thread! Yet again showing just wonderful everyone here is! and why I keep coming for more.