TE ladies in Bicycling Mag

[uforgot]

does anyone have the magazine left, that has the articles in it that would like to donate one to me? please.....

I'd also be happy to give mine to anyone who wants it. Just PM me with your address.

[rapid cycler]

My subscription is in my name, obviously female, and I got the insert, which I thought sucked fetid wind. The one piece that was at all of interest was the mountain-biking skills women's retreat. C'mon, the other primary article in the "women's" supplement was about why we should ride with men to become better cyclists! %&#* It was written with just a dash of humor—men are funny because they crash (because they're bigger risk takers)—but the takeaway lesson was, Hey, ladies, riding with your little female friends is fine when you want to gossip or can't take the pressure of keeping up with the menfolk, but when you want to improve your skills you're gonna have to enlist some testerone. [Expletives deleted]

I had no idea any of the "makeover" gals were TE locals, and I hadn't paid much attention to that section because, in addition to its being a flagrant example of product placement, it seemed to assume that women just weren't as serious about cycling as men—most of the products recommended were low- to medium-end bikes and accessories. As kelownagirl notes, everything she already owns is of a higher quality than what was recommended to her.

I would like the editor in chief, Stephen Madden, to imagine a parallel universe in which he subscribes to a cycling magazine that focuses primarily on female athletes, because he loves to ride and, dammit, it's a woman's world so that's all that's available—but he's accustomed to such slights and will take what he can get. Then they throw him a bone, an issue all about men and their special cycling needs and goals. Well, it's not really a whole issue, but rather an insert, included only in issues addressed to men. Darn it, Stephen's subscription is in his wife's name. So he borrows his friend Dave's copy and is flabbergasted to read all about why men who always ride with their male friends really should ride with women from time to time to develop a stronger skill set. He's also fascinated to read the magazine's recommendations for his friend Dave (who already rides a Trek Madone with a Dura Ace drivetrain): an entry-level MSD (men's specific design, natch) Giant OCR, plus a nice clavicle-baring cycling top and shorts that flatter his straight hips and "package."

Absurd, isn't it, Stephen? How we women wish it were absurd to us, but we encounter that level of condescension every goddam day.

[LBTC]

It was written with just a dash of humor—men are funny because they crash (because they're bigger risk takers)—but the takeaway lesson was, Hey, ladies, riding with your little female friends is fine when you want to gossip or can't take the pressure of keeping up with the menfolk, but when you want to improve your skills you're gonna have to enlist some testerone. [Expletives deleted]

Man, this attitude still cheeses me, and I haven't even been able to ride for almost a year!

Back when we had the money to spend, the bike stuff I could get that worked for me was never as good as what DH could get. When he bought carbon-soled shoes, and I needed new shoes, too, they didn't make a ladies shoe with a carbon sole. I spent just as much money on a shoe that was 2 notches lower than his. It took years of waiting before there was a full suspension bike small enough to fit me.

And don't get me started on the attitude about riding skills! Yikes! There's still a guy in my old home-town with a target on his head over that one. Some of the best riders I know are women (and I used to be nearly as good as some of them); and there are plenty of men who can get clocked by a chick any day of the week!

The part that sucks the most is that magazines perpetuate this ridiculous discrimination. Sure, I guess it could be argued that it's a reflection of the real world attitude; but it definitely is not a reflection of real women who love to ride.

Yes, DH got his, and since the subscription is in his name, no women's section.

Utter hooey.

~T~

[teigyr]

The part that sucks the most is that magazines perpetuate this ridiculous discrimination. Sure, I guess it could be argued that it's a reflection of the real world attitude; but it definitely is not a reflection of real women who love to ride.

Yes, DH got his, and since the subscription is in his name, no women's section.

Utter hooey.

~T~

The majority of things are geared (as it were) toward men. Womens magazines are fluff and how to take care of our homes and men. Don't get me wrong...I love recipes, etc., but women generally aren't taken seriously. We know the names of male athletes but female ones aren't as well-known. It's sad.

I got the womens section. You weren't missing much, unfortunately. I think it's silly, why can't men read about women and why not put it in all copies?

[mimitabby]

Be sure and let BICYCLING magazine know what you think. I wrote to them and received a reply, but i'm only one person. you know?

[DirtDiva]

I've never read Bicycling magazine and really don't feel compelled to start. Looking back at the email kg was sent, it does rather look like they've done exactly the sort of article they said they would, but what a missed opportunity. How much better would it have been if they'd actually given all eight women that kit to use for a month and written all about how it had actually improved their riding, or at least made it more comfortable? That's the kind of advertising that makes me want to buy stuff.

[madscot13]

whoa yeah that is a good idea DirtDiva! These are fantastic women with lofty goals. Why not actually help them achieve their goals and put their money where their mouth is err pen. But hey the stuff loses their value after they've been used lets give it to them, huh?

[Velobambina]

I'd also be happy to give mine to anyone who wants it. Just PM me with your address.

C--I sent you a PM. I had a change of heart---hope someone else hasn't beaten me to it. Might be the only time I'll ever be in a magazine!

[teigyr]

I also have a copy if anyone wants it. Just let me know - I'll hold off on putting it in recycling for a while

[Ninabike]

Does anyone else still want a copy? Please let me know.