Ladies, women, girls....

[Zen]

I'm assuming it was just a joke referring to the enthusiastic discussion around Banana Keepers earlier on this board, can't see anything offensive in that myself.

I don't think men belong in certain discussions here. I have put him on the "ignore" list but unfortunately still see the name in posts. Coming from a woman the comment might be amusing.
There are many women capable and willing to lead all women rides.

Don't even get me started on how degrading the "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Cinderella' names are for a ride. Each of those characters relied on a man to save her from an unfortunate situation. Blecch.
I doubt many men would ride in the Little Jack Horner.

[Pax]

I remember in high school (1974-1978) our team name was the Eagles, we went to State my senior year and the papers would only refer to us as the Ea-girls.

[velogirl]

Don't even get me started on how degrading the "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Cinderella' names are for a ride. Each of those characters relied on a man to save her from an unfortunate situation. Blecch.
I doubt many men would ride in the Little Jack Horner.

Zen, no offense is intended to you, but apparently the thousands of women who ride in both of those events each year would disagree with you. I can't speak for LRRH because I haven't done it, but I've ridden Cinderella half a dozen times and it sells out every year on the day they open registration. 2,500 women. And it's a treat that a predominantly male cycling club has created an event for women -- an event where they cater to all the female riders who participate. I, for one, appreciate it. And take no offense at the name whatsoever. Actually, one of the treats each year is dressing up, decorating our helmets, and checking out all the fun costumes the other women have put together.


Lorri

[velogirl]

Now I'm really confused. I hate to admit that I thought a banana-keeper had some sexual connotation. Then I looked at the link from the original post -- a banana keeper is a storage container for a banana so it doesn't get squished. I don't get it. Why are folks offended by that?

[Deborajen]

Now I'm really confused. I hate to admit that I thought a banana-keeper had some sexual connotation. Then I looked at the link from the original post -- a banana keeper is a storage container for a banana so it doesn't get squished. I don't get it. Why are folks offended by that?

I seem to remember Lance Armstrong made jokes about banana Keepers. That was what came to my mind, anyway. When it first came up on this thread, it looked like some guy making a not-so-nice sexual reference - on a women's forum. I had no idea about the earlier discussions about the ride he was working on organizing - doesn't look quite so bad now, if it stays in check.

Having read more about the names of the rides makes more sense, too. I agreed with Zencentury, they sounded degrading. Having read more about the rides, though, they don't sound so bad. Good to see rides are getting started.

Deb

[El Hombre]

Link to the thread that I ref'd

I asked for ideas and was dared to hand out Banana Keepers by members of this board. If you knew me, you'd know I never shy from a dare. Should any women have any comments, suggestions, complaints, etc regarding the ride or myself, please feel free to PM me.
Volunteers gladly appreciated!

[Mr. Bloom]

I asked for ideas and was dared to hand out Banana Keepers by members of this board.

I hear ya', but I've accepted that we guys need to be more careful/sensitive on this board. For instance, Bluetree gave me a name I thought was hilarious:

Mr Silver, to me, is just another one of the TE gals, or rather, the oddball roadbike with a kickstand.

I accepted the moniker into my signature line...but I honestly didn't see the double entendre that someone else found as offensive coming from a man...so I changed it.

[boy in a kilt]

I hear ya', but I've accepted that we guys need to be more careful/sensitive on this board.

I'm trying to find that balance myself. I do get the occasional hostile PM saying I have no business being here and I should "stfu".

It's just a matter of figuring out where I should and shouldn't be posting and how to get my point across such that people realize my intent is pure.

[BikeMomma]

If you knew me, you'd know I never shy from a dare.

Ladies, Women, et all --- I DO know him, and he's right. You dare him, he'll do it. I won't be surprised in the least if we see banana keepers in our Rapunzel goodie bags.

In keeping with the discussion, I'm pretty easy-going about what I'm called. Although I'm 37 and look way younger (so I'm told), young store clerks occasionally do call me M'am, and it sorta stirs some protest within me, but I brush it off to perhaps what they were taught or told to say by their parents, employers, etc. Generally, I give people the benefit of the doubt and try to be fair and laid-back with my reactions, unless they say it in mean spirit. BUT, get some good 'ol boy calling me "Sweetie", "Sweetheart", "Darlin'", "Doll", "Honey", or any other demeaning name, and it's hackles-up time and I'm spittin' fire. It happens rarely, thank goodness. I love the phrase "you go girl." It sortof empowers me and I hope to empower others with it also, although the people I usually say it to are good friends and acquaintances, not strangers. And I usually shout "Let's go/good job, Ladies" (or a specific person's name) at races, for lack of anything better to say, usually!

Mr. Silver -- oh believe me, he's definitely restraining himself. LOL And from years of knowing him, I have to agree with him that he definitely does not do PC well (you nailed it El Hombre! ) -- he's being an angel here on the TE boards and if I can speak for him, is totally committed in helping to put together an awesome women's-only ride for Seattle and Washington state, which is why he started posting here. The more times he can mention the new ride, the better, and obviously making enemies of TE members here is not good PR!

Zen -- I see and understand your point about the ride names. I've ridden the Cinderella three times now and I admit I've always sorta disliked the name in its negative connotation. But the ride is ALOT of fun, the costumes are downright hilarious, the food's great and plentiful, the volunteers (Prince's) are always helpful, and it's just an overall total blast. If one looks at it for what it is, it's just a ride name meant to be cute, unique, easily-recognizable, etc. The new Repunzel Classic ride is attempting to model the excellent example that the LRRH and Cinderella rides have set, and by choosing a similar fairy-tale name, is hoping to be thought of in the same way as it's predecessors.

Oh, and if I could choose, I'd be rescued by Lassie or the Lone Ranger (his horse ROCKS!....hiho Silver...Away!). Back in the days of knights and castles, I would have let the knight rescue me, but then I would have stole his horse and rode off into the sunset alone.

As for you, El Hombre......:

As a male trying to organize a female only ride, I am so screwed.... PC I am not SOoooo, should it be "Ladies Ride"? "Women's Ride"? "Members of the opposite sex who want to kill Dan ride"? Maybe I'll start 10 minutes early with a box of Banana Keepers

Depending on how badly you piss off my friends here at TE, I might take the 3rd option. LOL


BikeMomma

[Mr. Bloom]

(his horse ROCKS!....hiho Silver...Away!).

Did you just call my wife a horse????

[Starfish]

but apparently the thousands of women who ride in both of those events each year would disagree with you.

I haven't done either of these rides, but they sound fun to me.

That said, though, maybe it just makes me very unprincipled that I would be one of those women who might do the ride, to have the fun of riding with a bunch of women, but still hate the name.

I actually had a man throw at me in an argument once that I just wanted to be Cinderella (NOT, but then that's why there was an argument).

[Trekhawk]

Zen, no offense is intended to you, but apparently the thousands of women who ride in both of those events each year would disagree with you. I can't speak for LRRH because I haven't done it, but I've ridden Cinderella half a dozen times and it sells out every year on the day they open registration. 2,500 women. And it's a treat that a predominantly male cycling club has created an event for women -- an event where they cater to all the female riders who participate. I, for one, appreciate it. And take no offense at the name whatsoever. Actually, one of the treats each year is dressing up, decorating our helmets, and checking out all the fun costumes the other women have put together.


Lorri

Well said Velogirl!!
I have done LRRH and I thought it was a great ride. As far as the name goes well I thought it was a fun name but then being an Aussie I never take things too seriously. I even have a lovely LRRH jersey and wear it with pride.