I’m not here to crash the party…

[sandra]

I'm so sorry that happened. Please remember that the feelings of one are not the feelings of all. Be safe Bruce!

[shootingstar]

Instead of focusing on Bruce or a few men here ..since this is a women's cycling forum...(come on here, let's get real..), it is useful to occasionally reflect why predominantly female or male oriented forums do exist on particular interests...ie. cycling.

I'm trying to imagine my partner whom I've been with for past 16 years if he would enjoy being in this forum. He himself is a dedicated cyclist (he's logged 100,000 kms. over past 15 years. He tracks mileage in his spreadsheet), done extensive touring trips and is highly active in the cycling advocacy work here in Vancouver (and previously in Toronto where we lived).

HIs interest is much more into political lobbying, participation in hands-on input in improving technical design of roads, facilities and transporatation options which include cyclists. I doubt this forum would hold his interest for long, because that's not where his real learning interest in cycling lies.

On the other hand he is like myself, loves to learn more about cycling in general.

I show him some of the threads over the past few years where women and men cyclists have responded since he belongs to different cycling listservs and forums. He welcomes learning more and reverse is true.

I also was involved in a women's cycling group in Toronto for 5 years. several of the organizers were well-known in cycling circles and we did joint work with other groups for certain events, etc.

Some women for whatever reason, naturally hang back, as soon as a guy starts speaking/taking over the floor. And for a women's cycling group/forum to work well which would also address unfettered discussion specifically related to women's health issues and sports performance, it's probably best that only a few men hang out.

I belong to another cycling forum that is predominantly male --probably at least 70%. For past few years. The tone is quite different, more horsing around and in your face insulting, no mincing of opinions. You know, more like men are really often when they hang out in groups.

It's gotten to a point where it's just...well, to me ..not productive, not much fun anymore.

this is why I'm here now. I was aware of this forum since its inception but didn't get around to joining.

Yea, gotta feed my Internet addictions.