I’m not here to crash the party…

[Flybye]

I don't see what purpose his post has served except as a springboard for (and I detest this word) cattiness, backbiting and insults.

He got his bike, he thanked the parties involved, that should have sufficed. To post the content of a private message is very inappropriate.

From the turn this thread has taken, it would appear that he has indeed crashed the party. That's a shame.

I totally disagree with you on this one.

He has just as much right to post the content of a private message as does he the right to post on any online forum, including this one.

He has as much right to post his thoughts and comments as you have to disagree with his post and display that feeling on the web for all to see.

Carry on with the exercise of your freedoms..........................

[crazycanuck]

V..we like you...

i don't drink beer...

Oh and Zen..go and tape your mouth shut..
C

[Duck on Wheels]

I'm sure there are others who will gladly consume your share of the beer. I learned years ago that I was always welcome at conference dinner tables in Norway as long as I accepted all drinks offered -- especially when I didn't drink them myself but left them for my tablemates.

[Veronica]

I don't really like wine either. BUT I do like chocolate. And I do like riding my bike. Two outta three ain't bad...

V.

I want you, I need you, but there ain't no way I'm ever gonna love you...

[lph]

Well - to struggle back to the debate for a moment - I'd like to point out that his 2nd post didn't exactly "out" a PM. It wasn't quoted, and no names were given. What he did say was that he had been "accused" of seeing TE as a dating forum, and he wanted to make it absolutely clear that he had had good intentions, so that nobody else would misunderstand him. I'd probably do much the same in his case.

[Veronica]

Awww... lph you're no fun. We'd moved on to chocolate and champagne.

V.

[latelatebloomer]

Gotta say that I have thought it a sign of a very healthy community to have some male te posters who liked the positive, support tone of this board and whose participation was welcomed. And some issues have come up in which thoughtful male points of view have been really helpful. In my opinion, the PM that went to a thankful soldier should have gone to an administrator. In my other opinion, the only solution to unwanted free speech is MORE free speech. That's something I love about my country. Now I'm out of opinions (hah!)

Ride safe & sound, Bruce. Thanks for your service to our country. It was good of you to get in touch with us, and please stay in touch!

[Trek420]

i don't drink beer...

You don't drink beer? Is that legal where you are? If the Quantas commercials and Priscilla Queen of the Desert are to be believed I thought it was required.

I like a good beer as much as the next gal but can't drink much. Which could also make me popular at conferences because I'll accept the drink, have a sip, that's about it.

[Trek420]

Awww... lph you're no fun. We'd moved on to chocolate and champagne.

V.

she's new here, give her time Hey, have you ever had strawberries marinated in something like a late Harvest Reisling (sp)? Yum. with or without chocolate.

[LBTC]

Bruce, I'm glad there were TE girls involved in your bike delivery. Thank you for letting us know. Makes me proud. Please know that the PM you received was the voice of one, and she does not speak for us all.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[SouthernBelle]

Grey Goose martini with a twist please.

Oh, ya'll aren't taking orders

[mtbdarby]

WHAT???? This isn't a dating service? Man, would that explain why I can't get a date....

Bruce, you can see from the headwind generated here why most men don't live in this community - we debate 'em to death with the best of intentions
Only the strong survive...

Many thanks to you and your crew over there and come home safely.

Oh yeah, and RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

[Trek420]

Grey Goose martini with a twist please.

Oh, ya'll aren't taking orders

No but if you're pouring make mine a double.

[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.

[crazycanuck]

Trek..i think it's safe I've never been a beer etc person..I'm the designated thinker/driver...

C