Hey, ShootingStar, let me preface this by saying that I am "all of the above." I'm a racer, a tourist, a commuter, I ride for errands -- you name it and I've done it on the bike. I don't think these categories are mutually exclusive.

I also don't think using the term "recreational" rather than non-competitive implies any negative connotations. And in keeping with your definition of certain types of recreational riding also being competitive, I would think folks would prefer that term (recreational) over non-competitive.

Those who know me will tell you that I consider every single cyclist on this forum an "athlete," whether or not she races. If you set goals, have structure in your riding, etc, you are an athlete.

Now, keep in mind that the conference at which I'm speaking is sponsored by USA Cycling -- the governing body of racing in the US. Then look @ my outline again and you'll see that I'll spend a good amount of time talking about the "non-racer" in my discussion of how to develop women cyclists.

Obviously, if I thought the world revolved around racers only (which I don't think), I wouldn't be on a forum like this where the majority of women don't race nor do they aspire to. I also wouldn't run a cycling club where 1,400+ women are non-racers and only a couple dozen race.

The split mentality you refer to certainly isn't coming from me.