TE rocks (inspired by Queer Eye thread)

[vmax]

I've been on this site for a couple of months and don't post very often . . but I've learned TONS about biking while reading the many topics online.

In my experience, please no slams, but I've found that predominantly female sites have much more bickering as compared to men. One site in particular, not related to biking, is very volatile, even when discussions go off-topic. Should anyone disagree with the "queen bees", then you are subject to all kinds of nasty notes.

Anyhoo, my thoughts are that this board seems to be composed of very dedicated, confident, disciplined women who bike in addition to other sports. I think that the dedication to biking (or any specific subject) makes all the difference, again, my opinion. And, perhaps it is just the overall makeup of the women who visit this site. Irregardless, for my short time visiting here, I am appreciative of the support and knowledge that is shared among many . . . kudos to all

- Vivian, MN

[shootingstar]

In my experience, please no slams, but I've found that predominantly female sites have much more bickering as compared to men. One site in particular, not related to biking, is very volatile, even when discussions go off-topic. Should anyone disagree with the "queen bees", then you are subject to all kinds of nasty notes.

Anyhoo, my thoughts are that this board seems to be composed of very dedicated, confident, disciplined women who bike in addition to other sports. I think that the dedication to biking (or any specific subject) makes all the difference, again, my opinion. And, perhaps it is just the overall makeup of the women who visit this site. - Vivian, MN

I dropped out of another women's cycling internet listserv several yrs. ago when it appeared (to me) the moderator was abit too heavy-handed in terms of control/content/how we should communicate. And none of us cursed.

I am on another all-women's internet forum which is completely different and non-cycling where the so-called 'bickering' and queen bee stuff doesn't occur hardly at all. Not sure if it makes a difference, but the forum is aimed exclusively to women born in the boomer years and beyond. Not sure, but to me, the more experienced women are, in terms of living through major life experiences/crises..and finding their own identity and strength as a woman, there MIGHT be less of need to slam/put-down other people online.

My perception of female cyclists, who are consistently ride for several consecutive years, seems to share a common characteristic of: down-to-earth pragmatism and a dogged dedication.

I perceive men as more willing to horse around and insult each other in a playful way that they don't take so personally ...compared to women...both on the Internet and in their own face-to-face group communication. I have worked for 4 different organizations where men dominated 80% of the workforce..and see this consistently over and over...and this among men who are literate/educated/professionals.

[Running Mommy]

I love TE for all of the reasons mentioned above.
And I'm very proud to say I have a friend in Perth, a Friend in England, a couple if canada, and one from just about every state in the union!!

Tho explaining that some of them are "internet buddies" and that I haven't met them in person can be a bit hard...
The lady at the post office thinks I have friends from all over the world after I sent out my Christmas cards this year.

[mimitabby]

Yeah, What runningmommy said.

I have friends all over the world, partially from TE.
I have gotten packages from all over. I have sent get well gifts to more than one person and my life has been enriched as well in many ways.

[latelatebloomer]

Don't know why, but I don't always get along so well with other women. Sometimes I feel like I was raised by wolves and didn't learn the secret handshake or something. But time and time again I come to TE for some positive conversation, mutual support of all kinds of goals, and coffee-snorting humor. Whether it's a face plant, a flat tire, a goal met or an ego needing a bandaid, some of you will take the time to help. And every once in a while, I can do something for someone else.

I think it has something to do with us being women who keep setting goals for ourselves, who want to keep moving forward in life. Thanks for being there. I don't think I would have achieved so much transformation without TE.

[firenze11]

I haven't really participated in forums very much. Actually, I think I've only participated very shortly in one other forum. I found TE when I started bike shopping and lurked for quite awhile. First it was for some information, but then I began to notice how vibrant, open, supportive, inspirational, respectful and helpful the people (mostly women of course, but the handful of men, also) were/are. I'm so happy I joined and have felt comfortable asking questions even when I worry about sounding silly. Sure, there are differing opinions and sometime topics or postings can be contentious, but it seems like there is an underlying respect that runs through the threads. Coming here is now a daily addiction.

And now because of TE I want to try a tri. So the community at TE is helping me push beyond my comfy little walls. I have to thank you for that. (annnnd now I'm going to stop sounds like a commerical )

In short - I agree, TE Rocks!

[bmccasland]

Today as I pulled in the driveway I could see a prezzie sticking out of my mailbox. and the return address was "Team Traveling Pants Mid-Atlantic HQ"
I had to think a minute WHO it would be from. Of course TE came to mind. Then I opened it... some nifty BLUE bike shorts, chocolate, and other goodies, all wrapped in SNOW wrapping paper. I got to see snow this year!! (sort of)

THANK YOU ZEN!!!

(I had sent her some x-country wool ski pants that don't fit me & I don't live in snow country anyway. I did not expect anything in exchange, but apparently she had some new blue bike shorts that didn't quite fit right).

Oh, and Callie kitty thanks you for the wrapping paper toys. Some has been shredded, and some I wadded in a ball, that skitters across the floor nicely when batted. Good aerodynamics.

[Mr. Bloom]

Don't know why, but I don't always get along so well with other women. Sometimes I feel like I was raised by wolves and didn't learn the secret handshake or something.

Funny, I have the same issue with men...

But time and time again I come to TE for some positive conversation, mutual support of all kinds of goals, and coffee-snorting humor.

I think the distinction here is that TE has people who are deep in their perspective on things. Some are intellectually deep, others are athletically deep, but my sense is that there is a generally deep thread of character and integrity that permeates this forum.

Token guy thoughts....

[crazycanuck]

I just wanna say it'll be really really cool to meet KG & T plus many of the Van/Vic and possibly Seattle chickies when me n mah man visit Canuckland!

It's great knowing so many cool folks!

I also appreciate all the support everyone gives eachother round here! It makes a huge difference in recovering and getting back out doing what one loves!