"Ride like a girl"... How do you feel about that?

[momof4greatkids]

I had someone railing about it today...
So out of curiousity, what do you think about the "ride like a girl" merchandise- and things like it??

It's just fine, I would buy it (at the right price) It pokes fun at what some have said is a thinly veiled insult. It's always helpful to not take ourselves too seriously.

When you wear "ride like a girl" gear, bring your "A" game and represent the feminine gender w/courage and pride!



Colleen

[sbctwin]

I like it ... My DH has bought me several things (t-shirt, sweatshirt) with the phrase because he knew I thought they were cute. They were a complete surprise for me and for that I think of the clothing as special. Maybe it's my age...at 55 and 'frumpy' I enjoy being able to 'ride like a girl' and totally enjoy myself

[OakLeaf]

As long as the imagery that goes along with the phrase is tough, the empowering aspect of taking the phrase back really works for me.

That's the key, for me. It has to be an image of a girl completely owning and mastering (mistressing?) the physicality of the sport.

[salsabike]

As long as the imagery that goes along with the phrase is tough, the empowering aspect of taking the phrase back really works for me.

Yeah, well said.

[Wahine]

I like it. But then again I often ride with the boyz and when they can't take 120 miles and I can, I often tell them they should learn to ride like a girl.

LBTC said it best.

[7rider]

There's a thread on Roadbikereview's forums about whether women feel uncomfortable climbing out of the saddle.

Huh? I don't understand that one at all.


Re: Ride Like a Girl.
I think folks over-think things sometimes.

There is a woman on my group ride who re-applies lipstick at ever rest/re-group spot. She's a national TT champ and she can whip just about anybody's butt - male or female - on a bike. She's got calves the size of Buicks.

There's another woman on the ride who was just showing off the ride color-coordinated toe nail polish she had done for a triathalon she just completed.

We tease them both that they are "Girly-girls" and slap each other on the back and call each other girlfriend ("Hey Girlfriend. Wassup??"). Our ages are in our 40's and 50's.

Our local mountainbike advocacy group has a women's ride program that's called "Ride Like a Girl". It's designed to get women (or girls) to learn skills and get out in the woods riding in a fun, supportive environment. The guys join sometimes for "Ride Like a Dude" rides. But not always.

The whole intent is to be light-hearted and fun. Because isn't that what it's all supposed to be about??? I do this stuff for FUN. If you don't find it fun, then move away from it and move on.

p.s. ETA - that said...I probably wouldn't buy anything with a RLAG label...but then, I'm just not fond of the pink that it usually comes in. But I don't find it insulting.

[emily_in_nc]

I kinda like "Ride Like a Girl". I always took it to mean "hey, girls CAN ride...we rock...get over it!"

[Zen]

... I don't find it insulting.

And that's why you're our Potomac Princess
and I'm the drill sergeant

[KnottedYet]

I can take it or leave it. Kinda find it amusing at first, but not something I'd want to buy 'cuz the amusement would (and already has) wear thin.

My tight sexy black "Surly" girly t-shirt, now THAT'S a bike-thingy that amuses me every time I wear it. http://surlybikes.com/clothes.html

[Geonz]

I like the idea of owning hte phrase... but I also figure - hey, it's marketing.
And then I think... and marketing has a pretty profound effect.

I wouldn't buy it 'cause I don't ride "like" anything. I just ride. I like turning "ride like a girl" into something strong.

[Kalidurga]

I wouldn't buy it 'cause I don't ride "like" anything. I just ride.

Thank you! That's exactly how I feel, and you said it perfectly.

[NbyNW]

I got one of the beanies from Terry that fits under your helmet and is long enough to keep your ears warm. I didn't realize it had "ride like a girl" on it until it came in the mail.

I probably wouldn't have chosen it since I'm not really into things with slogans, but I figure it's barely visible under my helmet and gets the job done. Having "ride like a girl" on it was not enough of a reason to return a perfectly good beanie.

The way the phrase is used on Terry merchandise doesn't bother me. I agree that they're taking a traditionally derogatory phrase and trying to rework it into something empowering.

[firenze11]

I don't mind the phrase in the context of being a strong, athletic woman.
I'm starting to love this new feeling I've developed over the past year, since I've gotten my bike actually, of being both feminine and strong. Part of me doesn't love the use of "girl" but part of me really likes it. I think it's cheeky and I like reclaiming a phrase that is often derogatory. I'm not sure I would buy something with the phrase on it, but only because I usually don't wear clothing with slogans.

[Blueberry]

I can take it or leave it. Kinda find it amusing at first, but not something I'd want to buy 'cuz the amusement would (and already has) wear thin.

My tight sexy black "Surly" girly t-shirt, now THAT'S a bike-thingy that amuses me every time I wear it. http://surlybikes.com/clothes.html

I'd really like a pink "ride like a girl" sticker for my Surly.....

I find it amusing. I don't tend to wear pink, but I do like the message. I see it as you don't have to be a guy to be a really awesome rider.

CA

[maillotpois]

BUT I wouldn't use a saddle or wear a jersey with the motto. It's has to be something small and inconspicuous to keep it a little personal joke.

Like my silver necklace pendant.

I keep it right next to the Tiffany & Co. pendant I got for the Nike Women's Marathon 2006. Run like a girl, too, I guess. Or hobble.