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

[Bluetree]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

[Zen]

My new saddle has CrMo written on it.
At least they got "Mo" right

Maybe I'll take a sharpie to the 'Cr' part

[Blueberry]

Like my silver necklace pendant.

Where did you find that?? Sounds awesome!

CA

[mimitabby]

I personally would not like it and would be unhappy if my DH surprised me with an item bearing that slogan, but it wouldn't bother me at all if my LBS carried it because it takes all kinds, as you can see from the answers here.

[smilingcat]

At almost 15, though, the boys are starting to out grow her in a big way, so it won't be long until she can't hit their fast balls anymore or out run the throws to first. (That's okay becuase she still plays football and competitive fast pitch softball.) She gets comments sometimes from other teams. so this year at the state tournament, she smacked a ball way out in the outfield and burned the outfielder. Because I'd heard a comment from one of the boys on the other team, I stood up and yelled, "That's how to hit like a GIRL!"

It was such sweet revenge for having to listen to all those misogynist coaches all those years!

So yeah, take it back! Do it "like a girl."

Karen

I view the idea of RLAG in same vain. I've always wanted to put pink streamers on end of my handle bar, old fashioned bicyle bell... and wear a jersey prominently displaying "ride like a girl" and go chick lot of guys on hill climb. Well that's my dream. Misogynistic in reverse.


smilingcat

[bounceswoosh]

I intentionally put a "ski like a girl" sticker on my ski helmet, so I guess I like it =) When I'm having a bad day or thinking of wussing out on something, I remind myself that I want to ski so that if anyone's watching, they'll understand that skiing like a girl means skiing for guts and glory and fun =)

[maillotpois]

Where did you find that?? Sounds awesome!

CA

Terry.

They don't have it any more. It's like a big donut.

They do have this - very cool: http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail....&c=Accessories

[Fujichants]

I think it is rather cute.

[Zen]

Mimi, I think Bluetree meant if that were the shops idea of fulfilling the needs of female cyclists.

Of course I could be wrong. It happened once in 1987.

[Crankin]

I see the phrase as meant to be empowering. Like SFA said. I don't really like the pink marketing trend, though. I just don't wear that much pink and I certainly would not want it on my bike. Don't like flowers, designs, or other cutesy pictures on my bike related stuff.
I have the RLAG saying on a couple of pairs of socks, nothing really visible.
And yes to the bike stores that carry small bars, small wheels, small bikes, and woman's clothing. After my 2 year saga of a bike that's too big, I was the one who went to another store to buy the right bar to put on my new frame...

[ASammy1]

I don't mind the slogan and I really like the idea of taking it back as a strong woman. I just wish it wasn't all "pinked out."

[singletrackmind]

If I went into a shop and saw the RLAG merchandise, I would be less interested in that LBS. I have no negative feelings about the slogan, but I've never seen RLAG merchandise that isnt girly, adolescent or (IMHO) silly looking.

When I walk into a shop I want to see high-end performance gear that helps me kick butt as an athlete. If a shop wants to be woman-friendly, I'd rather see employees versed in womens riding issues, smaller high-end bikes, wide selections of small wheels/shifters/handlebars/etc, and a larger selection of womens technical apparel.

That RLAG merchandise just doesn't to it for me.

BINGO!!!
While I don't use the smaller stuff it would be nice to be able to find high-end women's gear, especially clothing, as well as people not automatically steering me towards a hybrid when I say I want to ride dirt, etc.
It'd also be nice if that gear was a mix of girly (bleh) and whatever you call the regular not girly stuff, rather than all girly or nothing.

[short cut sally]

I purchased the RLAG socks a couple years back and gave them as gifts to the other girls that I rode with. One lady asked me if I was trying to tell her something. She responded first with, I don't know if I should be offended or take them as a compliment. She then asked me if I thought she should slow down and cycle slower like the "rest of the girls did". Needless to say, I never purchased socks with that saying again. I still wear mine, and enjoy wearing my socks. I wouldn't mind a small bumper sticker that says that, but as far as bigger items, shirts, sweatshirts with that saying, not for me.

[chutch]

I never took offense to it. I always assumed, like others, that it was to give an offensive phrase new meaning. I do think they should branch out and try some other colors instead of pink. It can still be feminine but more color variety may tone down the cutesy-ness of it.

[Irulan]

I have "ride like a girl" socks in multiple colors and love 'em. I wear them mountainbiking when I'm usually the only girl and frequently one of the faster climbers (cuz I ride with a lot of old farts) -- and do the least whining.

I'm never felt very feminine growing up even though others thought I was and I just didn't "get it", but as I've gotten older I'm really happy and content being feminine and doing the same tomboy-ish things. I was well into my 40s before the women on this board got me to try a pedicure and I've been hooked. Nothing like taking off your "ride like a girl" socks and having a huge bath rub ring on your ankles and grime ground into your sparkly toe nails.

It's just plain ol' fun.

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.

My sentiments exactly. Perhaps as a mountain biker, many times the lone female or definately in the female minority at many events.... it's a fun little joke. I've had people offer to buy my socks off my feet. I have a pink Ride Like A Girl visor hat that is my trademark at trail work parties.

This makes me think of the Bianchi "your bike sucks" socks. It's humor, people...