I had always wondered why he was here but never thought very deeply on the subject. Now I do see it as somewhat odd - I wouldn't be happy in silver's situation - but I can't really judge since I didn't know anything about any of it.

I enjoy that TE is a bike-related place where my boyfriend isn't involved. It allows me to be me, rather than me to be a cyclist with ~20 years less experience who has issues riding at altitude, a fear of riding downhill, and no concept of bike repair. I can speak freely and not worry about it.

(Roxy, my post before was somewhat comparing racing mountain bikes to other male-dominated forums, vs. TE being more of a trail running race laid-back, supportive, friendly atmosphere. Which is why I love racing on foot, even though I'll never be that great, but don't (at present) have much desire to race on my mountain bike. In general. There are (as always) exceptions to that. Interesting idea, but better geared towards a different thread, I think.)