Why a women's forum?

[lph]

LOL!!!

How would we know she asked?

[grey]

I'm here because I have learned SO MUCH from all of you, at all levels of riding - meaning even things that may not apply to me, I can understand and share with someone I am riding with IRL who has some of those issues.

It's a very supportive forum - we honestly help each other and it's a great group of strong, independent, educated women who post here. I would never post in a male-dominated forum, as someone else said earlier, I get enough of the patronizing all-knowing tone from men on rides (thankfully the biggest offender in our group has moved away).

[deeaimond]

I joined this forum when I first started cycling a few years ago. I rode mostly alone, or with a group of much older men. They were nice but it was good to be able to read more about cycling stuff from a woman's perspective. I don't have much mechanical interest. Just interest in cycling, as a leisure activity.

The women here are very interesting, many have interests outside of cycling that they also share on this forum. They have experiences I would not be able to experience, and they also have the wisdom of years. It has opened my eyes as a younger person as to how multifaceted a woman's life should be and how it should not be just about family or work.

I don't ride often now because of the kind of work hours I keep, the variety o interests I have and the nature of my social life (non-cycling friends, lots of socialising now that I've been single again this year, living in a cosmopolitian city, lots of partying every weekend.. oops... Plus a variety of various physical ailments that keeps me on and off the bike. most recently i strained my back) I still hope for more frequent riding though.

I still visit this forum alot because I enjoy reading what all of you have been up to, and all the other stuff. This is I think the only forum that I visit regularly. Alot of other forums have too much 'airheadedness' where the whole thread is one line questions and few people have answers for anything (this is very general in terms of just looking through threads) so there isnt much to learn about or read

So yup, I enjoy this forum because I've learnt many things from on here over the years, and I find the women on this forum very accomplished and interesting role models

[Selkie]

TE folks are very generous in sharing their knowledge, support, and kindness.

I consider some folks here friends, even though I've never met them. I've gotten to know them, over the years (or at least have found their online personalities & character compatible with mine). There are people whom I find annoying but I'm sure that there are a lot of TE'ers who don't dig me. As long as there is mutual respect that we can agree to disagree, it's more than acceptable to me.

The diverse backgrounds, opinions and perspectives are interesting and I must admit, make me consider things that I might not have otherwise. It's made me more tolerant and understanding. And I miss some of the folks who've disappeared (Corsair Mac, Nanci, etc).

This is also a place where I can find people who are demographically similar to me: married, child-free by choice, athlete, reader, and dog mama!

[Becky]

This is also a place where I can find people who are demographically similar to me: married, child-free by choice, athlete, reader, and dog mama!

This! You ladies understand these parts of my life too, not just the athletic parts, and that means a lot to me.

[indysteel]

This! You ladies understand these parts of my life too, not just the athletic parts, and that means a lot to me.

Add me to that list (well, I'm a cat mama, but still....). While I'm fortunate that I have friends IRL who share that same demographic, I still feel like a bit of an odd ball because I don't have kids and, for a long time, was still single. So, it's nice to have a forum where children and romantic relationships are not the focus. Not that I have anything against kids, women with kids, or relationships; it's just not something I want to talk about all the time.

[Catrin]

... So, it's nice to have a forum where children and romantic relationships are not the focus. Not that I have anything against kids, women with kids, or relationships; it's just not something I want to talk about all the time.

This I am the only single/divorced person my age I know who doesn't have kids. I would love to be a cat mama but allergies are too bad these days, therefore I am a bike-mama instead It is wonderful to be on a forum where relationships aren't the main focus.

I also would like go say that I really appreciate the level of literacy here and communication. Even in those times come when things get a little...warm, the flames do not get nearly as bad as other forums I've been on over the years. I think at least part of this is a result of our efforts over the years to get to know each other in person at every chance - which is another thing I like very much about TE.

[Jo-n-NY]

I found TE in 2005 when I got my first road bike and needed to begin looking for cycling clothes. I was amazed at the selection and variety and bragged to my cycling friends of where to go for the best selection of womens cycling apparal.

Then I ventured to the forum and learned so much. My dh is in the bicycle business but I learned so much about what women need and want from the cycling industry and often relay the info to him. I found this forum to offer a wealth of info and I am always passing on to others who now also found this a great place to shop.

~ JoAnn

[redrhodie]

I have just realized another thing that keeps me here. You are all so inspiring! I can't wait to see what you're all up to, from long rides to short commutes, you always tell a good story. It's very motivating.

[Flybye]

Among other things-
I am here because the forum isn't laden with pornographic pictures of women, the "F" bomb, and responses to questions that insult the poster's intelligence.

[Biciclista]

Among other things-
I am here because the forum isn't laden with pornographic pictures of women, the "F" bomb, and responses to questions that insult the poster's intelligence.

no kidding. Although I confess to having posted a naked picture of Lance on his bike several years ago here (the thread was quickly locked and thrown away.. ) but that still hangs on my wall in my studio.