Why a women's forum?

[Bike Writer]

whether you think 60 is old or not is not the point. Go to Walmart where you will see just how old 60 can be.
My point is we aren't laying down and giving up. At TE, this is where you can find self-empowered women who are trying to NOT be old at 60, 50, 40...
and to be healthy at all the other ages..
women that do brevets! what a tiny little group you are!

Yes. Not giving up or giving out. I believe what inspires people who come here is to see living proof that what they are thinking about or considering doing is indeed possible. Someone in their 40's or 50's and more, or any age for that matter, that is wondering to themselves "is it possible, can I still do this, dare I?" comes to the forum and sees examples of every day women doing the very thing (and much more!) that they are wondering if they are up to doing. This certainly even applies to younger moms who are considering themselves "over the hill" because they feel bogged down with child care and the responsabilities of adulthood, taking care of the family and managing a household and all the chores that come with it. They don't see any "out" or light at the end of the tunnel, then they come here and read about other moms who do it and are living the life they want to aspire to.

This community is so much more than an information exchange. It's an empowerment exchange. (sorry that is such an overused and tired word but I can't think of another at this moment, sheesh and I call myself bike writer).

[zoom-zoom]

So while Snap kicks SK's butt, I am going to try to answer lph's question, why a women's forum?

I like women, as a gender, and I like men, as a gender. There are individuals of each gender that have traits I don't like much, but they're in the minority. I know a lot of really great women. They don't all have to be cyclists, or even athletes, although most of them want to be active and find ways to be active that they like. I know a whole lot of totally awesome men as well. I am married to one, and most of my close friends also have husbands who are really wonderful. I don't seem to prefer one gender over the other and it bothers me a little when I hear people say that they do, whichever gender it is.

I like this forum because I like women as a group, I guess. I think most of them, whether they like or do the same things I do or not, are interesting, strong, adventurous characters who learn a lot about life and people and themselves over time and thus have a lot of perspective to offer, have varied interests and talents that I like to hear about, and care about the world and the living things in it. Women in a group can be a real force for good stuff. That isn't always true but it often is, and I'm not sure I think that about men in a group.

And I have no idea whether I made enough sense there or not, but it's about the best I can do by way of explanation.

I totally get this...and I could have written the exact same post.

[SadieKate]

And I have no idea whether I made enough sense there or not

Blah-blah-Snap kicks SK's butt-blah-blah-blah.






Actually, that was some magnificent cerebral pontificating, dahling.

[salsabike]

I was ALSO going to say that some of the forum members make me laugh a lot!

Of course, whether they MEAN to be amusing, like, on PURPOSE, or they're just....I will leave that to yourself to determine. Miss SK.

Blahblahblah Ginger, I believe is that dog's name....

Thbtthpptthhh!

[maillotpois]

So while Snap kicks SK's butt...

This thread is worthless without pictures.

[luv2climb]

Yes. Not giving up or giving out. I believe what inspires people who come here is to see living proof that what they are thinking about or considering doing is indeed possible. Someone in their 40's or 50's and more, or any age for that matter, that is wondering to themselves "is it possible, can I still do this, dare I?" comes to the forum and sees examples of every day women doing the very thing (and much more!) that they are wondering if they are up to doing.

That is exactly why I sometimes post videos of myself climbing steep hills. Yes they're full of heavy breathing instead of the annoying music most people seem to prefer, but that is the reality of climbing and it shows that I really am putting out the effort to do as well as I can, given the fact that I am in my forties and still at least 20 pounds over ideal weight. Climbing hills and permanently modifying my eating habits caused me to lose 64 pounds since last May.

Even though I'm still a newbie, most people have been very friendly and supportive. The only time I had a problem was when certain posters misinterpreted one of my threads. I came across as boastful to them, when I was simply grateful that I had gained enough strength and lost enough weight to finally be able to pass someone instead of being passed constantly, which can be demoralizing sometimes.

[tangentgirl]

I'm here because I heard there was a keg. After checking the back yard, and the basement, and the garage, I realized it was the party over on Maple St., not this one, but this place was full of such cool folks, I decided to stick around anyhow.

I don't have too many close female friends, and the ones I do have don't really ride. I can't remember if I was looking for women's bike clothing and found TE and then the forums, or if I was looking for women's bike forums and found the store, but apparently I was looking for something I could relate to when I found this place. Stuff here is interesting and informative, and the people are awesome.

Hooray for literacy! Hooray for troll-catching! Hooray for the microbrews in the fridge, which are way better than the Bud Light that was probably in the keg on Maple.

[SadieKate]

*like*

[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.

[Veronica]

I have a nearly pornographic picture of myself here.

Veronica

[jobob]

[luv2climb]

I have a nearly pornographic picture of myself here.

Veronica

I have pornographic-sounding videos of myself here

In my last post I forgot to mention a few things, as I was tired. I am also a member of BikeForums. Like another poster in this thread, I am overweight. I started a thread in the General Cycling subforum asking why so many people put music over their ride videos. It turned into a bit of a debate, but stayed civil. A couple of the male Clydes there suggested that I should upload a ride video. At first I was hesitant because I figured all the Sir Lance-a-wants on there would scoff at my slow climbing speed. Finally I agreed to make a video and it ended up being very popular One of the guys who first suggested I make the video sent me a PM telling me about the Clydesdale/Athena subforum. He suggested posting the video there and told me it is a very supportive, friendly forum where people are rarely insulting. He was right. When I posted the video it was very well received.

Since then I have posted many videos there and contributed to many threads. The people there are the friendliest on BF.

The Road Cycling subforum is the opposite. I tried posting some of my videos in the ride video thread there. They were ignored, while the "cool people" with the super expensive high-tech toys, 20 mph average speeds, and super-annoying music over their videos got rave reviews I even explained that I posted the videos to show what the average recreational cyclist is capable of if they are determined enough. I mentioned that I am an overweight female. Still no responses. That was the reaction I was afraid of in the beginning when people first said I should make a video.

I also got ignored when I posted pictures of my road bike in the pictures threads. Since I don't own a carbon wonder bike worth thousands of dollars, I was deemed unworthy

I also have access to BF's Women's Cycling subforum, but I no longer post there. After banging heads with several members there, I figured my warped sense of humor and cynical nature are not compatible with most of the posters in that forum.

[Crankin]

Mimi, I saved that picture of Lance in my documents folder!!!

[Biciclista]

Mimi, I saved that picture of Lance in my documents folder!!!

Glad to know someone else got it