Wow. I'm puzzled.

**SadieKate** · 03-31-2006, 02:12 PM

I posted the Little Red Riding Hood link on bikejournal just because I thought there might be women who don't frequent this forum but would appreciate knowing about the ride.

Couple of the guys . . . I'm just speechless right now.

I don't quite know what to make of it. What is the difference between this and a race that is men-only? So, what? How many of these guys wish they had a wife or girlfriend who rode but they've alienated by leaving them in the dust or making them provide all the support while he rides his bike or . . . I don't know.

www.bikejournal.com

**Selkie** · 03-31-2006, 02:15 PM

What happened?

**maillotpois** · 03-31-2006, 02:20 PM

Yeah, I saw that. I'm a little conflicted, to be honest.

I know when I first started riding, I thought Cinderella was a great and supportive way for women to get their feet wet in an organized event. I still do. It was my first organized bike ride back in 2001, and Em and I hope to do it again on the tandem.

I remember having a "harumph-y" reaction from my husband about the event. I mean Mike's about as liberal and politically correct/sensitive as you can get, but he thought it a bit fishy, more from a legal sense than anything, to have a women only ride. Sure there are races categorized by sex, age, etc. But what if a bike club tried to sponsor a casual, fun, men's only metric century ride? How well would that be received? Is Cinderella really different from that?

And I have to say its a grey area. Like I said, it is a great ride and the premise is fantastic. There need to be more supportive ways of getting women on bikes, period. But what if it were men only?? Why is this different?

**yellow** · 03-31-2006, 02:40 PM

I almost posted (on BJ) something like:

"I'm just going to ignore that..." but didn't for fear of the backlash.

I remember when the first woman ran the Boston marathon and the race director attempted to forcibly remove her from the course (I grew up in a running-focused household). As a result of that memory, I have always felt very strongly that women should be encouraged to be active. As a participant in many different all-women sports activities, I can say that they have been some of the most rewarding and memorable of times.

What would happen if a man rode in LRRH? Probably nothing, other than a few stares and snide comments.

I'm puzzled too. What do the men of TE say?

**SalsaMTB** · 03-31-2006, 02:45 PM

Do you women really think you would care if there were men only events that were sponsered by a local club/shop?? I could care less. I think it would be like the majority of the group rides anyway

**Veronica** · 03-31-2006, 02:48 PM

Well I posted on BJ.

For some reason it didn't get blocked when I followed SK's link. I hope they were joking. I was kind of offended by the belittling comments, so I felt the need to reply.

Men can just be so apelike sometimes.

V.

**Veronica** · 03-31-2006, 02:50 PM

Off topic - but Sue I like the new avatar on BJ. Nice jersey!

V.

**yellow** · 03-31-2006, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by Veronica

Well I posted on BJ.

I did too. I think our posts are complimentary, V!

**Dianyla** · 03-31-2006, 02:52 PM

Loved your post, Veronica!

**maillotpois** · 03-31-2006, 02:53 PM

I posted, too. In the time it took me to write it, V and yellow both had posted responses also.

**maillotpois** · 03-31-2006, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by SalsaMTB

Do you women really think you would care if there were men only events that were sponsered by a local club/shop?? I could care less. I think it would be like the majority of the group rides anyway

I wouldn't care. But if it were "official" don't you think there'd be some pretty bad backlash?

**tprevost** · 03-31-2006, 02:54 PM

I was working on some sort of comment as well. There's a certain bond between women and its so great to have a few events like this where women can enjoy the ride and friendships. Its a shame that the first two posters are so ignorant.

The initial post was a good idea - maybe the posters just haven't gotten any lately. (sorry, just couldn't help it)

Tracy

**Veronica** · 03-31-2006, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by tprevost

The initial post was a good idea - maybe the posters just haven't gotten any lately. (sorry, just couldn't help it)

Tracy

I don't know what the initials are, but I'm laughing my butt off and rolling on the floor.

V.

**maillotpois** · 03-31-2006, 02:58 PM

I did like that one guy who jumped in and said he'd SAG for a women's only ride. (He has figured out the way to avoid "not getting any" is to help out....)

**tprevost** · 03-31-2006, 03:02 PM

Actually... with that attitude, I'm SURE they haven't gotten any... hmmm... wonder why?

I'm afraid to respond because they ticked me off and I'm sure I'll stick my foot in my mouth. Those who have responded so far... well done.

Tracy

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