Quote Originally Posted by mickchick
The Bikejournal site is down, so I'll check back later and perhaps, post something.

As a female who rides alone, I've encountered a variety of different attitudes from male cyclists. I'm one of only a couple females who rides every day. There are men I pass regularly who are incredibly rude---one in particularly likes to try to intimidate me by drifting to the center of the trail when we are going past each other in opposite lanes. Gives me the stare, if you know what I mean. Another one actually harassed me about my bike light, rode along side me for about a mile, yelling at me. I reported that doofus, who had no bike light even though it was dark out, to the cops.

Have any of you ever had a guy tail behind you, refusing to pass, so he could watch your butt? That's happened a couple of times and I usually stop so they HAVE to go by. Sexual harassment on wheels.

Fortunately, there are nice guys, who help to compensate for the jerks. Ones who are encouraging, respectful, and kind.
That's insane mickchick. I haven't had guys tag my butt as I usually pass them. Hee Hee. But I did have this one old dood who rode on my tail for 15km and refused to take the lead. I was so annoyed because he neither announced himself or made an attempt to say hello.

I can relate. I ride alone all the time and encountered a total of 5 women last summer. Let's face it, it's a male-dominated sport where there is more smack talk than skills. 99% of the male roadies I encounter are very friendly and cool. But there will always be jerks.

But the one thing we as ladies shouldn't do is let a GUY make us feel inferior. We belong on the roads with guys and if they have a beef with having events that encourage female ridership, that is something they will have to get used to. I don't have stats but my LBS said they see women have contributed the biggest growth at their shop. So fellas, get used to it and be ready to meet us ladies on the road.

If you are nice to us, maybe we'll push you up the hill next time and fix your flat.