Just got in from out of town and read the posts here and on BJ. Thanks for posting the threads, SadieKate, because I didn't even know about these women only events (being new to cycling) and would love to get in on something like this!
As far as the clowns who get their panties in a wad over women-only stuff (women power?), don't forget that there are small minded people in every corner of society, including cycling! I see that there were just as many or more men who were supportive. I've worked in predominantly male occupations all of my working life and there are a lot of supposedly educated men out there who are truly bozos, but I believe women are gaining more (well deserved) respect all the time.