I’m not here to crash the party…

[Tuckervill]

I thank you all for your kind words… I received a PM and was told my post was inappropriate, that this is a ladies forum, and I am not welcome, that I should have used the PM instead of posting. She also seemed offended that I included my picture saying this is not a dating service.

I just want to be clear; I have no ill intentions here, no hidden agendas, and meant absolutely no disrespect to any of you or your board. I only wanted to say thank you on thanks giving day.

I am completely stunned and appalled that this happened to you. Please accept my sincere apologies. As you know from the circumstances that brought you here, not all of us are so unkind.

My son served a year at Camp Victory. No one ever dared treat him that way; in fact, quite the opposite. I hope this is just an aberration, and that person finds some gratitude somewhere in her heart and a means to properly express it.

former SSG Karen Clark

[SouthernBelle]

Who the h*** PM'd you that? Mr. Silver, have you ever gotten a PM like that?

There are several guys here who are valued members of the community.

I invited MSG Hall here and I *&^% well don't appreciate it.

The PMer should have the cajones to post publicly.

[SouthernBelle]

I feel better now.

BTW, Bruce you owe us a ridng pic.

Also, Note that Bruce's rank now begins with an M for Master. It didn't when we mailed out.

[Trek420]

I thank you all for your kind words… I received a PM and was told my post was inappropriate, that this is a ladies forum, and I am not welcome, that I should have used the PM instead of posting.

OMF***ing G*d. I am soooooo sorry. I'm not a moderator, I don't play one on TV. This is not indicitive of this board.

As kinda a senior person here (or just someone who posts a lot and has no life ) I'm shocked though sadly not surprised.

Yes, it's a "womens cycling discussion forum" and hope it will remain so. But we've long had invited guests. And you are welcome here, just don't leave the seat up.

I personally know male cyclists who lurk, like my mechanic (Hi Chris!!). We've had this discussion, perhaps it needs to continue but in its own public sphere and not directed at an individual member.

She also seemed offended that I included my picture saying this is not a dating service.

It isn't? Hey honey, MSG Hall says we should not have met here. And he's just been promoted and has access to heavy artillery so he's right

No offense taken, I just took it as "look, this is who got your bike stuff, a real person, really serving, really over there". I think we all did.

So many people don't write thank you letters these days, I was not expecting one because I figured you're pretty busy I for one was very appreciative, moved and nice to see who it went to.

And I want to see bike pixs and ride reports.

I only wanted to say thank you on thanks giving day.

On behalf of this board I apologize. We want to say thank you for serving your country. And I really don't appreciate having to deal with the drama on board before I've had sufficient coffee.

Edited to add here are some TE'ers, I'm the short gal with the orange hat.

[snapdragen]

Bruce - you are more than welcome to check in with us, let us know how you're doing. Tell us about riding in Iraq - I'm sure it's a whole lot different than any of us have ever done (aside from any others here that are currently serving in the armed forces).

[Tater]

I thank you all for your kind words… I received a PM and was told my post was inappropriate, that this is a ladies forum, and I am not welcome, that I should have used the PM instead of posting. She also seemed offended that I included my picture saying this is not a dating service.

/rant on...You know, that's pretty pathetic and rude! I am stunned. Apparently whoever pm-ed you didn't take the time or care enough to read your original post; those who did know it isn't about a 'dating service', it is a grateful thank-you. I see nothing wrong at all with a post like that. Who cares if you are a guy? The post was still bike related! Jeeze, some people! /rant off

Thank you, Bruce for your service to our country. My husband spent time in the Middle East and my youngest brother goes over in less than a month. I hope that you and your fellow brothers and sisters in arms return home safe and sound.

[wannaduacentury]

I thank you all for your kind words… I received a PM and was told my post was inappropriate, that this is a ladies forum, and I am not welcome, that I should have used the PM instead of posting. She also seemed offended that I included my picture saying this is not a dating service.

I just want to be clear; I have no ill intentions here, no hidden agendas, and meant absolutely no disrespect to any of you or your board. I only wanted to say thank you on thanks giving day.

Bruce, we know you're a great guy and the pic is fine-no different from us putting our personal bike riding pics for the avatars. Also Mr. Silver is a regular here, even though some folks poo poo'd that and he's still with us. So come by anytime and ride that bike. Jenn

[mimitabby]

Bruce
I am so glad that you got your bike stuff. I cannot believe that some wingnut had the audacity to send you that PM.
Yes, last time I checked it was a free country; in part, thanks to folks like you.
Best of luck to you!

[maillotpois]

That's a great story - except the PM part.

My question is how the heck did you get a bike to IRAQ??? That's truly impressive! Ride safely and be careful over there.

[Duck on Wheels]

Let me state up front that I oppose this war, but not the soldiers fighting it. I feel we were lied into this war. I feel it's not making us safer. But none of that is the soldiers' fault. They're just doing the best they can, serving their country bravely and loyally, even if that courage and loyalty isn't always being shown them in return. Given that assessment of the situation, I hope the bike helps you stay safe and sane over there. I hope you make it safely home, leaving the bike for the next person. Given my views, I hope that next person doesn't have to be a soldier. If only this war can be brought to an end soon, maybe you could leave the bike for an Iraqi kid. But I'll shut up on that issue now. We try to stear clear of politics here. What we share is an interest in biking; on political issues we're a random bunch who don't agree on much.

Meanwhile, I add myself to the list of those who welcome you to post here. Whoever took it upon herself to play "forum police" and tell you off ... well, shame on her. That PM was inappropriate; your post was not.

[Zen]

I don't see what purpose his post has served except as a springboard for (and I detest this word) cattiness, backbiting and insults.

He got his bike, he thanked the parties involved, that should have sufficed. To post the content of a private message is very inappropriate.

From the turn this thread has taken, it would appear that he has indeed crashed the party. That's a shame.

[Veronica]

I received a PM and was told my post was inappropriate, that this is a ladies forum, and I am not welcome, that I should have used the PM instead of posting.

Well I'm glad you posted. It always gladdens my heart to see people being nice to each other and I had no idea that plans were afoot to send a bike to Iraq. Yes, Trek, I do have a life and don't have time to read every post.

I'm pleased and proud that "my gang" did something so generous.

The PMer is entitled to her opinion and shouldn't get trashed on account of it, however.

V.

[wawaski]

Just read all the posts...for all of us that missed out on this endeavor, maybe we could adopt a soldier ! Bruce could point us in the right direction I'm sure ! As a prior service person myself, I know he keeps tabs on all the guys/gals judging from his rank.
Anyway, just a thought!
S.

[Mr. Bloom]

I hope someone really didn't say that...

To the naysayers out there: I find it ironic that someone so boldly approached a soldier who is defending our freedoms. ONE of those FREEDOMS is EQUAL ACCESS (a freedom confirmed by the US Supreme Court with guidelines that apply to this forum...). I thought this issue was resolved in last year's debate... http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=12799

Bruce, speaking for the Silvers, we have made some wonderful friends here and some new riding buddies as well:

• We rode with makbike at the Horsey Hundred and couldn't keep up with her!
• We had trekjeni and friends as house guests for the Hilly Hundred and had a blast
• We had dinner for the first time with indysteel last week and made a new friend
• ...not to mention ALL the folks we only know 'online'

We look forward to making even more friends through this forum; the members are wonderful and very supportive people. We are also committed to keeping this a safe place...

But, also know that this is a well policed and moderated forum, and that inappropriate behavior is not tolerated.

[Mr. Bloom]

maybe we could adopt a soldier

I like the idea a lot!