Jenny...just remember you telling me about your abs after your Paris(?) marathon!! Happy training! 8)
and it would stop me riding with Bogtrotters if I knew SFB was going to be on the ride
I could offer to delete any shots including you ?
I think cycling can be very male dominated. Without sounding like a pr**k MTB can be very physical and i don't think that appeals to a lot of women the way it does men. That said I always see women out riding and racing all over the country. I think more could be done to make MTB appeal to women. Most magazines now are targeted at both sex's, so maybe its just a matter of time now as the sport grows ever in popularity.
Just spent a weekend with a married couple in Yorkshire. She's not too confident on technical stuff, her fitness is ok as hillwalking and climbing are the usual outdoor pursuits of this woman.
We spent some time working at aspects of technique on all three days, sessioning bits that caused wobbles and cries of alarm. By the end of todays ride we had a woman who wants to ride technical downhill and improve some more.
It helped that:-
a the routes were not too long 25km on Saturday was longest;
b we took our time and kept a look out for pieces of the trail to session that weren't too steep and repeated them until it was second nature;
c regular stops for food and drink and catching up.
It would seem that time and attention to deficiencies are part of the secret of success.
There's always a few women out riding at trail centres. If you want to research something even more useful how do we get more people from ethnic backgrounds involved. Far less represented in MTBing.
I must add that my idea of "hell" would to be on a ride with a large group of women only.
Well actually, riding in any kind of large group...
I work in a female dominated place...30 women/1 man...
I also hate going out to the pub etc. with a large group of women...
Mtb'ing is for me real quality time...either by myself or with a couple of friends.
Maybe I'm odd..but I couldn't give a monkey's!! 😉
SFB - I didn't know you allowed people to vet them. I only have the information I get from this forum, there may be many other women who feel the same, only having read this forum. That is my point, as the thread is about what might limit women biking.
FC - oh yes! I like to think that the abs are always there, it was just so satisfying to actually be able to see them! That is part of the motivation for training. You sound like you're doing well, solo rides now too?
i agree with a lot of the posts
my missus likes getting out in the country and the exercise benefits
but she finds other male bikers very intimidating
a big issue is that beginner bikes are heavy and without being sexist blokes are stronger than women my missus certainly finds hers a tank especilly if she has to lift it
even spending 500 on an wsd bike doesnt make things much lighter, especially if you want reliablity
without me badgering her she would never have got into it and finally convincing her to spend some decent cash
basically light framed and specced, not overbuilt bikes are not easy to find at the prices a woman starting out in mtb is happy to pay
Aye, well jenny, there's nothing like a new bike to get you motivated!! 8)
jennyh
The idea that if she popped behind a bush, someone might be trying to get an eyeful! Despite the fact that the lads you ride with will pee right next to you while you're having your sandwich. As long as they've got their back to you they think its fine!
The men are probably only peeing beside your sandwiches because they don't want to discriminate against you.
With reference to the original post, my lass is 99% a roadie. I took her out on only her 3rd ever MTB ride last weekend (and her first ever ride outside of a trail centre) and she loved it. OK she was very nervous on one of the DH's but her fitness was there from her road riding. I made it clear that it was her ride, gave her encouragement and pretty much let her choose the pace and the route (I just told her what the options were at each junction) and she had a great time.
With regards to the 'photos of arses' thing, she quite readily admits that one of the reasons she enjoys road riding is because of guys arses in lycra... 😉
Within 15 minutes "the group" had disappeared and my friend and I ended up riding together for 2 hours on our own.
that stinks! We always stop frequently to let everyone catch up. I did have to have words with a member who turned up so badly hungover she was dreadfully slow, and subsequently went on a no-carbs diet and was keeping us waiting in the cold for ages 🙁 She is now trying harder 🙂
crazy-legs...get your lass around Tilberthwaite...she'll love it!!! 8)
crazy-legs, that's great. Hope to get out and ride with you two when the summer comes and my fitness improves.
Been reading this thread with great interest. I think that bikes and clothing designed to fit women properly have improved beyond almost all recognition, so girls at last can be properly comfortable on a bike. The problem, tho', I think, is that as a number of people have pointed out is one of impression and attitude. I've see plenty of girls buying quality bikes in my lbs in Bath, and I bumped into a couple today, the boyfriend sat mending the latest in a succession of punctures, while his girlfriend waited patiently. She had a lovely little Rocky Mountain she'd picked up secondhand for £150, and she already had some discs and Crossmax wheels to upgrade it, much to her fella's annoyance! She was really having fun, on her terms, and I don't honestly know what you have to do to encourage newcomers into the sport. Like onzadog I've seen the sad couple where the man is happily peddaling away, while the partner slogs away a quarter of a mile behind on a heavy, ill-fitting, badly set-up bike with a face like a slapped arse. And that's just recreational cyclists. Me, I'd love nothing more than to meet a lovely lady who's prepared to come out with me on a bike, 'cos she'd find no competition from me; I don't like getting soaked and muddy, falling off and hurting myself, and hairy drops will have me weeping like a girl! So, any girls want a riding companion who's more than happy to be the slow one at the back, who is more than happy to stop to admire a view, and looks upon a pub or cake and tea stop to be a crucial part of any ride, well here I am.
Muddypuddle
Last year I bumped into an old school friend who invited me along to a Sunday ride in my local forest with the group of guys he rides with. Within 15 minutes "the group" had disappeared and my friend and I ended up riding together for 2 hours on our own. "The group" gave me no encouragement whatsoever.
I'll probably get flamed mercilessly for typing this but what the hell, I am used to that. We all ride to get away from life's troubles....and sometimes that includes the other half. A lady joining the group I ride with would totally change the group dynamic imo, not necessarily for the better as it's often discussed among us how glad we are to get out of the house and away from her indoors. Maybe we are all testosterone fuelled chauvinistic assholes (very likely I hear you say) but I don't think any woman could easily fit in with us even if she wanted to. This is generally true of the thirty or so guys I would consider to be part of my wider riding group and it's 100% the case within the tight group of five or so who I ride with all the time.
I am sorry for you that you can't find a group to ride with but I can also understand why certain groups may not want to have women riding with them. One of my riding buddies also races xc competitively, and as such goes on regular training rides with a group of hardcore pasta weighers. Apparently a few months back one of the group started to bring his other half out on rides, much to the annoyance of the others as they felt obliged to wait to wait for them to catch up.
Perhaps it was a similar situation. No one wants to refuse anyone who wants to tag along with a group, but that doesn't mean everyone's really welcome either.
I think a lot of females don't have the confidence that males do when it comes to trying new sports/activities. My girlfriend came biking with me a few years back and really did not enjoy it! I persevered for her to keep coming out with me and thankfully she thinks its great now, she's still not into it as much as me though, but you cant have everything. Females should go out on MTB rides with other females if they are beginners as I think some will feel less pressure than with male groups.
A lady joining the group I ride with would totally change the group dynamic imo
I'm glad to say I've never experienced such a 'group dynamic' which sounds like hell on earth!
Well, don't worry, with attitudes like that we'll keep well away MisterGnar.
I've been riding 15 years now and honestly have never been made to feel unwelcome in a group, and I've been the only girl many many times. I'm not even always at the back 😉
I'm never quite sure about this encouraging more women into mountain biking thing though. I think it's good to encourage more [i]people[/i] in, I'm not really sure why they should be women specifically. I'm sure if you look at most sports, women are under represented. Generally speaking, women have less hobbies than men, and also, they tend not to like getting sweaty, or dirty.
It took me a hell of a long time to understand how to put in any effort on the bike, because I had never done any physical activity other than hang around at the back of a hockey pitch or netball court at school, not even breaking a sweat. I had never been fit in my life - so I just did not understand how to get fit. As soon as I was out of breath I would get off and walk. I have had to actually change how I think about things to enable me to ride a bike properly, so in order to get more women riding, you need to go right back to childhood I think. I will certainly be encouraging my children, if I have any, to try out lots of sports when they are young and not just think sports are limited to what is on offer at school.
simonfbarnes
I'm glad to say I've never experienced such a 'group dynamic' which sounds like hell on earth!
Maybe for you it would be. The group dynamic I am referring to is a bunch of guys who meet up to do something they enjoy for a few hours each week. Language, jokes, topics of conversation and attitudes which typically crop up are not of the type normally discussed in polite company.
It's nothing unique to mountain biking, and it's definitely not unique to me and the handful of men I know. I know for a fact there are guys on here other than myself who act in a similar way, they probably just don't want to admit to being even slightly chauvinistic/sexist/not all inclusive all round friendly types.
The group dynamic I am referring to is a bunch of guys
exactly, I like people indiscriminately. Men banding together exclusively is very odd.
Muddypuddle, I may be the 'ex', but I'm still happy to mountain bike patiently with you if you want 😉 Honest!
I think perhaps shops should be more pro-active in hooking up female riders with each other. A shop held list of local female contacts? It is difficult though, as some women are understandably twitchy about giving out email or phone numbers male store workers.
Muddypuddle, perhaps you should start a ladies ride at the Wyre 1st Sunday of every month ans see who shows? Promote it on here?
simonfbarnesexactly, I like people indiscriminately. Men banding together exclusively is very odd.
It would seem that you don't take shots of peoples bums indiscriminately though.
Language, jokes, topics of conversation and attitudes which typically crop up are not of the type normally discussed in polite company.
Bloody hell is it 1950???? Don't swear in front of the ladies???
Fwiw, the only time I've ever been offended on a ride, was at the suggestion that Rich ought to be riding next to me, instead of us both just finding our own place within the group
It would seem that you don't take shots of peoples bums indiscriminately though.
correct. If you count, there are far more mens' arses 🙁
Local shops holding lists of helpful women, if only. My friend mentioned above went to her local shop and they attempted to sell her a mans bike. Then a hybrid and at no pint listened to what she wanted, they knew best for the little lady! Going in for help with disc brake problems, you'll need new rotors (no they needed a good clean to remove an oily residue) as an engineering/science graduate she walked and hasn't been back.
She bought a trek 6800 as a new bike from a shop in her home city not the local place. I now do most of the bike advice and occasional maintenanceas required. Local bike shop loses out big time, (Located on Foxhall Road Ipswich for those that want to know)
mrsflash
Bloody hell is it 1950???? Don't swear in front of the ladies???
Do you really believe men and women act exactly the same in each others company as they do when they are in single sex environments?
lots of ladies riding around and out of the blue SFB pops up with his camera
ooooh, totty :o)
I bet Wyre is somewhere darn sarf though 🙁
Do you really believe men and women act exactly the same in each others company as they do when they are in same single sex environments?
nobody said that, only that single sex groupings are atavistic throwbacks...
Do you really believe men and women act exactly the same in each others company as they do when they are in same single sex environments?
Um, yes, on something like a mtb ride, I do believe they do, I certainly don't behave any differently. We're not talking stag or hen nights are we.
Sandwich, glad to say our shop (tho' we're road only) is just the opposite to that experience.
Forums like this are a lady's best hope of hooking up with fellow female riders by the sounds of it from this thread.
That said, I'm sure some women would like to ride in a mixed sex crowd?
Chappy1
[i]I know there are many great women bikers out there but there is an even larger proportion of women out there who would like to do it but are not so sure.[/i]
Just curious, but is this your gut feeling, or have you proved this with previous research? If you have proved that this is so, then you second question should maybe be re-phrased?
[i]I would like to know if you think there is a need to encourage women and what do you think would encourage them to get on their bikes[/i]
I don't want to be accused of being a pedant, but it seems that you have already proved that there is a large body of women who wish to cycle, and you have already proved that they are "not so sure", so surely you already have the research capability to examine what would encourage them? If your previous research showed that they are "not sure", would you not have been better asking the women who formed your research what would encourage them?
Also, have you approached mountain bike manufacturers as some of them I am sure will have already done extensive marketing in this area?
Just curious as to what research you have already undertaken, what your methodologies were, and who the research is for. It's an interesting subject.
That said, I'm sure some women would like to ride in a mixed sex crowd?
I prefer it. I have done women's only rides, but they are the exception to the rule for me.
simonfbarnes
nobody said that, only that single sex groupings are atavistic throwbacks...
Oh god......I didn't realise. I suppose I'll give my friends a ring tomorrow and break the news that we can't be friends anymore as that would constitute an atavistic throwback. The shame of it. Hopefully each of us can form new multi ethnic, non gender specific non ageist friend groupings to go riding with.
mrsflash
Um, yes, on something like a mtb ride, I do believe they do, I certainly don't behave any differently. We're not talking stag or hen nights are we.
Do you ride with friends or strangers or a mixture of both?
I'll give my friends a ring tomorrow and break the news that we can't be friends anymore
glad we got that sorted out 🙂
I've introduced a friend to mtb in the last year or so and she is over the moon with the interesting and 4D characters, male and female, she has met and cycled with. If women are put off by certain male attitudes, it's because they're pr*cks not because they're mtbers.
I think a problem with mtb is, like surfing (another male dominated sport), there's a fairly high entry point of basic competence and fitness. After that, the endorphin rush and shared pleasures are such that you're likely to like everyone! I feel completely privileged by having cycled with a certain bunch of women in Derbyshire a fortnight ago, long may it continue and more like that please!
. I suppose I'll give my friends a ring tomorrow and break the news that we can't be friends anymore as that would constitute an atavistic throwback.
No, but you should perhaps suggest to them that you all stop being such chauvinists?
Behave children, or I'll make you all stand on your chairs!
mrsflash
No, but you should perhaps suggest to them that you all stop being such chauvinists?
I don't know what to say here. All I said was that we might be perceived to be chauvinists. I feel that if I admit to being even slightly chauvinist I'll just be flamed, and if I deny any chauvinism I'll be flamed for that too.
I think we're just a normal group of guys in an atavistic throwback, talking about our vasectomies, constipation, beer, ever descending testicles and occasionally admiring the bums of passing ladies. If that makes us chauvinists then so be it.
To my way of thinking.If group rides are going to encourage new riders, of either sex,getting the ability mix is far more important than gender.An unfit bloke, with limited technical ability is going to struggle and maybe loose confidence if he joins a hard riding group.Its not only girls who struggle in the wrong group.Us blokes have been geting hammered for years.I can't ever remember anyone moaning about it.You just keep riding(maybe on your own for a bit) and get fitter, or pack it in.
talking about our vasectomies, constipation, beer, ever descending testicles and occasionally admiring the bums of passing ladies
See, we talk about that kind of thing on our rides. I like beer, I used to get constipated quite often, but I don't any more for some reason. I plan to send GF off for a vasectomy at some point and I laugh at them looking at ladies. Why would you think that you couldn't talk about things like that if there were girls on the ride?
I joke about Muddypuddle's tight lycra all the time. Am I a chauvanist or just keeping spirits high on the tough climbs 😉
If a woman really wants to have a go at cycling then she will. I decided I wanted to give it a go, having seen my kids have such fun. My ex did not cycle. I did it cos I wanted to.
I can honestly say that I have not come across any chauvinistic riders and am always amazed at the welcoming and friendly attitude that exists. Mountain biking crosses all divides - class, sex, age. You like riding bikes and that's all that matters.
I don't wish to be patronised and have my hand held but I think it's unreasonable when men try to get their other half interested and produce some heavy machinery for them to use. Is it any wonder they only manage one ride?
Women only rides can make a huge difference. The SheCycles rides at Swinley that I organised in the past were very well-received, they weren't just for beginners either. It may be that some women aren't competitive, some of us also have bad memories of sport at school. Technology advancements have made a huge difference, ie lighter bikes and forks, also clothing choice has certainly improved.
This forum is a great place to seek advice, people are always happy to pass on tips. As a woman I don't feel terrified posting on here, you just have to accept that there will be banter. I just MTFU!!
mrsflash Why would you think that you couldn't talk about things like that if there were girls on the ride?
I hate to resort to generalisations but.......generally speaking the majority of women I know, assuming they would want to ride with us (and I know that they don't) would have a very limited tolerance for listening to us talk about our balls and our beers and our bullshit.
I guess you know a different kind of girl to the girls I know then. But please be a little more open minded about women on rides in future?
I feel that if I admit to being even slightly chauvinist I'll just be flamed
and that would matter why ? I'm used to being flamed and it's usually very funny :o)
would have a very limited tolerance for listening to us talk about our balls and our beers and our bullshit.
me too, it sounds like shite! Luckily there are other things to do on rides than listen to a load of boring blerks 🙂
mrsflash
I guess you know a different kind of girl to the girls I know then.
Oh I used to know some uber tom boys, I even dated a few. The majority settled down though.
mrsflash
But please be a little more open minded about women on rides in future?
No one I know operates a strict men only policy on rides, however it would be hard to include women on our rides without significantly altering what and how we ride. As someone else above rightly pointed out, ability rather than gender is an important factor in group rides.
Also, as I said before, bringing a woman on a ride with us would change the group dynamic. Sorry. I ride with my friends. We are a group of married guys in our late twenties and early thirties. Even if we did befriend a girl who had all the same interests as us, and rode at our level and actually enjoyed our company - I doubt our wives would appreciate knowing that we were going into the mountains all day with another woman 😐
I plan to send GF off for a vasectomy at some point
Is poor GingerFlash aware of his impending gelding?? 😯
(Mate, hide all the knives, scissors and sharp objects from her...)
See, now you've made me think you're a bit of a tit again. I was right originally, you are a chauvinist.
I'm actually quite offended now. I'm not a tom boy, never have been. The pace or location of rides are not altered to "allow" for the women in the group. None of the girlfriends or wives of the blokes I ride with are remotely bothered about my attendance.
Don't worry, it's not imminent Fred. Well as long as he keeps behaving.
failed to read all of above but Mrs antigee ('er indoors) was involved with a group in Leeds in the mid '80's called something like Women in the Outdoors - started off as basic skills with some payment to the course providers which i think were backed by the Workers Education people - anyhow aim was to give women the skills would need in the Hills and Climbing so could do their own thing rather than rely on what their male partners wanted to do and what their priorities where (belay bunnies and no you can't read the map cos i can't) - pleased to report that 20 oddd years on the ladies all meet up and talk about big routes they did years ago, get p1ssed and plan weeks away without their partners
Personally, I like riding bikes, and I like riding with others. I don't really care if they are male, female, black, white, brown or purple. If I want to go for a fast blast, then I'd probbly go on my own, but tbh, I'm happy with a pootle, these days. Stopping to wait means you can admire the view, appreciate being outdoors. Trust me, when you live in the Smoke, any time spent in't countryside is lovely, regardless of the pace. Nice to just amble along and just enjoy it, really.
As for bottoms; I won't lie. I do find the female form beautiful, it's in me nature. But I'd never want someone to feel uncomfortable, and you have to be mindful of certain boundaries and other people's feelings. Some ladies are more comfortable with people they know making 'suggestive' comments than others; it is all about how well you know someone.
Personally, I can never ride in just lycra, as I just can't stand being objectified and letched over by hordes of leering women...
mrsflash - Member
See, now you've made me think you're a bit of a **** again. I was right originally, you are a chauvinist.I'm actually quite offended now. I'm not a tom boy, never have been. The pace or location of rides are not altered to "allow" for the women in the group. None of the girlfriends or wives of the blokes I ride with are remotely bothered about my attendance.
Well, y'know I am well passed the stage where I need to worry about offending people on here. The tomboy comment wasn't supposed to be derogatory. I don't know you, I can only comment on my own experiences in life and in that time, the girls I've known who have shown an interest in outdoor sports have by their own admission been tomboys.
I was not implying that the wives of the men you ride with would be annoyed by your presence, I thought I was being pretty clear about the fact that [i]our[/i] wives would be at least jealous of a female or females spending time with us. Especially when you consider that none of us make any secret about the fact that part of why we do it is to get away from them for a few hours (or to give them a few hours peace depending on which way you look at it)
I was also not implying that the pace or type of riding you indulge in is altered because of your presence - I was saying that for us to include women on our ride we would have to alter the way we ride.
Feel free to call me a chauvinist though, you're probably right, I'm a bit foggy on the definition of it in 2009, for all I know it applies to me 100%. I prefer asshole though.
Chappy1 are you trying to make up a job for yourself? Is there some EU money on offer if you can prove this and try to convince more women to ride?
Is this another thread where IT guys demonstrate their manliness in complete disregard to the real world outside (again).
I doubt our wives would appreciate knowing that we were going into the mountains all day with another woman
I would only be married to someone I trusted, and who trusted me... in which case there would not be an issue.
Especially when you consider that none of us make any secret about the fact that part of why we do it is to get away from them for a few hours
it just gets worse doesn't it ? 🙁
no part of my riding is to get away from anything, other than the rocks I've just visited :o)
Is this another thread where IT guys demonstrate their manliness in complete disregard to the real world outside (again).
What else is there on here??? 😆
God Simon, I wish I was in your perfect marriage. In fact I wish I was living your perfect ass photographing life. Please spare a thought for us common folk who may from time to time have some issues in their lives and for whom riding our bikes is a release from the pressure.
While your at it perhaps you could share with us the secrets of your perfect relationship wherein you never ever feel the need to spend time apart from your other half even if it's just to spend a few hours with your mates?
MrGnar; you sound like a right bag of fun....
I like you too.
I wish I was in your perfect marriage
I'm not married, and the woman I love won't have me due to religious differences.
wherein you never ever feel the need to spend time apart from your other half
IMO if this ever happens the relationship is already over 🙁 The 'secret' is to like the person...
I've just come back from a weekend in the hills with another woman. My climbing partner is a woman, we occasionally share a bunkhouse room or tent. My wife does not mind. Do you not talk to your partner and make them feel they are the most important person in your life?
Walks away shaking head sadly.
simonfbarnesIMO if this ever happens the relationship is already over The 'secret' is to like the person...
Despite how waaaay off topic it may be veering I'll reply. Personally I think that's an unbelievably simplistic view of of a complex issue. There's nothing unhealthy about spending time apart from your other half. There are as many different types of relationships as there are people.
Sandwich - Member
I've just come back from a weekend in the hills with another woman. My climbing partner is a woman, we occasionally share a bunkhouse room or tent. My wife does not mind. Do you not talk to your partner and make them feel they are the most important person in your life?
Walks away shaking head sadly.
Good for you. Personally I wouldnt spend a weekend away in a tent with another woman but that's just me.
Personally I think that's an unbelievably simplistic
you have described me exactly :o)
[i]Personally I wouldnt spend a weekend away in a tent with another woman but that's just me.[/i]
Why not? (honest question)
0xboy - Your nearly right there but there is no job. I ride and there are a few women in the area that would like to start to ride MTB and form a group. They can apply for funding under a community scheme for assistance and training but have to prove there is a wider need and gather peoples opinions etc. We have gathered local info but thought it might be interesting to put up a post.
I work in a female dominated place...30 women/1 man...
Are they looking to hire foxychick 😉
How was WE btw? Should I send you some of your favourite choccies 😉
More seriously I can really think a change of attitude would encourage more women to ride.
Until I came over to UK I never rode with a girl in France. It might be due to the peculiar topologie of were I live though.
However I am not too bothered about who I ride with to be honest. But i am not a huge fan of the mens only (actually I am not a huge fan of bloke full stops, as they always end up speaking about fast cars, football or women). When I use to do night riding, it was bloke only ride, but we usually did not talk to much outside of biking topics, just ride crash and banter about past crashes. On the longer rides with "less local people" I tend not to talk much (it's not like some very loud poster on here would let space for any other one to speak though 😉 ) but when I do I do it to men and women. I try not to give advice unless asked for whether it's for men or women. I try to be courteous to anyone, always have a nice word for the one at the end of a group (unless it's said poster, as he wouldn't hear it anyway). I try to be helpful as possible to anyone, men or women and give a hand in riding, felting bikes and so and so. As for flirting during rides I can't really see any women being interested in a boyish featured rider covered in crap (only time I spoke to a girl during a race was to ask where did she got her pink bike not very appealing). So i usually have flirty chat as I know I won't push thing further. Mind you I know from experience men aren't bothered by the covered in crap bit.
On the other hand I can perfectly understand someone want to ride with it's own gender only. May they be men or women. We as human being are very influenced by our surrounding. While in UK, I lost the habit to do SFBism. Now that I am back to France and my co-worker speaks about women a lot I have start looking at women in the train a bit more and sadly talk about it :(. It's the same in rides, it is naive to believe, men or women do not behave differently in mix gender environment as they do in men/women only groups.
Depending on the wo/men it's a good thing to get into a gender specific environment to let the pressure goes...
Just my 2p...
I was saying that for us to include women on our ride we would have to alter the way we ride.
but how do you know, if you've never ridden with any women?
Will someone tell him the analogy about being in the hole, you know, digging, shovels, all that kind of stuff. It's all getting very predictable.
Will someone tell him the analogy about being in the hole, you know, digging, shovels, all that kind of stuff. It's all getting very predictable.
Sorry 🙁
I don't agree with much of what Gnar has to say, but I [i]do[/i] recognise the issue about being out and about with "other women". My spouse is a technophobe, so the principle of chatting to random women online and then going out riding with them is a bit of a leap of faith. Thankfully(?) I have a bit of history of going walking/climbing/camping with other women over the years. I've also been out in groups of mostly guys/one woman and I can't say I've really noticed any difference in behaviour.
Sorry
Not you juan.
[i]I don't agree with much of what Gnar has to say, but I do recognise the issue about being out and about with "other women"[/i]
Likewise, I'm sure my wife does trust me (I've given her no reason not to after 20 years together), but that wouldn't stop her getting a bit on edge if I told her I was off into the hills for a few days with a lady (bith doing an activity that she has absolutely no interest in). The next step would be for her to ask for a picture of the lady and if said lady turned out to be attractive, I'd start having my motives questioned. This is only natural as far as I'm concerned and to be honest I'd avoid the situation.
Careful there samuri, according to the "I've got a perfect relationship" types, your marriage may well be over already.
Gnar's been a bit too outspoken for my tastes recently, but I feel there is something in what he says here.
My GF is insecure about me socialising with females in any context. A female friend sometimes joins us riding and the GF gets unhappy about it. I generally avoid having female friends because of this.
And whilst the females on here seem robust, most I know need to be tip-toed around and maybe why blokes prefer bloke-only company sometimes.
Another way of looking at it: Perhaps all-male cycling groups as a hunting group. And if females join the group, they join as hunters.
Riding with ladies definitly cahnges the dynamics of the ride, and they seem to act as a sponge to soak up all the testosterone that otherwise characterises men-only rides.
If/when I ride with women, they tend (not always) to ride slower, and so we either take much longer or don't go so far. If/when we do, I always ride at the back, always make sure that I'm last and always avoid giving the 'you're holding us up' impression. Come to think of it, I do this if I'm out with anyone slower or less experienced than me.
While in UK, I lost the habit to do SFBism.
I'm not sure what that is. I don't flirt with women on rides as they're usually spoken for or not to my taste, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying looking :o)
People ride for different reasons,
As part of the University club (a few years back) girls were a regular fixture (1:4ish), no problems at all, they were the main points (for funding) contributor for the season, even hormonal students didn’t letch/take photos, I assume that is reserved for sleazy, irritating 50 something’s?
Access to road riding is easy, some of the larger local clubs have a ‘leave nobody behind’ policy, it’s a pain if you want to go quickly but then there are other clubs/groups who fit the bill. These clubs [b]generally[/b] do not contain women and as such language/competition is prevalent, and TBH can be intimidating for anyone.
I assume that is reserved for sleazy, irritating 50 something’s?
have we met ?? I hotly deny allegations of bribery or embezzlement...