Posted on 06/30/2014 8:38:03 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A new breed of cyclist is infecting our roads and destroying the inclusive nature of bike riding. Jamie Fewery introduces 'sportive snobbery'
It was inevitable that with the rapid growth in cycling, factions would emerge. Sub groups of cyclists who define themselves by how seriously they take the sport, their kit, their observance of cycling’s heritage; gangs and coteries who jostle to adopt the lifestyle to a greatest degree. Reach a critical mass of humans who enjoy a shared interest and lines will inevitably be drawn. The peloton rarely sticks together.
For the most part, this is fine. As with any pastime there will be those who are content with occasional participation and those who immediately look to emulate the pros. But there’s a downside as well: snobbery. The idea that some are not only better than others, but that those at the lower end of the commitment and ability scale shouldn’t really be there at all.
I’ve noticed it a few times in discussions about the professional side of cycling, where commentators have a disdain for the popularisation of their sport since Bradley Wiggins won the Tour in 2012. It's as they hold Wiggins personally accountable for allowing the ‘great unwashed’ in on the secret. Or in forums and articles, where self-defined guardians of recreational cycling denigrate those who have the gall to wear a yellow jersey, as if doing so aligns the amateur with Eddy Merckx. And then there's the articles about whether people should or shouldn't wear Lycra (I do, in case you’re wondering).
But cycling snobbery at its worst is on the road.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
It’s the fact that those tiny little seats really crush your b@llz that attracts them.
Cuz they think they’re better - “see, I’m saving the environment and you - you are destroying it with your car” swish ....
Silly peon. They are better than the dirty lowers and probably shop at w(hole) foods.
It took them this long to notice? Cycle-snobbery has been an issue here since the 1970s. And I say that as someone who used to cycle 30km a day for my commute.
LOL! Can’t forget those goofy looking teardrop helmets and those nifty “Live Strong” rubber wrist bands.
Shaving their legs in the name of aerodynamics ... sheesh
I generally suspect a significant percentage of the guys dressing up in plum snuggling spandex and venturing forth on the highways do so to attract other guys.
You should see ‘em jump when you pass them on a Harley with straight pipes and crack the throttle.
/screw you, global warming
LOL!
Think I’ll buy me a neon fuschia Spandex outfit to wear on the Harley.
[less wind resistance = greater acceleration]
Or not.
You are just, well, awesome.
I’ve always wondered that.
I used to love riding my bike when I was a kid. But when I got my driver’s license, I never felt much need to do it again. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.
If they’re not doing at least 60mph, they need to stay the hell out of my way.
:)
Maryland has started putting up those “Share the road” signs everywhere here in the hills.
Apparently, they make really great targets.
Every pastime has some jerks in it.
It’s what humans do best.
Or not, lol.
Ha ha!
That is just awesome.
I wanted hubby to rig my pipes to shoot flame but dang it, he won’t do it.
[but I could adjust my fuel mixture a bit richer to get a similar effect]
:D
Yep, same here.
Jumping homemade ramps is fun.
Burning rubber is funner.
:)
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