For every problem, there is a solution.
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 ...
Wonder if they make them in black with chrome spikes and studs?
;]
solar cells on the helmet to power colored LED’s on your elbow and knee pads!
You find snobs in also every sector of life.Bowling snobs were the first I noted. Ignoring those who used a ball from the racks and judging how shiney the balls were of those who had their own. I am sure their are homeless bum snobs. Thinking about the other bums. Look at those idiots, I have never peed on my self.
My bike is already infested with LED ground effect lights so that *might* be something I could do.
;D
I think a certain amount of the snobbery comes to bear because it really is friggin hard to do what the really good cyclists do, especially on the tough hills, the long rides, and the crashes. And I’m not talking about the pro-quality guys—they’re just freaks of nature. I’m just talking about the tough, everyday riders you see around town and in the hills (like in the Santa Monica Mountains north of Malibu... tough rides!) Some of these people are amazing.
It takes some guts. As the completely disgraced Lance Armstrong nevertheless truthfully once said (paraphrased): “If you want to know what it feels like to crash on a bicycle when you’re racing, just take off everything but your skivvies, climb into the back of a car going 35 miles an hour, bind your ankles together so you can’t move them, and then jump out.”
Though I’m not a great rider, I do enjoy testing myself on very hard rides, and until I started this kind of cycling, I really didn’t realize how much it takes to get up the long, hard hills, and to stay in that saddle for a few hours at a time. But I’m a lone wolf, I don’t travel in packs... maybe cuz I don’t really care much for the snobbery part!
So yeah, I agree that there are many snobby cyclist types, and I don’t like them much, but every affinity group (cyclists, hunters, equestrians, sailors, tennis players, motorcyclists, etc) has their own special snobbery built into their endeavor.
Just my opinion... I’d say don’t be so hard on ‘em.
If you are a snob or not, the aftermath of road rash with hairy legs can be awful.
Freegards
Whether it be bicycle or motorcycle, do NOT challenge automobiles to a duel.
You will not win.
;D
Unless you are Chuck Norris.
Acceleration and Harley are oxymorons.
I think the real issue, something that sociologists, or scientists should look into, is why cycling is the only hobby, or sport that actually has snobs. (sarc) This is ridiculous. Any interest, sport or hobby has people that go over the top. Read any firearms forum, where people get slammed for only spending a thousand dollars on a pistol. Go to any automotive forum where people with cars in factory condition are ridiculed. Heck, look at how many posts here at Free-Republic get slammed for grammar. Personally, I chuckle at guys in their 60’s riding bicycles that cost somewhere in the $6,000 - $8,000 range. They are probably too old to take advantage of the performance the bike is capable of, but if they have the money to spend, good for them.
Yeah, well, that’s a given.
:)
And as to people like you, @sshole: Wow I’m sure that revving your Big Harley at a bicyclist and causing him to crash (or nearly crash) makes you feel as though your stuff is alot larger than it really is.
@sshole wuss.
You just don’t have the right heads and cams.
Some times I just want to ride the old 86’ Sportster, 4 speed, chain drive nakid. Don’t need spikes or studs for that, hehe.
Wow.
Did you get up on the wrong side of your floral duvet, this morning?
A] I’m not a guy so my “stuff size” is irrelevant.
B] The liberal puke cyclists in my area *cause* crashes because they insist upon riding either in the middle of the road or two feet left of the white line.
On our blind curves and hills, *other* will people run off the road trying to avoid killing them.
And it *is* a Big Harley, thank you very much.
That’s why I love really HOT days.
Less clothes.
;]
You've got it backwards. With them, the hierarchy is inverted, as in: "Look at those idiots! Probably never even peed on themselves!"
Regards,
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