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 ...
Cyclists, by my own observations, are a pain in the butt. A considerable fortune in public funding has been spent to make bike lanes on some of our roads, and the cyclists still tend to fudge into car space, as if they somehow have priority.
I thought of myself as an avid outdoorsman, then went into our new REI store. Outdoor store, right?
No! Just stuff for the people who like to run, or bike, or hike or climb cliffs for the sake of running, biking, hiking and climbing cliffs. Not for doing outdoor stuff once they get where they’re going.
No fishing gear, no hunting equipment, no knives, bows and arrows, or guns and tackle.
Just stuff for people who like to exercise outdoors.
I don’t get it. No fun for them, just exercise. It’s like jazz music, pretending there’s something there to enjoy while we the unwashed scratch our heads.
This thread has taken a peeculiar turn.
Ow.
OK, then just don’t use your substitute manhood trying to scare bicyclists off their bikes; it’s just extremely childish and dangerous, I don’t give a f*ckin floral duvet whether you’re a man or a woman!
Doing what you bragged about is almost a criminal intent, masked as a funny little prank. Yes, it works. Do you feel better now?
Don’t do it. Maybe try getting some actual exercise so you won’t have to feel the need to overcompensate on your Big Harley (as a man or a woman or whatever) for not being able to do what those cyclists can do.
I never heard her say that. Letting anyone know you’re nearby exhibits safety first. Making idiots aware of you is a main priority if you ride.
Ignore him. He’s one of the lesser evil proponents demanding an ever leftward GOP. See his post history for details. So his anti biker bias fits.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
I find it hilarious that a Harley rider is making fun of snobs. I ride a Triumph, and have encountered a lot of friendly riders, but it is my experience Harley riders will never acknowledge anyone unless they are also riding a Harley.
It is indeed a most wonderful sight to see these preciously self-righteous storm troopers of terminal specialness advance boldly in the cultural vanguard of vast hordes of self-absorbed gluten-free gender-unique embodiments of incarnate narcissism. The rest of us peons can only hope to look on in wonder, thankful to have caught even a glimpse of these most divine radiances.
“You should see ‘em jump when you pass them on a Harley with straight pipes and crack the throttle.”
Thank you. You have just helped me immensely with my decision on after-market exhaust for my ‘09 Road Glide.
Our local area is infested with group cyclists on the weekends, who insist on making some sort of inane political statement by not sharing the road with cars, riding slowly side by side, en masse. What makes this particularly infuriating is that they also have bike lanes on BOTH sides of the road, AND and a dedicated cycle path!
Thumbtacks. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
Well they are Harleys. The best thing to do with a snobbish Harley type (which Sal isn’t) is simply shift UP to 3rd and leave them straining to top 85 in your dust ;)
/Yamaha RD400F
“Do you feel better now?”
I felt just fine before, thanks.
[armchair psychologist, much?]
Maybe I’m not the one trying to “prove” something, here.
:)
That and refuse to go get parts for them. :)
Silly question — probably because these bikers ARE snobs and libs?
You’re riding in the wrong place, cuz.
I ‘wave’ to everyone on 2 wheels.
Most wave back.
A biker is a biker is a biker.
Sorry to spoil your theory.
[my first bike was a stock Bonnie...never should have sold it]
Now that’s cold man...True, but cold ;) Maybe if they didn’t ‘mark their territory’ like spaghetti strainers they wouldn’t need on call mechanics ;)
And there’s the Obama toad, washing his hands maniacally on every thread... but sadly for you Norm, the Obama stench will NEVER come off.
You elected him and all his evil, and it will ride with you, no matter how often you try to cleanse your conscience.
It’s hilarious to see how wrong the Great White Pharisee Norm Lenhart is about me, and millions like me.
I (we) didn’t vote for Obama. You on the other hand elected the Clinton Second Reich (Obama, your godhead), and will no doubt elect their Third Reich, (Hillary).
Let’s hope Ross Perot steps back into rescue you, oh ye of the perpetually unclear conscience.
Thanks for the laugh, Mensa!
-——> this!
“by not sharing the road with cars, riding slowly side by side, en masse”
Yes!
They just go wherever they please, no doubt feeling morally superior.
Once in a while, one gets hit.
I feel bad for their loved ones but they ~have~ clearly marked bike lanes.
~I’m~ not supposed to ride on the sidewalks...so I ~don’t~.
They need to heed their own rules, too.
[baffles = the devil...take ‘em out]
;D
HAHAHA! A genuinely funny post, finally! Thanks!
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