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 ...
We wuvs you too woogums. Tell Mittens we wuv hims toooo...
It is not for the aerodynamics, it is to ease the massage after a race,or a practice run.
I would eat you for lunch.
/6K redline
You are a complete idiot.
Too many raisins and Bananas make ‘em grumpy.
“Not the sharpest tool in the shed.”
Are you implying that he’s a hoe?
We have some really nice bike trails here in Ohio. I’ve gotten back on the bike recently since my quad bypass in January, and I’ve noticed these Tour wannabees have lost some of their courtesy this year. No more “on your left” as they blow past you. When I get back to being myself, I’ll try to latch on to their draft and see how I do.
Yea. Lots of Harley guys thought that. I made lots of money in my youth proving them wrong. A ported, chambered and totally worked 2 stroke is not a grocery getter. the powerband doesn’t BEGIN until about 8K...and with 6 gears, one is always a click away from being right on the pipe...and not the crack pipe ;)
I miss that little toy.
More like a manure spreader actually.
“...but it is my experience Harley riders will never acknowledge anyone unless they are also riding a Harley.”
I ride a Harley, and an Norton. True, the Harley riders have an affinity for other Harley riders, and you really shouldn’t begrudge them this brotherhood. Harleys aren’t fast or great in the twisties, but they WILL get you there in a relaxed, comfortable style. (Except for Buells. An amazing amalgam of Harley heritage and balls to the wall performance.)
But I must admit, there are a lot more a-holes per capita who have chosen Japanese rice rockets, who think every road is a race course, and ride like they’re on some group kamekaze mission. In my experience, they seem to delight in blowing by those who ride Harleys, British Twins, or BMWs.
And, while on my Harley, I DO acknowledge the other riders who aren’t trying to make a statement about their small genitalia with suicidal antics.
You know the rule.
Without pics, it never happened.
:)
Not that anyone cares for “history”, these days, but, the original MCs rode more Limey bikes than Harleys.
A Triumph, Norton or a BSA was a righteous ride.
If I’m going to do something, I do it well.
:)
What’s going on inside my motor would surprise you.
:)
I admit to soft spot for BSA...and Royal Enfield.
I feel like I should say “let’s call a spade a spade”.
Oh there is plenty of power and torque to be had in a Hog. No doubt. Miles of it. But it’s still pushing about 600-700 pounds of bike sans rider. They look great and ride great. But they like their nic, are pigs. Big, heavy pigs.
And that’s a beautiful thing. It just isn’t a performance enhancing thing.
Very first bike I ever rode [passenger] was a BSA.
Second was a Norton Commando.
It was the 70s and they were both raked, chopped and stretched.
Man..lots of nostalgia, there.
At bike shows, I don’t really look at the other Harleys.
I like to go see the perfectly restored Limeys.
That Spandex is really helping.
cyclists going by my place use the new cycles in which you are practically laying on your back. Keeps pressure off important parts I suppose.
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