By all means, don't go away, if that's literally what you mean. While I don't like to think of the issues that you brought up as "us against them", to get so frustrated that you throw your arms up is hopefully not an alternative to discussion.
Regarding the issues that you brought up.... On harassing comments. All of us as cyclists have had our share of harassment in terms of motorists bullying the smaller, more vulnerable cyclist, so I think that most of us can imagine the issues that women face regarding unwanted comments. My personal feeling on this is that a bully tries to find weak, uncomplaining victims to pick on and will say or do anything to annoy them. Mostly, their aim is to upset and if one reacts just the way that they hope, that encourages them. Any time that I get harassed, I, like you, wave in a friendly manner, as if this has been a friend saying hello. To those who are malicious, it ruins their fun and to those who are annoyed with me, they realize that I'm not trying to be nasty by blocking their way or what ever it is that annoys them. Malicious intent to harass is punishable, thankfully, and should be reported to police by noting their license plate number, but of course someone saying "wow, baby" knows that they won't get charged for such a comment. Bullies know just how far they can push until they get stood up to. Even if police visit that person's house to "discuss" the incident, they'll be discouraged from doing it again On Avery's "skinny broad" comment, I take that with a grain of salt, as if a friend were describing me as a fat-assed, washed up old-timer. Seeing it written rather than said, you just don't know how it was intended and I'd not want to judge it. Wasn't that aimed at someone who used "fat broad" as her nickname? On eating disorders, while this is a real problem, our recreational club isn't the forum for that issue. While I'm interested to hear points of view on that particular topic here, I don't think that you can expect the board of directors to address it, unless it's demonstrated to be a real problem. In many years of coaching, I can't recall any female cyclists who obviously showed that type of behaviour, but that doesn't mean that it's not a hidden problem with some individuals. But because of these issues being brought up, I'm very careful to watch for eating disorders. Bicycle racing is unusual in that strength and speed are very important. Our weight is supported on our saddles and not our feet, like in running, so weight is less of an issue, unless you are climbing very big mountains. It's not unreasonable to aim to get lighter for any competitor though, as long as it doesn't develop into a disorder. I'm sure you've heard all these arguments before and I understand that frustration can get the better of anyone. We must all be careful that we don't succumb to any obsessive behaviour including feelings that everyone against you, as I confess I do occasionally when I'm being pushed off the road by motorists several times in a day, while riding. ------------------------------------------------- For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter ------------------------------------------------- ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
