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 ...
:)
I always saw cycling as a homosexual activity. It has grown past that, but it still has that flamboyant tone to it.
If I’m zipping along at 50mph on a state two lane and have to choose between clipping a cyclist or swerving into 50 mph traffic, head on, which do you suppose I’ll choose?
Would you really blame me for my choice?
After all, *I* was in *my* designated lane.
FWIW, there a family of morons who bring their horse drawn wagon and little kids on ponies onto RT 40 every so often.
You have not truly experienced an adrenaline rush until you’ve gone around a hard turn to find these little “pioneers” plodding along in front of you.
If you're zipping along at 50 mph on a state two lane and can't slow down enough to avoid rear ending slower traffic in the road in front of you, you're a dangerous driver who has no business being on the road. It doesn't make any difference it it's a bicycle, farm machinery, or a horse and buggy in front of you.
I reflexively tried to click “Like” on your astute post.
I have to meet you someday. You are my inspiration as a woman. (Though please refrain from terrorizing my horse with your throttle when you pass us on the roads of Maryland, or the consequences could be fatal.)
Seriously, they infuriate me. They are pursuing their recreation while the rest of us who live and work in the country are going about our jobs and lives and the roads, and they keep trying to kill us. I don’t mind if they commit suicide but I do object if they take me with them. They have no concern for the fact that a big truck cannot stop or turn fast, especially when towing a loaded four-horse GN. Selfish, stupid, and almost invariably liberal.
Ditto that.........
lol
Did you miss all the parts about blind curves and hills on really treacherous mountain roads?
Thought so.
This is new?
Funny you should mention that.
Many years ago we were on a poker run and my horse-ignorant compadres went roaring past a group of riders one a one “lane” mountain road.
Spooked the horses, some of which were being ridden by children.
I was apoplectic and when we next stopped, I went medieval on them.
Rest assured that all present that day still quietly *creep* past horsemen.
I remember my roots and will always love horses, more.
Funnier thing is that, until that happened, I rarely spoke and was considered a quiet little mouse.
Freaked ‘em all out, it did.
LOL
Seriously, this is basic stuff.
^this!^
Pity me.
The annual “Ragnar” relay run mess is coming through here soon.
If you think hordes of inconsiderate liberal cyclists are bad, you ain’t seen nothing, yet.
When they have to leave the towpath, they commandeer RT 40, shutting down half the road as they run toward you in the darkness with their epilepsy-inducing flashing, insanely bright head/body lights.
They run against traffic.
Their support vehicles flit about the road with little regard to lanes or laws.
Why, I do not know.
Hundreds of them coming through in the wee hours set the dogs to barking all night.
There’s also an annual cycling event that comes through.
I just stay home during that.
Too much stress.
Even if driving at a ridiculously slow 30mph, you still have to slam the brakes.
In a car, this not such an issue.
On a bike, it is.
You cannot defend stupidity by attempting to deflect criticism upon me.
I am an exceptional driver.
In 36 years, I have not had so much as a paint scratch.
The only ticket I ever got was trying to get to the central gathering area for the veteran’s benefit run and the traffic judge voided it, anyway.
Do not ever criticize *my* observance of traffic laws.
However, the weekend libs who tear down the pike at 65 will be the ones to ultimately imperil their lives.
FYI, n the 30 years I rode horses, I stayed off of state roads and kept to back roads and logging trails, where I belonged.
Because they can get a city to take your property for their trails. Anybody who can do that is a fascist snob.
Private Property Seized Under ‘Eminent Domain’ For Ohio Bike Path
Eminent domain property seizure, for a Bike Path?
and so on . . .
Apparently you’ve been lucky so far, since by your own claim you drive on narrow, winding roads at speeds faster than you can stop within the distance you can see ahead of you. Like I said, this is basic stuff. Someday there’s going to be a piece of farm equipment, or a broken down truck, or something else bigger than a bicycle around that blind curve you’re driving around too fast. Then you’re going to get more than a paint scratch.
Yeah, because I don’t encounter all that stuff every time I’ve left the house in the last 36 years.
I’m an excellent, conscientious driver.
Get over it.
Here in Minnesota,it seems certain roads are closed every other weekend for some stupid bicycle race or 5k run.
The remaining few are closed for pothole repair.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.