An open letter to all condescending male chauvinist cyclists

[Inertia]

Fair enough. I wouldn't say I disagree either ...perhaps this is where this thread is being challenged. Its a subset of a group, I'd call that subset idiots.

Edit...sorry I've realised that I read this the wrong way round.
Perhaps you are right. Perhaps a subset does behave just as badly to anyone and that I have witnessed a subset.

I'm not convinced that this is the case but am happy to admit that its possible

Well I admit the other way round is possible, what I have heard leads me to the opposite conclusion. Contrary to your experience, while on a ride noone has ever told me how to ride or barged in and interrupted me if I was fixing something. I have had enquiries as to whether I needed anything but Ive never had to go any further than; no, thanks for asking.

Given the experiences female colleagues and friends have related to me during other areas of their life that I haven't experienced either; I have no difficulty believing the behaviour extends to cycling.

I dont think I can prove it to you though but I think at least we can see each others side and I do think the OP was worthwhile if it only lets us think about our own behaviour. I dont agree with the new title that its only to all condesending male chavinists. I think anyone could exhibit some of that behaviour and just think they were being helpful. It doesnt hurt to reflect on our own behaviour and consider we may jump to the wrong conclusions in our 'helpfulness'

 

[Heltor Chasca]

As a gender tolerant individual who has lived half a life (2+ decades) in a very chauvinist culture, much of this doesn't surprise me. All I want for both my daughters is a fair crack at life. We are getting there, but hell's teeth we are a long way off. Keep going.

As far as patronising goes: What the hell is up with a huge chunk of brits? You can't walk a puppy down the street without every second nosy tonsil handing out free dog-handling advice. Piss off! I'll drive my pup how I like.

Second Audax I ever did, a woman scoffed at me for doing it on a touring bike. 'You're making life very hard for yourself aren't you?' Says she. Same stuck up fanny fart who bonked at the 80km mark. Hah!

Fourth Audax I did in my life, I heard some snarky comments from a sportive-looking-knob chuckling at my rather large saddle bag. Yeah but I packed my lunch and didn't have to queue for soggy salad and snot bread rolls at the café did I?

Still can't put my pants on the right way round. DON'T tell me how. I'll work it out ok?

 

[winjim]

As a gender tolerant individual who has lived half a life (2+ decades) in a very chauvinist culture, much of this doesn't surprise me. All I want for both my daughters is a fair crack at life. We are getting there, but hell's teeth we are a long way off. Keep going.

As far as patronising goes: What the hell is up with a huge chunk of brits? You can't walk a puppy down the street without every second nosy tonsil handing out free dog-handling advice. Piss off! I'll drive my pup how I like.

Second Audax I ever did, a woman scoffed at me for doing it on a touring bike. 'You're making life very hard for yourself aren't you?' Says she. Same stuck up fanny fart who bonked at the 80km mark. Hah!

Fourth Audax I did in my life, I heard some snarky comments from a sportive-looking-knob chuckling at my rather large saddle bag. Yeah but I packed my lunch and didn't have to queue for soggy salad and snot bread rolls at the café did I?

Still can't put my pants on the right way round. DON'T tell me how. I'll work it out ok?

I've only even taken part in one Audax, and that was a short one at 100km, but I thought they were specifically designed for people on touring bikes with massive saddlebags.

 

[theclaud]

Shame about the last bit of this post, which is totally unecesary.

I find it both necessary and important.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

As Ride Leader, I intend to patronise all and sundry on the Manchester to Llandudno ride.

Agreed!
Unsolicited advice from my ride leaders I take gladly, because when I joined I agreed by default to be led.
When I'm the ride leader (rarely, due to my, ahem, touring speed) I will give advise if asked or if riders are struggling.
What I'm trying to convey here is the cheek of complete strangers that barge into our group to preach us; not wanting to help with mechanicals, not wanting to give us directions, but actually telling us what to wear, how to ride.
As I said, if this continues to happen, I'll be needing bailed out from the Polis station

 

[slowmotion]

I'm still a bit confused. I chased after a female rider on the Earls Court Road recently because the straps from her back-pack almost dangled down to the rear hub and she would have come to serious harm if they caught in her back wheel. I didn't give any kind of lecture, just suggested that she tie them up.
Now, suppose that I spotted her riding with a saddle that was ridiculously low. Should I have very gently suggested that it's more fun and less effort to ride with the saddle a bit higher, or would I have been a patronising, sexist monster?

I would have given the same advice if she was a he, BTW.

 

[summerdays]

I'm still a bit confused. I chased after a female rider on the Earls Court Road recently because the straps from her back-pack almost dangled down to the rear hub and she would have come to serious harm if they caught in her back wheel. I didn't give any kind of lecture, just suggested that she tie them up.
Now, suppose that I spotted her riding with a saddle that was ridiculously low. Should I have very gently suggested that it's more fun and less effort to ride with the saddle a bit higher, or would I have been a patronising, sexist monster?

I would have given the same advice if she was a he, BTW.

I wouldn't just throw in a passing comment about the saddle, not without some kind of conversation... so at a set of lights perhaps? Whereas a dangling strap, hanging off pannier, some imminent danger would be OK? But that's how I would do it.

Unless you strike up a conversation how are you going to find out if there is a reason? I have a lowered saddle on icy days, or if may knee is giving me some pain or when I've put on my thick boots and I can't be bothered to adjust it from the normal position that fits all my other shoes.

 

[furball]

I'm still a bit confused. I chased after a female rider on the Earls Court Road recently because the straps from her back-pack almost dangled down to the rear hub and she would have come to serious harm if they caught in her back wheel. I didn't give any kind of lecture, just suggested that she tie them up.
Now, suppose that I spotted her riding with a saddle that was ridiculously low. Should I have very gently suggested that it's more fun and less effort to ride with the saddle a bit higher, or would I have been a patronising, sexist monster?

I would have given the same advice if she was a he, BTW.

If that had been me I would have been grateful if you had alerted me to something that was a danger to me and was out of my sight. If however you dared to comment on my bike I think I would tell you where to go and it probably would contain offensive language.

 

[Jody]

...... If however you dared to comment on my bike I think I would tell you where to go and it probably would contain offensive language.

or you could just decline the offer on what's being said to you. If it continues then tell them where to go

 

[jonny jeez]

I'm still a bit confused. I chased after a female rider on the Earls Court Road recently because the straps from her back-pack almost dangled down to the rear hub and she would have come to serious harm if they caught in her back wheel. I didn't give any kind of lecture, just suggested that she tie them up.
Now, suppose that I spotted her riding with a saddle that was ridiculously low. Should I have very gently suggested that it's more fun and less effort to ride with the saddle a bit higher, or would I have been a patronising, sexist monster?

I would have given the same advice if she was a he, BTW.

I think if its a fact...like "your back tyre is flat mate" or "rear caliper is open" then perhaps you can offer unsolicited warnings.

But subjective stuff, who cares what you think, I'm happy just leave me alone...if I want subjective advice ill seek it

 

[furball]

or you could just decline the offer on what's being said to you.

I could but probably wouldn't.

 

[Racing roadkill]

You've encountered 'Allez man'. Or possibly 'Charlie the 2012 chopper'. 'Tis the season for them.

 

[slowmotion]

I was driving the van up the M1 a couple of weeks ago. An artic. behind me started giving me the full headlight flashing treatment......just as the steering felt all wrong. Luckily, I got onto the hard shoulder before the tyre went pop. I was grateful to the lorry driver. I didn't feel that he wanted to score any points or feel "all superior". I would have been delighted if somebody at the last service station had said " that tyre's a bit flat".

Isn't Pride one of the Seven Deadly Sins?

 

[Dogtrousers]

I would have been delighted if somebody at the last service station had said " that tyre's a bit flat".

Would you have been equally delighted at the last service station if someone had said: "You don't want to be driving a van like that. That's a rubbish van. Get a better one. And look at that air freshener hanging from your mirror. It's makes you look like an idiot. Is that a cup of tea? Fool. You shouldn't drink tea when driving, coffee is better. And wear better shoes. Those shoes you are wearing are dangerous for driving, you need special EZ-grip shoes for best contact with the pedals. Why aren't you taking the A41 via Biceseter, are you some kind of moron?"

 

[Markymark]

Would you have been equally delighted at the last service station if someone had said: "You don't want to be driving a van like that. That's a rubbish van. Get a better one. And look at that air freshener hanging from your mirror. It's makes you look like an idiot. Is that a cup of tea? Fool. You shouldn't drink tea when driving, coffee is better. And wear better shoes. Those shoes you are wearing are dangerous for driving, you need special EZ-grip shoes for best contact with the pedals. Why aren't you taking the A41 via Biceseter, are you some kind of moron?"

Quite. Or patted him on the back for driving so well considering his age.