Sexism and fat shaming

[Roadrider48]

This is absolutely dreadful!
I wish I would have been there at the time; they would have definately apologised.

 

[Spinney]

I have had the odd comment but generally not from cyclists. I have heard comments, mostly from other women who are often more overweight than I am.
The only comment I have had from a cyclist was when I overtook a chap going up a hill. He called me a 'Lardy slapper'. Charming. I cleared off up the hill, super determined to get a PB on it. I did get the PB too. Thanks chap.

Jealousy because you were going faster than him...

 

[Saluki]

Jealousy because you were going faster than him...

Absolutely. He had nicer kit and bike than me too.

 

[winjim]

Isn't this and the comment about knob ends in Lycra the same as the fat shaming? Name calling and abuse at random and without justification based on ignorance?

No, I think it's entirely plausible.

 

[Spinney]

Absolutely. He had nicer kit and bike than me too.

So he just found out that all the expensive kit etc doesn't actually make you go any faster...

 

[Dave 123]

You get these dickheads in all walks of life, these Draco Malfoys (to go all Hairy P Otter) and they have a small circle of friends, or more accurately arse kissers.
They seem to be quite insensitive to the fact that nobody wants to be their mate, only the arse kissers. They are short sighted.

I'd much sooner go for a ride with a nice person who's out of shape and have a good laugh than a bore fest with captain arrogant who will most likely have moved on to fishing or shotguns or whatever else takes their fancy by the end of the year.

If these people were any good they'd be pro riders, but they're just like the rest of us- a bit crap, and there's nowt wrong with that!

 

[raleighnut]

Some people are just twats, keep on riding.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

I wonder if the same people that are being abusive to those of more ample proportions, are the same ones that reckon being overweight is a life choice? I wonder how many spot the irony?

We all come in different shapes and sizes, and not all larger people are trying to slim, but anyone exercising sensibly should be encouraged and praised, more so if they're trying to do it for positive reasons.

I did get described as a "Henry the Eighth" by a someone on a group ride. It was meant and taken in jest, but I still took great delight in catching them on a hill and then forcing them into conversation before I upped the pace while they were blowing out of their arse and dropping further back.

On another occasion, it was clear from their tone that one or two riders judged from appearances, as I'm not only portly, I also don't do fashion type clothing. A fat bloke in joggers on an oldish cheap bike taking best part of an hour out of their time spoke more than any words needed to, especially as the rest of their group noticed it.

Just to be clear, in both cases, it's not that I'm good, I'm decidedly average on a good day, it's more that they assumed that having the right gear for the 'look' was enough.

 

[bozmandb9]

I wonder if the same people that are being abusive to those of more ample proportions, are the same ones that reckon being overweight is a life choice? I wonder how many spot the irony?

We all come in different shapes and sizes, and not all larger people are trying to slim, but anyone exercising sensibly should be encouraged and praised, more so if they're trying to do it for positive reasons.

I did get described as a "Henry the Eighth" by a someone on a group ride. It was meant and taken in jest, but I still took great delight in catching them on a hill and then forcing them into conversation before I upped the pace while they were blowing out of their arse and dropping further back.

On another occasion, it was clear from their tone that one or two riders judged from appearances, as I'm not only portly, I also don't do fashion type clothing. A fat bloke in joggers on an oldish cheap bike taking best part of an hour out of their time spoke more than any words needed to, especially as the rest of their group noticed it.

Just to be clear, in both cases, it's not that I'm good, I'm decidedly average on a good day, it's more that they assumed that having the right gear for the 'look' was enough.

I also used to be very portly. Funnily enough it was when I chose to eat badly, drink too much, and do little exercise.

I adopted a very disciplined diet, stopped drinking, worked out a lot, and lost 25kg. I keep the weight of by doing more of the same.

I'm not saying being overweight is a life choice. More of a default if you don't make these more challenging choices, every hour/day/week/month/year.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Not sure i believe that tale either..

ive not come across stuff like this other than cheeky kids, but who gives a toss if your doing something You enjoy..

 

[Crandoggler]

I haven't read any other replies.

I find this disgusting and absolutely heart wrenching. I'm by no means Chris Froome, I look more like a rugby player than a cyclist. But I've chosen my hobby and I enjoy it. Cannot believe anyone would have the sheer outright audacity to say something like that to another person enjoying the sport they clearly hold so dearly.

I often see others that may not take the sport quite as seriously as me and always pass without a word, or a quick hello. I often look at that person, judge them on their appearance and think no more about it. I may think 'I know that feeling', when they're blowing out on a hill, or spinning the bottom ring on the lowest gear. But who the fark am I to say something to someone about their ability?

I've only had one moment where I wanted to tear another cyclists head off. That was in Cornwall, when cycling a new route with a couple of mates. We found a rather steep hill and made haste. Everyone was comfortable, but we were in the lower gears giving it stacks. A car came down the hill, (single lane) so, because we were all over the road, I decided the best course of action was to dismount. Little did I know, a rapha clad* cyclist was behind that car. He made a remark; 'it's not that steep', with a little grin. I thought 'you obnoxious prick' and said 'there's a car in my way'. Just because I'm a big lad, it does not mean I cannot get up this hill. I honestly wanted to smack the living shoot out of him. But the time went, and I will never see that guy again. This forum boils me sometimes, maybe through patronisation, maybe through misjudgement of the situation. But, I boiled over the other night. When someone said 1700ft climb over 30 miles is considered flat. Well it wasn't to me! Prick.

I feel for this person. Nobody should ever feel like an outsider doing whatever they want to do. This is a free world where we are free to enjoy ourselves. Nobody has the right to comment like this. At least they're out there, doing it and getting fitter.

Why do people do it? What's the need? To elevate their already inflated ego? Not on my watch shipmate. Why not keep your patronising, obnoxious, selfish and foolhardy comments to yourself.

Awful. Truly sad and awful.

*unfortunately there are some.

 

[Citius]

The hits on that blog must have gone through the roof...

 

[Saluki]

So he just found out that all the expensive kit etc doesn't actually make you go any faster...

The words "all the gear and no idea" did cross my mind but I just wanted to miff his day off further. Scalp him then accelerate away. Sticks and stones and all that. He now has to live with the shame of being scalped by an overweight, middle aged woman on a CX bike.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

I also used to be very portly. Funnily enough it was when I chose to eat badly, drink too much, and do little exercise.

I adopted a very disciplined diet, stopped drinking, worked out a lot, and lost 25kg. I keep the weight of by doing more of the same.

I'm not saying being overweight is a life choice. More of a default if you don't make these more challenging choices, every hour/day/week/month/year.

Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck in keeping it that way.

Obviously there's truth in what you say, but based on experience, I'd say it's a generalisation. I know a fair few people that have gone through hell to lose weight with no success. I also know people who have had expert tuition and spent a small fortune trying to gain weight, and failed.

Some things in life simply can't be taken at face value, however, back to the point of this thread, people out on bikes or exercising seem to be giving the impression of trying at least, so for that alone, they deserve encouragement, not abuse.

 

[outlash]

The reaction that surprises me the most is 'how can one (or more) cyclist(s) be like that to another?' as if somehow putting your feet on pedals somehow makes you a better person. *peanuts* are *peanuts* no matter how you get about, this sort of thing is disgusting regardless of where or who it comes from.

Edit: swear filter is working well i see .