I'd agree but I also hope that anyone hearing that comment on a ride would immediately challenge the 'old gammons' spouting it - especially the men in the group - and bluntly tell them straight. I think I'd be asking them to leave the group because that is just so out of order - suggesting they be 'discreet' is just sweeping the issue under the table.
Apologies if this has already been commented on . If the club has 5 speed groups, presumably evenly spread , the improvers from the 14/15 mph group should have stepped up a group. Not taken away an improvement route for the 12/13 mph . sorry Paul. Just my view .
5 rides over 2 days , not 5 rides on Sunday morning. I should have read your post properly .
That's impressive. What size is the club? I can't quite imagine the degree of organisation this requires. Do you have ride leaders or like us publish routes and the rides guide themselves?
500+ members, that’s all categories. Including Youths ,second claim etc . Degree of organisation, a dedicated club run secretary assisted by another committee member. Each group has a number of leaders to call on , they use ride with GPS . Thankfully for me and the club I have absolutely nothing to do with this .
I've been meaning to reply for days. I agree with everything you say. One thing I do need to make clear, and I didn't before, this quote, and it was one, came from a woman who was talking about stopping to fix a mechanical, puncture etc. and feeling inadequate as a bunch of guys watched.One of the most disturbing things for me on @PaulSB 's list of what was putting women off was 'the male gaze'
I know how I felt when I first started wearing lycra and I will admit to feeling self conscious. That gave me a negligible insight to part of the problem, but what it's like to be 'checked out' 24/7, I really can't imagine. I see it everywhere; supermarkets, wherever. Some guys just can't help themselves it seems. I've even been with my wife when she's been eyed up (and, no, it doesn't make me feel 'proud', or whatever, if anyone feels like making that 'joke') It frankly appals me.
I've been walking down the street and unintentionally caught the eye of a passing women. Her eyes drop immediately to the pavement, to avoid further contact. It makes me feel awful. But worse, I feel ashamed that she feels the need to do that. I have intimidated her, not me personally but my gender.
It really does not surprise me that some women want nothing at all to do with men and/or a predominantly male club. And I have to say, at the risk of inflaming the men's club, I can understand why - and it is men's fault. Face it guys, we're neanderthals sometimes.
Edit: sorry if I'm sounding overly emotional, it's just something that angers me
I'd just be worried about someone who feels the need to wear team kit. Full stop.
I must say, I was very drawn to the Penge CC Ladies Skin Suits for sale yesterday.
