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Main
Date: 13 Jul 2006 06:47:46
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Bike Club Curmudgeons
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Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
characters I've met:
The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
sunglasses on a cloudy day!
The Careful Old Lady -- rides real slow and proper, with mirrors on
each end of her handlebars. Very pleasant personality, usually a widow
or divorcee.
The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
The Raconteur -- is this a bike ride or an airplane trip?!?! Good God,
get me some shmellows and start a campfire!
The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
Hmmm.
The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing on
the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill. Does anyone look
anymore, or is this the Special Olympics ride?
None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
the sweep!
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Date: 08 Aug 2006 14:54:29
From: Lucky07
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
There are decent club rides, you just have to find the right one. But
yeah, I've met the divorcees, the crumdgeons, the hall monitor, etc.
The ratio seems to be about one semi-normal person for every three
cartoon characters.
Olebiker wrote:
> Paul Cassel wrote:
> > Olebiker wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
> > > looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
> > > matter if he is currently ried or not.
> > >
> > Where exactly is this club?
>
> Tallahassee, Florida. Want me to introduce you to a couple of them?
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Date: 05 Aug 2006 07:40:07
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Yawn.
Why don't skiers wear helmets?
Why don't Army Rangers wear helmets oftentimes?
Most of these helmet-wearers ride at 12 mph, for chrissake.
How many idiots get hurt every year at BikeNY's 5 Boro Bike Tour
despite their helmets?
Some people just have no sense of balance!
Bill Sornson wrote:
>
>
> Please visit wreck tech and tell 'em all about it. (Seriously!)
>
> --
> "I think that the most important advice I got was more like a directive from
> my parents, and that was to wear my helmet. I was a rebel back then and
> would hide it in the bushes outside my house, but as the years went on I
> started to wear my helmet all the time, and now I feel naked without it. I
> have had some pretty bad crashes over the years and have always been
> thankful that I had my helmet on."
>
> -I HOLDEN, 2000 TIME-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPION AND 2000 OLYMPIC TIME-TRIAL
> SILVER MEDALIST
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Date: 06 Aug 2006 07:57:35
From: G5
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <1154788807.908173.202090@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com >,
<latina_liebhaber@yahoo.com > wrote:
> Yawn.
>
> Why don't skiers wear helmets?
>
Actually most good skiers do wear helmets these days, Those without
are usually the wankers on the bunny slope (or the guy with Jeans
tucked into his rear entry boots....Or the lady in the Day-Glo jumpsuit
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Date: 06 Aug 2006 16:21:20
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
G5 wrote:
> Actually most good skiers do wear helmets these days, Those without
> are usually the wankers on the bunny slope (or the guy with Jeans
> tucked into his rear entry boots....Or the lady in the Day-Glo jumpsuit
You seem to have mistaken "Alpine Downhill Skiing" with "Skiing".
When I looked at the winter Olympics I didn't see /anyone/ in the
cross country or biathlon events wearing one, though I think it's a
safe assumption a lot of them were good skiers.
Even on alpine pistes, a minority wear them, usually limited to
those in competition or similarly pushing the envelope.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
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Date: 06 Aug 2006 18:51:44
From: mark
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
> G5 wrote:
>
>> Actually most good skiers do wear helmets these days, Those without
>> are usually the wankers on the bunny slope (or the guy with Jeans
>> tucked into his rear entry boots....Or the lady in the Day-Glo jumpsuit
>
> You seem to have mistaken "Alpine Downhill Skiing" with "Skiing".
>
> When I looked at the winter Olympics I didn't see /anyone/ in the cross
> country or biathlon events wearing one, though I think it's a safe
> assumption a lot of them were good skiers.
>
> Even on alpine pistes, a minority wear them, usually limited to those in
> competition or similarly pushing the envelope.
>
> Pete.
Here in the US, a surprising number of intermediate skiers who never
leave the groomed runs wear helmets, as well as a large number of
children. They seem motivated partly by a fear of skier collisions (a
valid fear on groomed intermediate runs) as well as by a response to
keting forces and the "helmet culture" that seems to be pervading the
US and the UK. I would hardly call them "good" skiers, but they're not
quite "wankers on the bunny slope" either. I recall a post on
uk.rec.cycling expressing surprise at the number of helmeted skiers to
be seen at Copper Mountain, CO, and at the fact that the helmet wearers
were far from "pushing the envelope".
k
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Date: 06 Aug 2006 15:41:30
From: yttrx
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In nyc.bicycles Peter Clinch <p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk > wrote:
> G5 wrote:
>
>> Actually most good skiers do wear helmets these days, Those without
>> are usually the wankers on the bunny slope (or the guy with Jeans
>> tucked into his rear entry boots....Or the lady in the Day-Glo jumpsuit
>
> You seem to have mistaken "Alpine Downhill Skiing" with "Skiing".
>
> When I looked at the winter Olympics I didn't see /anyone/ in the
> cross country or biathlon events wearing one, though I think it's a
> safe assumption a lot of them were good skiers.
>
> Even on alpine pistes, a minority wear them, usually limited to
> those in competition or similarly pushing the envelope.
>
> Pete.
Plowing headfirst into a snowbank at 20mph is not the same thing as
plowing into concrete at 20mph.
-----yttrx
--
http://www.yttrx.net
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Date: 06 Aug 2006 19:31:08
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
yttrx wrote:
> Plowing headfirst into a snowbank at 20mph is not the same thing as
> plowing into concrete at 20mph.
Ploughing into rocks, trees or ice north of 50 has a lot of
potential to hurt you though. Yet still most don't bother, and
don't get nasty head injuries.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
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Date: 05 Aug 2006 07:35:16
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Boo!
Or, should I say, boo hoo hoo?
yttrx wrote:
>
>
>
> Ever look into the coffin of a friend who wasn't wearing a
> helmet?
>
> I have.
>
>
>
>
> -----yttrx
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Date: 05 Aug 2006 05:05:46
From: yttrx
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In nyc.bicycles NYC XYZ <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote:
>
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
>
Ever look into the coffin of a friend who wasn't wearing a
helmet?
I have.
-----yttrx
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Date: 05 Aug 2006 06:06:30
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
yttrx wrote:
> Ever look into the coffin of a friend who wasn't wearing a
> helmet?
>
> I have.
Please visit wreck tech and tell 'em all about it. (Seriously!)
--
"I think that the most important advice I got was more like a directive from
my parents, and that was to wear my helmet. I was a rebel back then and
would hide it in the bushes outside my house, but as the years went on I
started to wear my helmet all the time, and now I feel naked without it. I
have had some pretty bad crashes over the years and have always been
thankful that I had my helmet on."
-I HOLDEN, 2000 TIME-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPION AND 2000 OLYMPIC TIME-TRIAL
SILVER MEDALIST
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Date: 05 Aug 2006 00:49:11
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"yttrx" <yttrx@yttrx.net > wrote in message
news:KGVAg.4149$Gg6.1921@fe52.usenetserver.com...
> In nyc.bicycles NYC XYZ <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>
>> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
>> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
>> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
>> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
>> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
>> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
>> the sweep!
>>
>
> Ever look into the coffin of a friend who wasn't wearing a
> helmet?
>
> I have.
Yes, I too an totally fed up with all these nitwits who do not think a
helmet gives you any protection. There are any number of dumbbells on these
cycling groups who think helmets will not do anything for you. They think
that because they are idiots - and most likely do not like helmets messing
up their hair. They are like silly women that way. Screw them all the way to
hell and back!
Regards,
Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
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Date: 02 Aug 2006 12:44:47
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Bill wrote:
> Bored cop and I went to for for sundown but needed the shades due to big bugs.
> Bill Baka
What does this mean?
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Date: 03 Aug 2006 01:53:43
From: Bill Baka
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Mike wrote:
> Bill wrote:
>> Bored cop and I went to for for sundown but needed the shades due to big bugs.
>> Bill Baka
>
> What does this mean?
>
A mangled post. I am never that incoherent. At least I don't remember
posting that. Maybe I sleep posted.
Bill Baka
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Date: 02 Aug 2006 21:31:01
From: R Brickston
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
On 2 Aug 2006 12:44:47 -0700, "Mike" <tetrickm@hotmail.com > wrote:
>Bill wrote:
>> Bored cop and I went to for for sundown but needed the shades due to big bugs.
>> Bill Baka
>
>What does this mean?
It's a language they speak on Planet Baka; Population: 1
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Date: 31 Jul 2006 10:28:51
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Edward Dolan wrote:
> "cc" <cc@nospam.edu> wrote in message news:ea8kn7$p82$1@news.Stanford.EDU...
> > GaryG wrote:
> >> "Peter Clinch" <p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk> wrote in message
> >> news:4i3k9bF207jaU1@individual.net...
> >>
> >>>shuffman@gmail.com wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
> >>>>because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
> >>>>without glasses.
> >>>>
> >>>>I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
> >>>>aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
> >>>>wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
> >>>>with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
> >>>>glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
> >>>
> >>>My cycling glasses have a clear prescription insert that sit behind
> >>>(relatively) cheap interchangeable wraparound lenses. I have clear,
> >>>dark grey and amber (which is very good for XC skiing). *Much* cheaper
> >>>than 3 pairs of prescription wraparound glasses, and rather more
> >>>flexible in use. Also means a ding can be cheaply replaced without
> >>>prescription glazing.
> >>
> >>
> >> One word....LASIK. Once you've had it, you'll wonder why you waited so
> >> long. Best thing I ever did for myself (besides divorcing my first
> >> wife...).
> >>
> >
> > Or contacts. For chrissake, I can't believe anyone wears glasses anymore.
> > . .
>
> You are a freaking idiot! I do not want anyone ever fooling with my
> eyesight, most especially all those fucking optometrists who think they know
> something. But hey, go ahead and get those g.d.contact lenses installed. It
> will be just a matter of time until you go blind you freaking moron! Anyone
> who wears contacts is an imbecile and will deserve everything that happens
> to him.
>
> These freaking newsgroups are just chock full of false information on
> eveyrthing under the sun. For Christ's sake, do not ever rely on any
> information you pick up on Usenet. There is mostly nothing but idiots and
> morons here. Go to an MD to get information you can rely upon.
>
> Regards,
>
> Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
You said earlier in this thread that you're a loner. Now I see why.
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Date: 31 Jul 2006 17:47:28
From: Bill Baka
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Scott wrote:
<argument cut out >
>
> You said earlier in this thread that you're a loner. Now I see why.
>
I wear polarized, 100% UV blocking shades that fit over my regular
glasses. You may not think of it now but the UV will cause cataracts
about the time you are 60-65. My dad was an outdoor freak and thought
sunglasses were for sissies, until he got cataracts in both eyes.
The only time I go out without protection is a quick run to the car to
go somewhere and no time to grab the shades.
Bill Baka
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Date: 31 Jul 2006 14:14:29
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <Qmrzg.74730$fb2.64610@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net >, larrys707
@sbcglobal.net says...
> Scott wrote:
> <argument cut out>
> >
> > You said earlier in this thread that you're a loner. Now I see why.
> >
> I wear polarized, 100% UV blocking shades that fit over my regular
> glasses. You may not think of it now but the UV will cause cataracts
> about the time you are 60-65. My dad was an outdoor freak and thought
> sunglasses were for sissies, until he got cataracts in both eyes.
> The only time I go out without protection is a quick run to the car to
> go somewhere and no time to grab the shades.
> Bill Baka
What kind of lenses do your regular glasses have? If they're
polycarbonate, they're already blocking practically all (99.9%+) of the
UV.
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
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Date: 31 Jul 2006 19:28:39
From: Bill Baka
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
David Kerber wrote:
> In article <Qmrzg.74730$fb2.64610@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net>, larrys707
> @sbcglobal.net says...
>> Scott wrote:
>> <argument cut out>
>>> You said earlier in this thread that you're a loner. Now I see why.
>>>
>> I wear polarized, 100% UV blocking shades that fit over my regular
>> glasses. You may not think of it now but the UV will cause cataracts
>> about the time you are 60-65. My dad was an outdoor freak and thought
>> sunglasses were for sissies, until he got cataracts in both eyes.
>> The only time I go out without protection is a quick run to the car to
>> go somewhere and no time to grab the shades.
>> Bill Baka
>
> What kind of lenses do your regular glasses have? If they're
> polycarbonate, they're already blocking practically all (99.9%+) of the
> UV.
>
My regulars have plastic (scratched yes, Poly maybe) lenses, but my
shades are the goggle type and have 100% UV-A+B blocking and are
polarized. They weren't dark enough so I put some car shade film (20%
pass) over the lenses and they are still a bit bright for me. I work
indoors so direct sunlight is painful, to say the least, and I prefer to
walk or ride in the light of a full moon. The nice thing about the
goggle type shades is that they block the sun from coming over the top
of my regular lenses, as well as bugs, cold winds, dust, etc.
$17.95 at uhhhh, Wal-t, made in China, but they were all I could find
that would fit over regular glasses. Oh yeah, Solar-Shield is the name.
Bill Baka
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Date: 31 Jul 2006 02:45:55
From: Thomas Wentworth
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
The best to me is the "car up" or "stop up" or ?? up..
Once a lady in front said "red light up".... I almost fell off my bicycle
laughing.
================
"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1152798466.810045.180330@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
> characters I've met:
>
> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
> Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
>
> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> The Careful Old Lady -- rides real slow and proper, with mirrors on
> each end of her handlebars. Very pleasant personality, usually a widow
> or divorcee.
>
> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
>
> The Raconteur -- is this a bike ride or an airplane trip?!?! Good God,
> get me some shmellows and start a campfire!
>
> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
> Hmmm.
>
> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing on
> the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill. Does anyone look
> anymore, or is this the Special Olympics ride?
>
>
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
>
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Date: 25 Jul 2006 19:24:41
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
sally wrote:
> "Edward Dolan" <edolan@iw.net> wrote in
> news:59ydncPCuLOWyCvZnZ2dnUVZ_qSdnZ2d@prairiewave.com:
> > All club rides are an abomination. They are just chock full of jerks
> > and assholes.
>
> Maybe the recumbent and New York crowds are different, but in California,
> most club riders (men and women) are nice to talk to and have decent bike
> handling skills. There are a few jerks in every crowd, but I see more of
> those at work than in the bike club.
Hmm!
I really don't mean to suggest by my post that club rides can be that
unpleasant. I've enjoyed all my club rides so far, for all the helmet
nazis! And helmet nazis can be nice to talk to, too -- only about
things other than helmets.
|
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Date: 25 Jul 2006 19:11:39
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
okaywonderful@gmail.com wrote:
> I read this whole string, start to finish and found almost every post
> quite entertaining. I live in NYC and just started road cycling about
> two weeks ago and have been contemplating going on one of the Times UP
> or 5 borough bike club rides. Will I not go now because of this
> thread? Unlikely, but it is likely that I'll continue riding on my own
> for a while longer. As far as the glasses, I'm dying to find a pair of
> cheap, knock-off wrap-arounds that I can wear while I ride considering
> I get at least a bug in my eyes every night while doing laps in Central
> Park.
Oh, don't let me discourage you from and social riding with our local
bike clubs! That certainly wasn't my intent. Riding with others is
fun in its own way. I got so used to that, it was weird riding alone
again afterwards!
My original post simply reflects the fact that any organized social
riding I'd done before my first club rides this year were all
giant-tour-kind-of-things, whereas the more intimate setting of a
paceline typical of most club rides tends to allow for a closer
consideration of who shows up for such things.
I mean, cycling seems such a solitary activity for some reason, though
I think all of us first learned to ride within a more social context --
our neighborhood friends were doing it, so we got one to join in the
fun. Somehow a lot of that gets lost (notice that all helmet nazis are
adults!), so I was curious who showed up to club rides, trying to
revive some of that childhood magic.
The 5 BBC is a good club to start with, and certainly the one to go
with for riding socially, chatting and meeting people. The NYCC is
rather more "serious," and they tend to ride outside the City proper
more. There are a few very local clubs like the Staten Island one, but
they don't seem to have as extensive a roster of activities. Time's
Up! is one of the most politically oriented clubs of them all, such
that their monthly Critical Mass rides almost guarantees an arrest (the
NY Pig Dep't. demands a parade permit for goups of ~20 bikes riding
together, whereas all the assholes in cars honking and carrying on all
day and night over the World Cup, etc., are considered a legitimate
part of the cityscape).
In a weird way, bike clubs are both more necessary and more redundant
in a big world-class city like New York! More necessary, perhaps, due
to the proverbial urban alienation and ennui, but more redundant, too,
since there are so many people riding on bikes every day everywhere, it
feels like one giant club ride just about all the time!
|
| |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 18:44:21
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NY Rides wrote:
>
>
> If you don;t have a curmudgeonly attitude about bike paths, there are some
> good ones out on Long Island. Yeah, you'd have to take a train, but it's
> good to get out of the city every now and then. There's also a good ride
> across the forks of Eastern LI. Check my website, if you're interested
> www.geocities.com/NYRides
>
> Interestingly, I thought about this post today as I was settling in on my
> Air Canada flight from Montreal to LGA. I travel 3-4 days a week to
> different places and I come in contact with all kinds of people. I
> realized, at some point, that I could stick a label on just about every
> character who stepped on the plane. Some of the personalities are abrasive,
> some are pathetic, some are just plain comical. I guess it takes all kinds
> to make a horserace, or an airline flight, or bike club.
Ah, you forget that I am well-acquainted with your site; I scouted out
part of the Forest Park bike paths for you, remember? And I'd told you
that from a hill at the southern half of it, one can see over the whole
Borough of Brooklyn into the Far Rockaways. This is only possible
during wintertime when the lack of foliage permits such a vista.
Yes, it takes all types to make the world -- "all God's creatures,
great and small" and all that. Unfortunately, many people don't
realize this, especially uptight "rules lawyers."
That's been the charm of the annual 5 Boro Bike Tour for me. It's
truly all of New York, all at once, on bikes! It's Time's Up! meets
NYCC (NY Cycling Club), and everything in between. =)
|
| |
Date: 25 Jul 2006 18:35:01
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Mike Kruger wrote:
>
> Give Danny a break. The original poster doesn't want to obey the club rules,
> which specify helmets be worn on rides. Frankly, guys who argue with ride
> leaders are jerks. Who wants to argue with jerks on your day off? If they
> don't want to ride the ride the way it's set up, they can go their own way.
> If they want to change the club helmet policy, let them run for the bike
> club board.
I don't argue with anyone, they argue with me.
The fact is, helmet nazis are very obnoxious. They don't just want you
to wear your helmet, they want you to believe in it.
So they put out all kinds of horror stories.
Jesus Fucking Christ, folks -- there are Army Rangers doing combat
patrol without helmets; I'm just riding a bike!
Let's get a sense of perspective here.
I've even had a helmet nazi give my 'bent the look-over and sniff, "No
clipless pedals, huh?"
I think it's the one personality type that's behind all the helmets,
water bottles, clipless pedals, spandex shorts, and bike jerseys.
Never mind whether the helmets are on properly.
(How many people every year in the 5BBC Bike NY 5 Boro Bike Tour wind
up hurt in the face despite helmets? I didn't wear my helmet during
all 145 miles of the Montauk Century, whereas some helmet-wearing
spandex dude was clutching a bloody head between an ambulance and a
yellow taxi barely three miles into the ride!)
The last incident I had with a bike club helmet nazi was for not having
my helmet on WHEN OFF MY BIKE. (I was serving as a drop, directing
fellow riders at a turn. I had both feet on terra firma.)
These people aren't concerned about my well-being.
They're just assholes who have a very narrow vision of life.
My very first ride, Danny Lieberman and k Trainor were ride leaders
who saw me coming in on my 'bent, sans helmet.
Before so much as a good morning, a bunch of people already gathered
said, "where's your helmet?" and "you're not riding with us!"
There was another half hour before the ride would start. I asked them,
"can I get a 'good morning' first?"
Danny persisted. "Where's your helmet?"
I said it's in my pannier.
"It belongs on your head."
"Can we start riding first?" I asked.
Anyone still astonished why the world is full of George Bushes and
Hezbollahs? Why we're caught between Larry King and Fox News?
No joke; these things are related.
It's the one personality type...the one personality disorder.
I follow rules. But I won't let them be used by someone for their own
ego gratification.
Was the Sabbath made for man, or was man made for the Sabbath?
|
| |
Date: 22 Jul 2006 05:23:04
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <e9rqii$1nb$1@reader2.panix.com >,
Danny Lieberman <dfl@panix.com > writes:
>
> If someone doesnt like our policies or the way we organize our rides, well,
> they can feel free to ride with another club or group.
Holy mackerel, you almost make me wanna go there and organize
such a group of Freedom Riders, just so folx can ride without
the paranoic feeling of The Great Disapproving Mommie
overwatching them.
I hope whereever you are at least has Critical Mass, and
allows people to unbutton their shirt collars & sleeves,
and to hold to their own personal belief systems without
being burned at the stake, or stoned (in a bad way.)
cheers,
Tom
--
"Let my people go." -- Paul Robeson
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca
|
| | |
Date: 22 Jul 2006 16:17:47
From: Mike Kruger
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"Tom Keats" <tomkeats@bud.garden.local > wrote in message
news:8b5t9e.vl1.ln@vcn.bc.ca...
> In article <e9rqii$1nb$1@reader2.panix.com>,
> Danny Lieberman <dfl@panix.com> writes:
>>
>> If someone doesnt like our policies or the way we organize our rides,
>> well,
>> they can feel free to ride with another club or group.
>
> Holy mackerel, you almost make me wanna go there and organize
> such a group of Freedom Riders, just so folx can ride without
> the paranoic feeling of The Great Disapproving Mommie
> overwatching them.
>
> I hope whereever you are at least has Critical Mass, and
> allows people to unbutton their shirt collars & sleeves,
> and to hold to their own personal belief systems without
> being burned at the stake, or stoned (in a bad way.)
>
Give Danny a break. The original poster doesn't want to obey the club rules,
which specify helmets be worn on rides. Frankly, guys who argue with ride
leaders are jerks. Who wants to argue with jerks on your day off? If they
don't want to ride the ride the way it's set up, they can go their own way.
If they want to change the club helmet policy, let them run for the bike
club board.
|
| |
Date: 21 Jul 2006 07:32:19
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
> The best cheap ones I've found are Uvex FitLogic. They're actually
> industrial safety glasses, but are the only ones I've found that keep
> *all* the flying crap out of my contacts and will fit my face. And
> they're only about $10, and have many different interchangeable lenses.
That's a great recommendation--I can pick up a pair at Home Depot
tonight before my ride.
Thanks.
|
| | |
Date: 21 Jul 2006 10:48:37
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <1153492339.771123.77780@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com >,
okaywonderful@gmail.com says...
> > The best cheap ones I've found are Uvex FitLogic. They're actually
> > industrial safety glasses, but are the only ones I've found that keep
> > *all* the flying crap out of my contacts and will fit my face. And
> > they're only about $10, and have many different interchangeable lenses.
>
> That's a great recommendation--I can pick up a pair at Home Depot
> tonight before my ride.
Uvex has dozens of models of glasses and goggles, so you'll probably be
able to find one you like. You can also order from various online
industrial safety equipment companies, which is where I had to go to
find the lenses I wanted.
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
|
| |
Date: 21 Jul 2006 06:33:12
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
I read this whole string, start to finish and found almost every post
quite entertaining. I live in NYC and just started road cycling about
two weeks ago and have been contemplating going on one of the Times UP
or 5 borough bike club rides. Will I not go now because of this
thread? Unlikely, but it is likely that I'll continue riding on my own
for a while longer. As far as the glasses, I'm dying to find a pair of
cheap, knock-off wrap-arounds that I can wear while I ride considering
I get at least a bug in my eyes every night while doing laps in Central
Park.
|
| | |
Date: 22 Jul 2006 00:13:06
From: Danny Lieberman
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In <1153488792.484623.260240@s13g2000cwa.googlegroups.com > okaywonderful@gmail.com writes:
>I read this whole string, start to finish and found almost every post
>quite entertaining. I live in NYC and just started road cycling about
>two weeks ago and have been contemplating going on one of the Times UP
>or 5 borough bike club rides. Will I not go now because of this
>thread? Unlikely, but it is likely that I'll continue riding on my own
>for a while longer. As far as the glasses, I'm dying to find a pair of
>cheap, knock-off wrap-arounds that I can wear while I ride considering
>I get at least a bug in my eyes every night while doing laps in Central
>Park.
I read the thread too and laughed because I recognize the original poster
as the guy who got into an argument with a ride leader over his helmet.
Yes, the 5BBC has a strict helmet policy and we do expect all riders who
join our rides to bring a helmet and wear it on their heads, not on their
handlebars.
If someone doesnt like our policies or the way we organize our rides, well,
they can feel free to ride with another club or group. As someone who
leads and goes on a lot of 5BBC rides, I can tell you that we as a club
are interested in rider safety. If a rider refuses to wear a helmet they
dont belong in the 5BBC.
Danny Lieberman
5BBC Day Trips Coordinator
--
Danny Lieberman
dfl@panix.com
|
| | | |
Date: 22 Jul 2006 03:47:37
From: mark
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Danny Lieberman wrote:
> I read the thread too and laughed because I recognize the original poster
> as the guy who got into an argument with a ride leader over his helmet.
>
> Yes, the 5BBC has a strict helmet policy and we do expect all riders who
> join our rides to bring a helmet and wear it on their heads, not on their
> handlebars.
>
> If someone doesnt like our policies or the way we organize our rides, well,
> they can feel free to ride with another club or group. As someone who
> leads and goes on a lot of 5BBC rides, I can tell you that we as a club
> are interested in rider safety. If a rider refuses to wear a helmet they
> dont belong in the 5BBC.
>
> Danny Lieberman
> 5BBC Day Trips Coordinator
You're the Hallway Monitor, right?
k
|
| | |
Date: 21 Jul 2006 10:12:02
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <1153488792.484623.260240@s13g2000cwa.googlegroups.com >,
okaywonderful@gmail.com says...
> I read this whole string, start to finish and found almost every post
> quite entertaining. I live in NYC and just started road cycling about
> two weeks ago and have been contemplating going on one of the Times UP
> or 5 borough bike club rides. Will I not go now because of this
> thread? Unlikely, but it is likely that I'll continue riding on my own
> for a while longer. As far as the glasses, I'm dying to find a pair of
> cheap, knock-off wrap-arounds that I can wear while I ride considering
> I get at least a bug in my eyes every night while doing laps in Central
> Park.
The best cheap ones I've found are Uvex FitLogic. They're actually
industrial safety glasses, but are the only ones I've found that keep
*all* the flying crap out of my contacts and will fit my face. And
they're only about $10, and have many different interchangeable lenses.
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
|
| |
Date: 20 Jul 2006 06:34:49
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NY Rides wrote:
>
>
> My comment was tongue-in-cheek, actually. It's pretty hard to describe the
> types of quirky characters in any club without sounding kind of quirky
> yourself. The fact of the matter is, all the characters you described
> (quite humorously and on-the-money) probably have just as much to say about
> you (i.e. The Advisor is probably always pissed at YOU for NOT pointing out
> all the faults in the pavement, The Careful Old Lady probably thinks YOU are
> riding TOO FAST, etc.)
>
> I guess if you don't want to ride alone, you have to put up with the baggage
> that every other rider comes with. And when it doesn't bring you down or
> ruin your ride altogether, this baggage can make for some great stories
> later on.
Indeed. Though I'm not so keen on club rides any more. You don't
really meet new people, and half the time we're covering territory
already familiar to me from my previous years as an avid cyclist.
It's kind of funny, I almost felt out of place riding alone again!
It's like being back on an upright when the recumbent is kaput....
Thank Goodness for bike clubs, though. They're a great idea, and make
a very nice picture. Now that I'm commuting by bike again, I'll
probably be less inclined to spend my weekends in the saddle or on the
seat (of a 'bent).
I guess I'm just running out of places in the City to ride! Everything
now has to be pretty far out -- which means taking a train there, etc.
|
| | |
Date: 20 Jul 2006 18:54:58
From: NY Rides
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
>>>I guess I'm just running out of places in the City to ride! Everything
now has to be pretty far out -- which means taking a train there, etc.<<<
If you don;t have a curmudgeonly attitude about bike paths, there are some
good ones out on Long Island. Yeah, you'd have to take a train, but it's
good to get out of the city every now and then. There's also a good ride
across the forks of Eastern LI. Check my website, if you're interested
www.geocities.com/NYRides
Interestingly, I thought about this post today as I was settling in on my
Air Canada flight from Montreal to LGA. I travel 3-4 days a week to
different places and I come in contact with all kinds of people. I
realized, at some point, that I could stick a label on just about every
character who stepped on the plane. Some of the personalities are abrasive,
some are pathetic, some are just plain comical. I guess it takes all kinds
to make a horserace, or an airline flight, or bike club.
"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1153402488.852007.323310@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> NY Rides wrote:
>>
>>
>> My comment was tongue-in-cheek, actually. It's pretty hard to describe
>> the
>> types of quirky characters in any club without sounding kind of quirky
>> yourself. The fact of the matter is, all the characters you described
>> (quite humorously and on-the-money) probably have just as much to say
>> about
>> you (i.e. The Advisor is probably always pissed at YOU for NOT pointing
>> out
>> all the faults in the pavement, The Careful Old Lady probably thinks YOU
>> are
>> riding TOO FAST, etc.)
>>
>> I guess if you don't want to ride alone, you have to put up with the
>> baggage
>> that every other rider comes with. And when it doesn't bring you down or
>> ruin your ride altogether, this baggage can make for some great stories
>> later on.
>
>
> Indeed. Though I'm not so keen on club rides any more. You don't
> really meet new people, and half the time we're covering territory
> already familiar to me from my previous years as an avid cyclist.
>
> It's kind of funny, I almost felt out of place riding alone again!
> It's like being back on an upright when the recumbent is kaput....
>
> Thank Goodness for bike clubs, though. They're a great idea, and make
> a very nice picture. Now that I'm commuting by bike again, I'll
> probably be less inclined to spend my weekends in the saddle or on the
> seat (of a 'bent).
>
> I guess I'm just running out of places in the City to ride! Everything
> now has to be pretty far out -- which means taking a train there, etc.
>
|
| |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 16:48:53
From: Olebiker
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> Paul Cassel wrote:
> How come there are no hot numbers in bike clubs????
>
> I guess pretty girls just don't like to sweat!
You're riding with the wrong club.
|
| | |
Date: 19 Jul 2006 06:35:27
From: Paul Cassel
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Olebiker wrote:
> NYC XYZ wrote:
>> Paul Cassel wrote:
>> How come there are no hot numbers in bike clubs????
>>
>> I guess pretty girls just don't like to sweat!
>
> You're riding with the wrong club.
>
Here where I am the fem bike riders are VERY hot numbers, but a bit
young for me. I have no complaints about their looks nor do the guys as
they pass by.
|
| | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 20:37:34
From: Tim McNamara
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <1153266533.326514.220210@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com >,
"Olebiker" <ddurbin@tfn.net > wrote:
> NYC XYZ wrote:
> > Paul Cassel wrote: How come there are no hot numbers in bike
> > clubs????
> >
> > I guess pretty girls just don't like to sweat!
>
> You're riding with the wrong club.
I was out for a ride tonight and intersected a women's racing club out
for a spin. Must have been a recovery ride since I was faster than them
and I'm old, except for the one doing hill sprints off the front of the
group. Must have been ten riders in the bunch.
|
| |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 07:05:49
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Paul Cassel wrote:
>
> >
> <sigh> Moved from FL to NM so too far. Well, I'm dating a hot number now
> (who won't go near a bicycle, sadly) so it's not like I got nothing
> happening.
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!
How come there are no hot numbers in bike clubs????
I guess pretty girls just don't like to sweat!
|
| | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 15:38:48
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> How come there are no hot numbers in bike clubs????
>
> I guess pretty girls just don't like to sweat!
That fails to account for the possibility that they might like to sweat
somewhere else and/or in different company...
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 06:54:19
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Do I? Sorry, must be the Andy Rooney in me.
Actually, I'm reacting to some Helmet Nazis -- there's even a Water
Bottle Nazi! -- and tried to lighten things up by posting about all
types of club characters.
NY Rides wrote:
>
>
> Whoa, buddy! It sounds like you're being a bit curmudgeonly yourself!
> :( I say leave everybody alone and just be grateful to have people to
> ride with.
|
| | |
Date: 19 Jul 2006 13:10:16
From: NY Rides
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
>>>>Actually, I'm reacting to some Helmet Nazis -- there's even a Water
Bottle Nazi! -- and tried to lighten things up by posting about all
types of club characters.<<<<
My comment was tongue-in-cheek, actually. It's pretty hard to describe the
types of quirky characters in any club without sounding kind of quirky
yourself. The fact of the matter is, all the characters you described
(quite humorously and on-the-money) probably have just as much to say about
you (i.e. The Advisor is probably always pissed at YOU for NOT pointing out
all the faults in the pavement, The Careful Old Lady probably thinks YOU are
riding TOO FAST, etc.)
I guess if you don't want to ride alone, you have to put up with the baggage
that every other rider comes with. And when it doesn't bring you down or
ruin your ride altogether, this baggage can make for some great stories
later on.
"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1153230859.777022.46530@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Do I? Sorry, must be the Andy Rooney in me.
>
> Actually, I'm reacting to some Helmet Nazis -- there's even a Water
> Bottle Nazi! -- and tried to lighten things up by posting about all
> types of club characters.
>
>
>
> NY Rides wrote:
>>
>>
>> Whoa, buddy! It sounds like you're being a bit curmudgeonly yourself!
>> :( I say leave everybody alone and just be grateful to have people to
>> ride with.
>
|
| |
Date: 17 Jul 2006 09:50:47
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
> raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
> > NYC XYZ wrote:
> >>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> >> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> >> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> > I always wear glasses while riding; sometimes you get bugs or stones
> > from passing vehicles bouncing off the lens, once I was cut off at
> > speed, went over the bars and landed on my face; the deep gouges on the
> > lens of my brikos are a strong testament to the rationale of wearing
> > glasses while riding.
>
> Thobut he said "sunglasses", not "glasses". If you're out on a dull day
> and want to keep the flies/cold/whatever out then wearing clear lenses
> makes more sense than shades.
I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
without glasses.
I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
Most riders I know who wear sunglasses when it's not sunny are in the
same boat.
Sam
|
| | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 09:26:19
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
shuffman@gmail.com wrote:
> I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
> because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
> without glasses.
>
> I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
> aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
> wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
> with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
> glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
My cycling glasses have a clear prescription insert that sit behind
(relatively) cheap interchangeable wraparound lenses. I have clear,
dark grey and amber (which is very good for XC skiing). *Much* cheaper
than 3 pairs of prescription wraparound glasses, and rather more
flexible in use. Also means a ding can be cheaply replaced without
prescription glazing.
Mine are Bolle Vigilantes, but there's quite a few similar things from
e.g. Adidas & Rudy Project (I'd imagine others too).
Now, if I could get really responsive photochromics in a light
polycarbonate lens and wraparound style, /that/ would be really nice.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| | | |
Date: 23 Jul 2006 18:04:30
From: GaryG
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"Peter Clinch" <p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk > wrote in message
news:4i3k9bF207jaU1@individual.net...
> shuffman@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
> > because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
> > without glasses.
> >
> > I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
> > aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
> > wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
> > with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
> > glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
>
> My cycling glasses have a clear prescription insert that sit behind
> (relatively) cheap interchangeable wraparound lenses. I have clear,
> dark grey and amber (which is very good for XC skiing). *Much* cheaper
> than 3 pairs of prescription wraparound glasses, and rather more
> flexible in use. Also means a ding can be cheaply replaced without
> prescription glazing.
One word....LASIK. Once you've had it, you'll wonder why you waited so
long. Best thing I ever did for myself (besides divorcing my first
wife...).
GG
>
> Mine are Bolle Vigilantes, but there's quite a few similar things from
> e.g. Adidas & Rudy Project (I'd imagine others too).
>
> Now, if I could get really responsive photochromics in a light
> polycarbonate lens and wraparound style, /that/ would be really nice.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| | | | |
Date: 26 Jul 2006 13:52:51
From: cc
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
GaryG wrote:
> "Peter Clinch" <p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk> wrote in message
> news:4i3k9bF207jaU1@individual.net...
>
>>shuffman@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
>>>because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
>>>without glasses.
>>>
>>>I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
>>>aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
>>>wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
>>>with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
>>>glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
>>
>>My cycling glasses have a clear prescription insert that sit behind
>>(relatively) cheap interchangeable wraparound lenses. I have clear,
>>dark grey and amber (which is very good for XC skiing). *Much* cheaper
>>than 3 pairs of prescription wraparound glasses, and rather more
>>flexible in use. Also means a ding can be cheaply replaced without
>>prescription glazing.
>
>
> One word....LASIK. Once you've had it, you'll wonder why you waited so
> long. Best thing I ever did for myself (besides divorcing my first
> wife...).
>
Or contacts. For chrissake, I
can't believe anyone wears
glasses anymore. . .
|
| | | | | |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 08:17:48
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <ea8kn7$p82$1@news.Stanford.EDU >, cc@nospam.edu says...
...
> Or contacts. For chrissake, I
> can't believe anyone wears
> glasses anymore. . .
Contacts don't work well for me when the air is dry or dusty. Indoors
in the winter gets unpleasant in a hurry.
>
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 14:00:40
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
David Kerber wrote:
> In article <ea8kn7$p82$1@news.Stanford.EDU>, cc@nospam.edu says...
>> Or contacts. For chrissake, I
>> can't believe anyone wears
>> glasses anymore. . .
>
> Contacts don't work well for me when the air is dry or dusty. Indoors
> in the winter gets unpleasant in a hurry.
My vision is good enough that I don't need a prescription for a lot of
stuff, so contacts are a bit much of a faff for me. If my vision was
worse than it is I'd certainly look into them, but it isn't...
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| | | | | | | |
Date: 27 Jul 2006 09:50:23
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <4irrnoF54ae2U1@individual.net >, p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk
says...
> David Kerber wrote:
> > In article <ea8kn7$p82$1@news.Stanford.EDU>, cc@nospam.edu says...
>
> >> Or contacts. For chrissake, I
> >> can't believe anyone wears
> >> glasses anymore. . .
> >
> > Contacts don't work well for me when the air is dry or dusty. Indoors
> > in the winter gets unpleasant in a hurry.
>
> My vision is good enough that I don't need a prescription for a lot of
> stuff, so contacts are a bit much of a faff for me. If my vision was
> worse than it is I'd certainly look into them, but it isn't...
I'm extremely near-sighted, to the point that without correction,
anything more than 6 inches from my face is blurry, so I can't get by
without glasses/contacts.
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
|
| | | | | |
Date: 26 Jul 2006 18:55:18
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"cc" <cc@nospam.edu > wrote in message news:ea8kn7$p82$1@news.Stanford.EDU...
> GaryG wrote:
>> "Peter Clinch" <p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk> wrote in message
>> news:4i3k9bF207jaU1@individual.net...
>>
>>>shuffman@gmail.com wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
>>>>because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
>>>>without glasses.
>>>>
>>>>I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
>>>>aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
>>>>wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
>>>>with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
>>>>glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
>>>
>>>My cycling glasses have a clear prescription insert that sit behind
>>>(relatively) cheap interchangeable wraparound lenses. I have clear,
>>>dark grey and amber (which is very good for XC skiing). *Much* cheaper
>>>than 3 pairs of prescription wraparound glasses, and rather more
>>>flexible in use. Also means a ding can be cheaply replaced without
>>>prescription glazing.
>>
>>
>> One word....LASIK. Once you've had it, you'll wonder why you waited so
>> long. Best thing I ever did for myself (besides divorcing my first
>> wife...).
>>
>
> Or contacts. For chrissake, I can't believe anyone wears glasses anymore.
> . .
You are a freaking idiot! I do not want anyone ever fooling with my
eyesight, most especially all those fucking optometrists who think they know
something. But hey, go ahead and get those g.d.contact lenses installed. It
will be just a matter of time until you go blind you freaking moron! Anyone
who wears contacts is an imbecile and will deserve everything that happens
to him.
These freaking newsgroups are just chock full of false information on
eveyrthing under the sun. For Christ's sake, do not ever rely on any
information you pick up on Usenet. There is mostly nothing but idiots and
morons here. Go to an MD to get information you can rely upon.
Regards,
Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
|
| | | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 09:30:45
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
> shuffman@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> I wear sunglasses on nearly every ride, including at dawn and dusk. Not
>> because I look cool in shades (I don't), but because I can't see
>> without glasses.
>>
>> I wear my regular glasses to work, so sweat and dings on the lenses
>> aren't particularly acceptable. Besides, standard lenses don't block
>> wind well at all. And I can't afford another pair of cycling glasses
>> with clear prescription lenses, nor do I want to carry two pairs of
>> glasses for a ride that might include evening riding.
>
> My cycling glasses have a clear prescription insert that sit behind
> (relatively) cheap interchangeable wraparound lenses. I have clear,
> dark grey and amber (which is very good for XC skiing). *Much* cheaper
> than 3 pairs of prescription wraparound glasses, and rather more
> flexible in use. Also means a ding can be cheaply replaced without
> prescription glazing.
>
> Mine are Bolle Vigilantes, but there's quite a few similar things from
> e.g. Adidas & Rudy Project (I'd imagine others too).
>
> Now, if I could get really responsive photochromics in a light
> polycarbonate lens and wraparound style, /that/ would be really nice.
>
> Pete.
I like your idea of putting some sticky dark film inside the goggles to
keep out the basin bright light. An IR block film would also prevent the
cooked retina I experience on very hot days. It is supposed to be
112-115 here tomorrow, so maybe I will just stick with bike goodies
shopping.
Bill Baka
|
| |
Date: 17 Jul 2006 04:47:20
From: Olebiker
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Paul Cassel wrote:
> Olebiker wrote:
>
> >
> > We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
> > looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
> > matter if he is currently ried or not.
> >
> Where exactly is this club?
Tallahassee, Florida. Want me to introduce you to a couple of them?
|
| | |
Date: 17 Jul 2006 17:46:27
From: Paul Cassel
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Olebiker wrote:
> Paul Cassel wrote:
>> Olebiker wrote:
>>
>>> We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
>>> looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
>>> matter if he is currently ried or not.
>>>
>> Where exactly is this club?
>
> Tallahassee, Florida. Want me to introduce you to a couple of them?
>
<sigh > Moved from FL to NM so too far. Well, I'm dating a hot number now
(who won't go near a bicycle, sadly) so it's not like I got nothing
happening.
|
| |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 23:00:18
From: NY Rides
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
>>>>The only real complaint I have -- aside from the asinine insistence on
>>>>helmets, no matter that they're worn improperly over half the
>>>>time....<<<<
Whoa, buddy! It sounds like you're being a bit curmudgeonly yourself!
:( I say leave everybody alone and just be grateful to have people to
ride with.
"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1152798466.810045.180330@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
> characters I've met:
>
> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
> Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
>
> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> The Careful Old Lady -- rides real slow and proper, with mirrors on
> each end of her handlebars. Very pleasant personality, usually a widow
> or divorcee.
>
> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
>
> The Raconteur -- is this a bike ride or an airplane trip?!?! Good God,
> get me some shmellows and start a campfire!
>
> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
> Hmmm.
>
> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing on
> the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill. Does anyone look
> anymore, or is this the Special Olympics ride?
>
>
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
>
|
| |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 15:22:07
From: David L. Johnson
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 06:05:29 -0700, Olebiker wrote:
> NYC XYZ wrote:
>> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
>> characters I've met:
>>
>> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
>> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
>> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
>> Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
>
> Yeah, we have one of those guys. He has been riding for 30+ years so
> he thinks he knows it all,
Maybe he does.
>> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
>> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
>
> We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
> looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
> matter if he is currently ried or not.
I have never run into one of these. Oh, well.
--
David L. Johnson
__o
|
| |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 11:21:55
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
> raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
> > NYC XYZ wrote:
> >>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> >> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> >> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> > I always wear glasses while riding; sometimes you get bugs or stones
> > from passing vehicles bouncing off the lens, once I was cut off at
> > speed, went over the bars and landed on my face; the deep gouges on the
> > lens of my brikos are a strong testament to the rationale of wearing
> > glasses while riding.
>
> Thobut he said "sunglasses", not "glasses". If you're out on a dull day
> and want to keep the flies/cold/whatever out then wearing clear lenses
> makes more sense than shades.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
> net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
well unless it is dark out I do ride with my shades on. ( my clear
lenses got destroyed long ago)
|
| | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 21:28:22
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
> Peter Clinch wrote:
>> raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
>>> NYC XYZ wrote:
>>>>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
>>>> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
>>>> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>>> I always wear glasses while riding; sometimes you get bugs or stones
>>> from passing vehicles bouncing off the lens, once I was cut off at
>>> speed, went over the bars and landed on my face; the deep gouges on the
>>> lens of my brikos are a strong testament to the rationale of wearing
>>> glasses while riding.
>> Thobut he said "sunglasses", not "glasses". If you're out on a dull day
>> and want to keep the flies/cold/whatever out then wearing clear lenses
>> makes more sense than shades.
>>
>> Pete.
>> --
>> Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
>> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
>> Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
>> net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
>
> well unless it is dark out I do ride with my shades on. ( my clear
> lenses got destroyed long ago)
>
I wear shades all the time. The UV that kills your eyes over time goes
right through cloud cover. Of course at night I got pulled over once and
the cop shined the light in my eyes to see if I was stoned. Bored cop
and I went to for for sundown but needed the shades due to big bugs.
Bill Baka
|
| | | |
Date: 17 Jul 2006 09:07:19
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <W%Ttg.121342$H71.113689@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com >,
larrys707@sbcglobal.net says...
...
> I wear shades all the time. The UV that kills your eyes over time goes
> right through cloud cover. Of course at night I got pulled over once and
> the cop shined the light in my eyes to see if I was stoned. Bored cop
> and I went to for for sundown but needed the shades due to big bugs.
> Bill Baka
YOu don't need dark to block UV; any polycarbonate lens blocks about
99.9% of the UV (equivalent to SPF 1000), no matter what color it is.
Many are 100% UV blocking. Also, clouds block much of the UV though not
all. It takes me about 3x as long to burn on a cloudy day than a clear
one.
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
|
| | | | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 03:10:40
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
David Kerber wrote:
> In article <W%Ttg.121342$H71.113689@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com>,
> larrys707@sbcglobal.net says...
>
> ...
>
>> I wear shades all the time. The UV that kills your eyes over time goes
>> right through cloud cover. Of course at night I got pulled over once and
>> the cop shined the light in my eyes to see if I was stoned. Bored cop
>> and I went to for for sundown but needed the shades due to big bugs.
>> Bill Baka
>
> YOu don't need dark to block UV; any polycarbonate lens blocks about
> 99.9% of the UV (equivalent to SPF 1000), no matter what color it is.
> Many are 100% UV blocking. Also, clouds block much of the UV though not
> all. It takes me about 3x as long to burn on a cloudy day than a clear
> one.
>
I just bought some that fit over my prescription glasses and I get
polarized in the deal too. No glare, no UV.
Bill Baka
|
| | | | | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 14:02:53
From: Steven M. O'Neill
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Bill <larrys707@sbcglobal.net > wrote:
>I just bought some that fit over my prescription glasses and I get
>polarized in the deal too. No glare, no UV.
Can you tell me more? I'm interested in getting something like
this. What brand are they? Do you have a web link?
--
Steven O'Neill steveo@panix.com
Brooklyn, NY
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 18 Jul 2006 15:38:01
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Steven M. O'Neill wrote:
> Bill <larrys707@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> I just bought some that fit over my prescription glasses and I get
>> polarized in the deal too. No glare, no UV.
>
> Can you tell me more? I'm interested in getting something like
> this. What brand are they? Do you have a web link?
>
Wal t has them and I only blunder into them since I was looking for
anti UV clip ons. These are called "Solar shield" and really look more
like goggles than sunglasses but do fit over my prescription glasses and
have a frame that fits right up to your face to keep the sun from
sneaking in the top. They were about $17.00 but very well worth it since
they really are polarized. Just take 2 sets and rotate them 90 degrees
and while looking through both you will see a total blockage of any
light. The polarized takes out about 50% of the light right off the top
and they are only lightly shaded so I will either keep my clip on shades
under these of try to find some darkening film to put on the outside of
these. Outside for scratch protection so the film can be replaced.
I am not going for cool but rather total eye protection and not even a
bug can get past these.
Warning.
They come in all kinds of frame sizes so take about 10-15 minutes to
find the perfect fit. I am using a B06. All I need now I some IR
blocking film and some darkening film and I will be in summer bright
light heaven. I could not find clip ons to fit my smallish John Lennon
style glasses so when I found these, big relief.
Good luck.
Bill Baka
|
| | | |
Date: 17 Jul 2006 09:52:00
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Bill wrote:
> I wear shades all the time. The UV that kills your eyes over time goes
> right through cloud cover.
But it doesn't go through clear UV protective lenses...
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| | | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 19:40:13
From: Don Wiss
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 21:28:22 GMT, Bill <larrys707@sbcglobal.net > wrote:
>I wear shades all the time. The UV that kills your eyes over time goes
>right through cloud cover.
Except the tinting does not stop the UV. Only if you pay extra for UV
protection, and that protection can be added to non-tinted glasses. The
problem with tinted glasses is they dilate your eyes, and that lets in more
UV.
Don <www.donwiss.com > (e-mail link at home page bottom).
|
| |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 07:08:07
From:
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
>
I always wear glasses while riding; sometimes you get bugs or stones
from passing vehicles bouncing off the lens, once I was cut off at
speed, went over the bars and landed on my face; the deep gouges on the
lens of my brikos are a strong testament to the rationale of wearing
glasses while riding.
|
| | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 15:11:55
From: Peter Clinch
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
> NYC XYZ wrote:
>>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
>> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
>> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
> I always wear glasses while riding; sometimes you get bugs or stones
> from passing vehicles bouncing off the lens, once I was cut off at
> speed, went over the bars and landed on my face; the deep gouges on the
> lens of my brikos are a strong testament to the rationale of wearing
> glasses while riding.
Thobut he said "sunglasses", not "glasses". If you're out on a dull day
and want to keep the flies/cold/whatever out then wearing clear lenses
makes more sense than shades.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
|
| | | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 15:59:34
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Peter Clinch wrote:
> raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
>> NYC XYZ wrote:
>>>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex
>>>> and a
>>> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
>>> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
>> I always wear glasses while riding; sometimes you get bugs or stones
>> from passing vehicles bouncing off the lens, once I was cut off at
>> speed, went over the bars and landed on my face; the deep gouges on
>> the lens of my brikos are a strong testament to the rationale of
>> wearing glasses while riding.
>
> Thobut he said "sunglasses", not "glasses". If you're out on a dull
> day and want to keep the flies/cold/whatever out then wearing clear
> lenses makes more sense than shades.
Nah. Pitch-black mirrored lenses. Scowl constantly, too.
|
| | | | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 12:11:29
From: DougC
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Bill Sornson wrote:
> Peter Clinch wrote:
>
>>raamman@hotmail.com wrote:
>>
>>Thobut he said "sunglasses", not "glasses". If you're out on a dull
>>day and want to keep the flies/cold/whatever out then wearing clear
>>lenses makes more sense than shades.
>
>
> Nah. Pitch-black mirrored lenses. Scowl constantly, too.
>
>
Yea but..... scowling all the time just don't work on a recumbent.... ???
|
| |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 06:05:29
From: Olebiker
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
> characters I've met:
>
> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
> Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
Yeah, we have one of those guys. He has been riding for 30+ years so
he thinks he knows it all,
> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
I do NOT wear sunglasses!
> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
matter if he is currently ried or not.
> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
> Hmmm.
There is a guy who shows up at every ride in an incredibly dirty
jersey. He never speaks to anyone.
> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing on
> the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill.
Our Advisor like to scold those of us who don't point out every pebble
in the road.
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
Our club rides are set up so that fast riders are free to go at their
own speed. If they want to pretend it's a race they are free to do so.
The ride leader rides sweep and is only responsible for making sure
that the slowest rider is not left on the road.
Dick Durbin
|
| | |
Date: 15 Jul 2006 15:57:38
From: Paul Cassel
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Olebiker wrote:
>
> We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
> looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
> matter if he is currently ried or not.
>
Where exactly is this club?
|
| | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 12:35:17
From: Jon Meinecke
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
[newsgroups trimmed]
"Olebiker" <ddurbin@tfn.net > wrote
>
> NYC XYZ wrote:
>> Whew, so I went on a few club rides,
I wouldn't want to be a member of a club that would have *me*
as a member.
>> and here are some of the perennial characters I've met:
>> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling [...]
>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging [...]
>> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties [...]
>> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
>> [...]
>> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing [...]
Maybe there's a "club" where only the young, buff, under-thirty,
well-adjusted, like-minded folk can ride and avoid sharing the
pavement with the likes of these.
BTW, you forgot Pigeon-hole Man as a character. %^)
Ageism, and sexist objectification, optional... %^P
> I do NOT wear sunglasses!
In daylight, I always do. Mine are definitively low-fashion,
low-tech, cheap but effective. As the father's day card my
kids gave me said, everyday my clothes make a fashion
statement: "I'm dressed."
> Our club rides are set up so that fast riders are free to go at their
> own speed.
Entirely sensible, though it presumes the fast ones know the
route or accept consequences for not knowing it if they pass
the leader. Their choice.
Jon Meinecke
|
| | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 15:58:18
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Olebiker wrote:
> NYC XYZ wrote:
>> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the
>> perennial characters I've met:
>>
>> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
>> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
>> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point
>> man. Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
> Yeah, we have one of those guys. He has been riding for 30+ years so
> he thinks he knows it all,
Jobst is in your club? <eg >
>> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and
>> a jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
>> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
> I do NOT wear sunglasses!
Just call 'em "eye protection" -- then you can look like Roy Orbison if you
want.
>> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
>> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
> We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to
> be looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem
> to matter if he is currently ried or not.
Um, WHERE is this club again?!?
>> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to
>> himself. Hmmm.
> There is a guy who shows up at every ride in an incredibly dirty
> jersey. He never speaks to anyone.
We already covered JB.
>> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing
>> on the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill.
> Our Advisor like to scold those of us who don't point out every pebble
> in the road.
I think every club goes out and HIRES one of these guys, just to make the
other members look like good people in comparison.
>> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
>> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
>> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
>> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
>> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a
>> while, the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the
>> point and the sweep!
> Our club rides are set up so that fast riders are free to go at their
> own speed. If they want to pretend it's a race they are free to do
> so. The ride leader rides sweep and is only responsible for making
> sure that the slowest rider is not left on the road.
And I appreciate it!
Old Fat Slow Tired Beat-up Bill (ready to go get 'em, obviously! Need more
coffee...)
|
| | |
Date: 14 Jul 2006 09:18:19
From: David Kerber
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
In article <1152882329.722571.199570@35g2000cwc.googlegroups.com >,
ddurbin@tfn.net says...
>
> NYC XYZ wrote:
> > Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
> > characters I've met:
> >
> > The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
> > bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
> > helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
> > Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
>
> Yeah, we have one of those guys. He has been riding for 30+ years so
> he thinks he knows it all,
>
> > The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> > jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> > sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> I do NOT wear sunglasses!
>
> > The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
> > you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
>
> We have a lot of middle aged divorced ladies in our club who seem to be
> looking for their next husband on the club ride. It doesn't seem to
> matter if he is currently ried or not.
>
> > The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
> > Hmmm.
>
> There is a guy who shows up at every ride in an incredibly dirty
> jersey. He never speaks to anyone.
>
> > The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing on
> > the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill.
>
> Our Advisor like to scold those of us who don't point out every pebble
> in the road.
>
> > None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> > have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> > they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> > system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> > slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> > the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> > the sweep!
>
> Our club rides are set up so that fast riders are free to go at their
> own speed. If they want to pretend it's a race they are free to do so.
> The ride leader rides sweep and is only responsible for making sure
> that the slowest rider is not left on the road.
Ours, too. People are free to go off the front if they want, but we try
to be sure nobody is lost off the back. Especially since the slower
ones also tend to be less-experienced at handling breakdowns, flats,
etc. Not always, but more often than not; I am sometimes the tail-end
charlie, but I carry enough crap with me to practically rebuild my bike
on the side of the road <grin >, and have the knowledge to do so, so I
tell the sweep not to wait for me if I'm dragging.
--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).
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Date: 13 Jul 2006 20:46:41
From: Road Man
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
I'm a cross between the rubber suit guy and the loner - hmm, could
there be a connection?
Funny thread!
Ken
"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1152798466.810045.180330@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the
> perennial
> characters I've met:
>
> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point
> man.
> Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
>
> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and
> a
> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> The Careful Old Lady -- rides real slow and proper, with mirrors on
> each end of her handlebars. Very pleasant personality, usually a
> widow
> or divorcee.
>
> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
>
> The Raconteur -- is this a bike ride or an airplane trip?!?! Good
> God,
> get me some shmellows and start a campfire!
>
> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to
> himself.
> Hmmm.
>
> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing
> on
> the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill. Does anyone look
> anymore, or is this the Special Olympics ride?
>
>
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint
> I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the
> point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while
> the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a
> while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point
> and
> the sweep!
>
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| |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 09:43:27
From: SMS
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
<snip >
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
I used to ride on a multi-use trail where a ramp that went under a road
had signs that said "walk bike on ramp." These were advisory signs,
probably for some sort of liability, as the ramps were very long, and
not steep at all. Basically everyone rode their bikes on the ramps, and
later the city added maze gates to make it more difficult and to slow
people down, but it still wasn't hard to navigate the maze gates (except
with a trailer or tandem).
I would often be riding there when a local club had a ride that went
through there. They all walked their bikes. That was fine, but then they
yelled at everyone else, not on their ride, to walk their bikes.
As to helmets, I can tell you that it is a very contentious issue in
clubs. You've got the "let's pass more laws to make everything safe for
everybody" crowd that lobbies for a helmet requirement on all rides, and
you've got the libertarians that believe that each person should be able
to choose the risk level that they are comfortable with, and that is
should be up to the ride leader as to whether helmets are required or not.
In the club I was in, we fought the helmet requirement for many years.
However, when we changed insurance companies, there was a huge cost
benefit in, at the time, the LAW insurance, which required that helmets
be required on all rides. So don't think that all the club riders
necessarily are in favor of helmets all the time.
|
| |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 09:05:20
From: stratrider
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
LoGo USA wrote:
> Jim (stratrider) wrote:
> As a friend of mine observed recently, if everyone you
> meet seems to be a jerk or an asshole, it may be time to
> begin looking at something other than them for a valid
> explanation. Let's see now: what is the common element in
> all those social relationships? ;-) There's another older
> poem at POW that is a (very slightly dramatized, and
> hopefully a bit more entertaining) version of a real life
> encounter on a local bike lane between our recumbent group
> and an atypical roadie one Saturday morning:
>
> http://www.logo-us.com/pow/epost.htm
>
> Enjoy,
> Wayne
Good reading.... Thanks
Jim
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Date: 13 Jul 2006 08:43:41
From: LoGo USA
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
Jim (stratrider) wrote:
>Some years ago I rode with a local club four or five
>times before I had enough.
There's a fairly long-winded (and somewhat less amusing
than usual) dissertation on this topic in the Poetry on
Wheels section of our website:
http://www.logo-us.com/pow/group.htm
As a friend of mine observed recently, if everyone you
meet seems to be a jerk or an asshole, it may be time to
begin looking at something other than them for a valid
explanation. Let's see now: what is the common element in
all those social relationships? ;-) There's another older
poem at POW that is a (very slightly dramatized, and
hopefully a bit more entertaining) version of a real life
encounter on a local bike lane between our recumbent group
and an atypical roadie one Saturday morning:
http://www.logo-us.com/pow/epost.htm
Enjoy,
Wayne
|
| |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 07:48:56
From: stratrider
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
> characters I've met:
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
Some years ago I rode with a local club four or five times before I had
enough. With a few exceptions, the overwhelming number of riders
where, as Ed put it, assholes! As the lone recumbent rider I loved how
irritated many were on early climbs with how "SLOW" the recumbent
was.... Later as I settled into my pace and as the same folks shot
their wad, I would hear how the recumbent was unfairly advantaged
because of wider gearing and an aero advantage. Then I would proceed
to drop each one! Eventually it hit me.... Why bother? Even with
upright riding friends, it's difficult. I ride faster on the flat and
downhill runs. They ride faster on steep climbs. It just doesn't
work.
Jim
|
| | |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 16:11:35
From: Cathy Kearns
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"stratrider" <jreilly@enter.net > wrote in message
news:1152802136.174102.116860@s13g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Some years ago I rode with a local club four or five times before I had
> enough. With a few exceptions, the overwhelming number of riders
> where, as Ed put it, assholes! As the lone recumbent rider I loved how
> irritated many were on early climbs with how "SLOW" the recumbent
> was.... Later as I settled into my pace and as the same folks shot
> their wad, I would hear how the recumbent was unfairly advantaged
> because of wider gearing and an aero advantage. Then I would proceed
> to drop each one! Eventually it hit me.... Why bother? Even with
> upright riding friends, it's difficult. I ride faster on the flat and
> downhill runs. They ride faster on steep climbs. It just doesn't
> work.
We ride a tandem, same deal, a tad faster on flat and downhills, a tad
slower on climbs. But we do ride with friends on singles, and they put up
with our slowness on the uphills as long as we pull them on the downhillls.
|
| |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 09:13:17
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1152798466.810045.180330@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Whew, so I went on a few club rides, and here are some of the perennial
> characters I've met:
>
> The Hallway Monitor -- he likes telling pedestrians to stay off the
> bike lane, likes telling passing bicyclists they should wear their
> helmets, likes telling fellow riders not to get ahead of the point man.
> Sometimes tells off motorists, too, about the environment.
>
> The Fat Guy in A Rubber Suit -- old, sagging, wrapped in spandex and a
> jersey like a superket turkey at Thanksgiving. Even wears
> sunglasses on a cloudy day!
>
> The Careful Old Lady -- rides real slow and proper, with mirrors on
> each end of her handlebars. Very pleasant personality, usually a widow
> or divorcee.
>
> The Single Woman -- not fugly, but she's already in her thirties and
> you do wonder why people recommend meeting women this way!
>
> The Raconteur -- is this a bike ride or an airplane trip?!?! Good God,
> get me some shmellows and start a campfire!
>
> The Loner -- somebody always shows up who basically sticks to himself.
> Hmmm.
>
> The Advisor -- someone always likes to point out every little thing on
> the road, from potholes to glass to roadkill. Does anyone look
> anymore, or is this the Special Olympics ride?
>
>
> None of this is not a complaint, mind you. The only real complaint I
> have -- aside from the asinine insistence on helmets, no matter that
> they're worn improperly over half the time -- is the point-drop-sweep
> system. It feels like those who "keep up" are "penalized," while the
> slow pokes who are forever behind never have to serve. After a while,
> the group really stretches out, up to ten minutes between the point and
> the sweep!
All club rides are an abomination. They are just chock full of jerks and
assholes. Do a proper week long organized supported tour and you will meet a
far finer group of folks. I think you might actually enjoy Ragbrai. It is
way too crowded for me, but that is because I am a loner.
Regards,
Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
|
| | |
Date: 13 Jul 2006 15:42:27
From: sally
Subject: Re: Bike Club Curmudgeons
|
"Edward Dolan" <edolan@iw.net > wrote in
news:59ydncPCuLOWyCvZnZ2dnUVZ_qSdnZ2d@prairiewave.com:
> All club rides are an abomination. They are just chock full of jerks
> and assholes.
Maybe the recumbent and New York crowds are different, but in California,
most club riders (men and women) are nice to talk to and have decent bike
handling skills. There are a few jerks in every crowd, but I see more of
those at work than in the bike club.
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