What odd people

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Date: 30 Sep 2007 21:59:29
From: vey
Subject: What odd people

I needed a few things from the hardware store, so I pedaled up there to
get them. When I got there, I noticed several bikes parked near the
door. They weren't chained up to anything.

I chained up to my familiar parking sign (there is no rack) and headed
for the door with my helmet under my arm. As I approached the door, this
big fellow of a man, at least 20 years my senior and with a nice white
beard, comes out and starts beating his chest.

"Isn't it a just splendid day to be riding a bike?!!" he proclaims to
me. I turn my head and look at him oddly because I ride my bike every
day, rain or shine and he goes on, "Yes, a glorious day and what a
glorious way to keep the cardiologist at bay!!!"

It began to click in that he wasn't speaking to me, but to his younger,
probably whiny children or grandchildren. So I agreed with him and
ducked in the store to buy my air conditioner filters.

Date: 04 Oct 2007 19:04:02
From: bjw@mambo.ucolick.org
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 3, 6:12 pm, vey <jun...@ericvey.com > wrote:
> b...@mambo.ucolick.org wrote:
>
> > Anyway, I don't know why everybody cares so much what jerseys
> > poseurs wear. It's not like they harm anyone or keep other people
> > from enjoying cycling.
>
> If you don't know, I'll tell you. Those poseurs make everybody think
> that racing is the only reason for adults to be riding. T
>
> Something to be given up after the race. Then to go back to something
> sensible like driving a car.

People in pro team kit usually aren't racers. Racers, even
local amateurs, tend to wear a jersey from the club they
belong to, or a plain jersey, but not one from some existing
pro team that they don't qualify for.

If you're talking about whether or not the pro team kit
influences the opinions of cagers about utility cycling,
I really don't think the cagers have such a complex
thought process. They might say "Bunch of wanna-be
Lance Armstrongs, get off the road!" but it's really just
using whatever term of abuse is closest to hand.

There's also the question of whether the poseurs should
feel obligated to change their clothes because they might
give cagers and rednecks the wrong impression. It's
like saying longhairs shouldn't show up at an antiwar
rally because it makes the cause look disrespectable.
Or like saying that messengers (or messenger-poseurs)
shouldn't get tattoos and piercings because it reinforces
stereotypes about bike messengers. Isn' t the problem
with the people who hold the stereotypes?

Ben

Date: 03 Oct 2007 19:20:28
From: Ozark Bicycle
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 3, 9:10 am, Not...@never.com wrote:
> On Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:11:35 -0700, Bob <hunr...@aol.com> wrote:
> >And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
> >a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
> >"not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
> >wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
> >case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
> advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very heavily.
> This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone else's
> business interests is abject idiocy.
>
Exactly!! The logo festooned, corporate billboard duds should be
*cheaper* than the tasteful, plain ones.

Whores get paid, right?

Date: 16 Oct 2007 22:03:24
From: dabac
Subject: Re: What odd people

Ozark Bicycle Wrote:
> .. The logo festooned, corporate billboard duds should be*cheaper* tha
> the tasteful, plain ones.

So If I've gotten a team jersey cheaper than a plain one then I'm of
the hook?

dabac, (Might buy whatever that fits and is on sale unless it's pink
Might consider pink if I missed laundry day...

--
dabac

Date: 04 Oct 2007 01:01:30
From: bjw@mambo.ucolick.org
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 3, 10:24 am, Jay Beattie <jbeat...@lindsayhart.com > wrote:

> You know, it is not like wearing a jacket from your favorite hockey
> team. These poseurs are out in the full team kit (down to the
> socks). If I saw a guy walking down the street in a full hockey/
> football/baseball outfit with pads, pants, guards, etc., I would think
> he was a player or a dork poseur. Since I know the bicyclists that I
> pass in full world colors/Discovery etc. are not real champions, I
> conclude they are just dorks.

It's not quite the same since the guys in full kit are riding bikes,
for which the jersey, shorts, and even socks are useful, and the only
excessive thing is the team colors. The hypothetical guy walking
down the street in a hockey outfit isn't skating. If he was on a rink
with a stick in his hand in his full Rangers outfit, he'd still look
like
a poseur, but not a dork. It's these fine distinctions that we should
preserve.

Anyway, I don't know why everybody cares so much what jerseys
poseurs wear. It's not like they harm anyone or keep other people
from enjoying cycling. Except for the guys in inappropriate
white shorts, I admit.

> I was riding through the hills on my way home a few months back and
> rode by a guy in a full Francaise Des Jeux outfit (white, revealing)
> with a gut. I mean really, people don't get embarrassed anymore? That
> outfit positively screamed dork. Now, with that said, I wear team
> stuff -- from funky little local teams I raced for, or more recently,
> successor teams that have taken me in as a mascot (you know, old guy
> who tells stories about the glory days). It also gets their clothing
> order up which lowers the price to everyone -- so it is sort of a
> public service. -- Jay Beattie.

Despite defending the rights of poseurs, I admit that I don't do it
myself, although I do wear clothing from clubs that I actually
belonged to, or sometimes from defunct teams - although
wearing a "vintage" team jersey is certainly its own form
of poseurdom. I don't care if someone wants to ride around
in Discovery kit, though I wouldn't myself. I draw the line
at world champ and TdF yellow jerseys - you really ought to
earn one of those to wear it.

Ben

Date: 16 Oct 2007 00:48:43
From: Andy Morris
Subject: Re: What odd people

bjw@mambo.ucolick.org wrote:
> I draw the line
> at world champ and TdF yellow jerseys - you really ought to
> earn one of those to wear it.
>

But my kid looks so cute in her yellow jersey on the back of the tandem.

--
Andy Morris

AndyAtjinkasDotfreeserve.co.uk

--
Posted via NewsDemon.com - Premium Uncensored Newsgroup Service
------- >>>>>>http://www.NewsDem

Date: 03 Oct 2007 21:12:29
From: vey
Subject: Re: What odd people

bjw@mambo.ucolick.org wrote:

>
> Anyway, I don't know why everybody cares so much what jerseys
> poseurs wear. It's not like they harm anyone or keep other people
> from enjoying cycling.

If you don't know, I'll tell you. Those poseurs make everybody think
that racing is the only reason for adults to be riding. T

Something to be given up after the race. Then to go back to something
sensible like driving a car.

Date: 03 Oct 2007 10:24:35
From: Jay Beattie
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 3, 9:52 am, Dane Buson <d...@unseen.edu > wrote:
> In rec.bicycles.misc Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Bob wrote:
>
> >> As for "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
> >> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the case
> >> of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> > If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a figure
> > skating fan.
>
> Now now, don't be catty, I'm sure Bob would look *Fabulous* in this
> outfit. Very nicely modeled by the U.S. men's skate champion Johnny
> Weir.
>
> http://deadspin.com/sports/olympics/let-the-games-and-the-fussing-beg...

Or this: http://www.movieweb.com/movies/film/30/4530/gal2609/29.php

You know, it is not like wearing a jacket from your favorite hockey
team. These poseurs are out in the full team kit (down to the
socks). If I saw a guy walking down the street in a full hockey/
football/baseball outfit with pads, pants, guards, etc., I would think
he was a player or a dork poseur. Since I know the bicyclists that I
pass in full world colors/Discovery etc. are not real champions, I
conclude they are just dorks.

I was riding through the hills on my way home a few months back and
rode by a guy in a full Francaise Des Jeux outfit (white, revealing)
with a gut. I mean really, people don't get embarrassed anymore? That
outfit positively screamed dork. Now, with that said, I wear team
stuff -- from funky little local teams I raced for, or more recently,
successor teams that have taken me in as a mascot (you know, old guy
who tells stories about the glory days). It also gets their clothing
order up which lowers the price to everyone -- so it is sort of a
public service. -- Jay Beattie.

Date: 03 Oct 2007 16:14:06
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: What odd people

In article
<1191432275.350879.116990@19g2000hsx.googlegroups.com >,
Jay Beattie <jbeattie@lindsayhart.com > wrote:

> On Oct 3, 9:52 am, Dane Buson <d...@unseen.edu> wrote:
> > In rec.bicycles.misc Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Bob wrote:
> >
> > >> As for "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
> > >> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the case
> > >> of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
> >
> > > If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a figure
> > > skating fan.
> >
> > Now now, don't be catty, I'm sure Bob would look *Fabulous* in this
> > outfit. Very nicely modeled by the U.S. men's skate champion Johnny
> > Weir.
> >
> > http://deadspin.com/sports/olympics/let-the-games-and-the-fussing-beg...
>
> Or this: http://www.movieweb.com/movies/film/30/4530/gal2609/29.php

Mercy. This is why I like movies. Because eventually they
get it right, so right that it brings tears to my eyes.

--
Michael Press

Date: 03 Oct 2007 17:10:45
From: Scott Gordo
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 3, 1:26 am, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com > wrote:
> Bob wrote:
>
> > As for
> > "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
> > wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
> > case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a figure
> skating fan.
>
> Chalo

Teeheehee!

/s

Date: 03 Oct 2007 05:26:33
From: Chalo
Subject: Re: What odd people

Bob wrote:
>
> As for
> "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
> case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?

If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a figure
skating fan.

Chalo

Date: 03 Oct 2007 09:52:52
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: What odd people

In rec.bicycles.misc Chalo <chalo.colina@gmail.com > wrote:
> Bob wrote:
>>
>> As for "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the case
>> of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a figure
> skating fan.

Now now, don't be catty, I'm sure Bob would look *Fabulous* in this
outfit. Very nicely modeled by the U.S. men's skate champion Johnny
Weir.

http://deadspin.com/sports/olympics/let-the-games-and-the-fussing-begin-153425.php

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
"Watching television is like taking black spray paint to your third eye."
-Bill Hicks

Date: 03 Oct 2007 18:14:36
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: What odd people

Dane Buson wrote:
> In rec.bicycles.misc Chalo <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Bob wrote:
>>> As for "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>>> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the case
>>> of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>> If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a figure
>> skating fan.
>
> Now now, don't be catty, I'm sure Bob would look *Fabulous* in this
> outfit. Very nicely modeled by the U.S. men's skate champion Johnny
> Weir.
>
> http://deadspin.com/sports/olympics/let-the-games-and-the-fussing-begin-153425.php
>
Officer Bob would get kicked off the force if he wore that!

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
A Real Cyclist [TM] keeps at least one bicycle in the bedroom.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 03 Oct 2007 10:29:33
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: What odd people

Dane Buson wrote:
> In rec.bicycles.misc Chalo <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Bob wrote:
>>>
>>> As for "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I
>>> know that wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the
>>> jersey or, in the case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad
>>> about either?
>>
>> If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a
>> figure skating fan.
>
> Now now, don't be catty, I'm sure Bob would look *Fabulous* in this
> outfit. Very nicely modeled by the U.S. men's skate champion Johnny
> Weir.
>
> http://deadspin.com/sports/olympics/let-the-games-and-the-fussing-begin-153425.php

Or,
http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/movies/images/blades-of-glory.jpg

Date: 03 Oct 2007 20:26:39
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: What odd people

In rec.bicycles.tech Bill Sornson <askme@ask.me > wrote:
> Dane Buson wrote:
>> In rec.bicycles.misc Chalo <chalo.colina@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Bob wrote:
>>>>
>>>> As for "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I
>>>> know that wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the
>>>> jersey or, in the case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad
>>>> about either?
>>>
>>> If that's the way you feel about it, I'm just glad you aren't a
>>> figure skating fan.
>>
>> Now now, don't be catty, I'm sure Bob would look *Fabulous* in this
>> outfit. Very nicely modeled by the U.S. men's skate champion Johnny
>> Weir.
>>
>> http://deadspin.com/sports/olympics/let-the-games-and-the-fussing-begin-153425.php
>
> Or,
> http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/movies/images/blades-of-glory.jpg

Aughh, my eyes! Quick, someone hand me the mental squeegee and the
bottle of ole Third Red Eye!

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
Humor in the Court:
Q: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
A: Yes, I have been since early childhood.

Date: 02 Oct 2007 19:11:35
From: Bob
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 1, 8:04 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
<sunsetss0...@iinvalid.com > wrote:
> Chalo Colina wrote:
> > Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman wrote:
> >> the downtown area has numerous "transportation" cyclists, sensibly
> >> dressed on sensible bikes.
>
> > Unlike yourself, of course. ;^)
>
> Hey, I know someone who uses an Earth Cycles Sunset Lowracer [1] to get
> groceries!
>
> Unlike many cyclists, I DO NOT pay to wear advertising.
>
> I am one of those people who got caught in the work location change
> situation, so I drive 300+ miles per week. :(
>
> [1] The most Fun Bicycle in the Known Universe [TM].
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia

And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
"not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?

Regards,
Bob Hunt

Date: 03 Oct 2007 10:10:24
From:
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:11:35 -0700, Bob <hunrobe@aol.com > wrote:

>And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
>a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
>"not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
>case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?

Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very heavily.
This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone else's
business interests is abject idiocy.

Ron

Date: 03 Oct 2007 17:23:02
From: A Muzi
Subject: Re: What odd people

> Bob <hunrobe@aol.com> wrote:
>> And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
>> a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
>> "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
>> case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?

Notnow@never.com wrote:
> Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
> advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very heavily.
> This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone else's
> business interests is abject idiocy.

Yet Harley Davidson gets a healthy premium for their logo on clothing.
As do others.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Date: 03 Oct 2007 18:20:46
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: What odd people

Andrew Muzi mused:
>> Bob <hunrobe@aol.com> wrote:
>>> And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
>>> a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
>>> "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>>> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
>>> case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> Notnow@never.com wrote:
>> Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
>> advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very
>> heavily.
>> This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone
>> else's
>> business interests is abject idiocy.
>
> Yet Harley Davidson gets a healthy premium for their logo on clothing.
> As do others.

Harley-Davidson is a religion where I live, and not to be criticized
(OK, maybe the AMF era excepted).

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
A Real Cyclist [TM] keeps at least one bicycle in the bedroom.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 03 Oct 2007 14:56:47
From: gotbent
Subject: Re: What odd people

<Notnow@never.com > wrote in message
news:vg87g3l7qmafk8l7rbushgrledngdnuqbm@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:11:35 -0700, Bob <hunrobe@aol.com> wrote:
>
>>And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
>>a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
>>"not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>>wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
>>case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
> advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very
> heavily.
> This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone else's
> business interests is abject idiocy.
>
> Ron

Did you remember to tell the car dealer that you bought your last car from
to remove their sticker from the car before you took delivery?

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 03 Oct 2007 13:07:19
From: Kerry Montgomery
Subject: Re: What odd people

"gotbent" <gotbents@spamtrap.com > wrote in message
news:4703e7f9$0$26449$88260bb3@free.teranews.com...
>
> <Notnow@never.com> wrote in message
> news:vg87g3l7qmafk8l7rbushgrledngdnuqbm@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:11:35 -0700, Bob <hunrobe@aol.com> wrote:
>>
>>>And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
>>>a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
>>>"not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>>>wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
>>>case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>>
>> Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
>> advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very
>> heavily.
>> This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone
>> else's
>> business interests is abject idiocy.
>>
>> Ron
>
> Did you remember to tell the car dealer that you bought your last car from
> to remove their sticker from the car before you took delivery?
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>
Nope; they didn't put a sticker on. But once I did not buy a car from a
dealer because they would not sell one without their badge riveted to the
car.
Kerry

Date: 03 Oct 2007 15:53:01
From: vey
Subject: Re: What odd people

Notnow@never.com wrote:
> On Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:11:35 -0700, Bob <hunrobe@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> And I know a guy that has hauled 2x4 studs and drywall on the roof of
>> a Porsche 911. That doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. As for
>> "not paying to wear advertisement", most of the cyclists I know that
>> wear logo jerseys do so because they simply like the jersey or, in the
>> case of team wear, like the team. What's so bad about either?
>
> Nothing except that it is stupid to pay money to wear some corporation's
> advertising. They should pay me or at least discount the garment very heavily.
> This willingness to pay MORE for the privelege of promoting someone else's
> business interests is abject idiocy.
>
> Ron

Recently, I put a huge basket on the front of my bike. I've been
thinking about making up some tin signs for the front and sides saying,
"This Space for Rent."

Let them pay *me* to advertise. I can put one on the back, too if they
sweeten the deal a little.

Date: 01 Oct 2007 18:52:12
From: Ozark Bicycle
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 1, 7:15 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
<sunsetss0...@iinvalid.com > wrote:
> SMS wrote:
> > Tim McNamara wrote:
> >> In article <1191242965.276729.184...@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
> >> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <pe...@vecchios.com> wrote:
>
> >>> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>
> >> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
> >> are cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In
> >> any event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.
>
> > That can't be possible, as there is no mandatory helmet law for adults.
> > We all know that the _only_ reason for fewer people cycling is the
> > establishment of an MHL.
>
> Nonsense. Being forced by social pressure to "bicycle lanes" and "bike
> paths" also is detrimental to cycling.
>

And the siytuation could get worse, IMO. Once a network of "official"
bicycle paths and lanes are established in a given area, the pressure
to use those routes and "stay on the path and stay off the road"
mounts.

Cyclists who believe in working for bike paths and bike lanes instead
of insisting on equal acceptance on and equal access to roads should
reconsider their position.

Date: 02 Oct 2007 00:34:24
From: Chalo
Subject: Re: What odd people

Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman wrote:
>
> the downtown area has numerous "transportation" cyclists, sensibly
> dressed on sensible bikes.

Unlike yourself, of course. ;^)

Chalo

Date: 01 Oct 2007 20:04:23
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: What odd people

Chalo Colina wrote:
> Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman wrote:
>> the downtown area has numerous "transportation" cyclists, sensibly
>> dressed on sensible bikes.
>
> Unlike yourself, of course. ;^)

Hey, I know someone who uses an Earth Cycles Sunset Lowracer [1] to get
groceries!

Unlike many cyclists, I DO NOT pay to wear advertising.

I am one of those people who got caught in the work location change
situation, so I drive 300+ miles per week. :(

[1] The most Fun Bicycle in the Known Universe [TM].

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
A Real Cyclist [TM] keeps at least one bicycle in the bedroom.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 01 Oct 2007 16:45:38
From: Donga
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Oct 2, 3:26 am, "Greens" <p...@adelphia.net > wrote:
> "vey" <jun...@ericvey.com> wrote in message
>
> news:fdr0di$2nk$1@news.datemas.de...
>
> > Tim McNamara wrote:
> >> In article <1191242965.276729.184...@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
> >> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <pe...@vecchios.com> wrote:
>
> >>> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>
> >> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans are
> >> cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In any
> >> event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.
>
> > Wouldn't know that if you looked at my neighborhood. I've watched cycling
> > increase dramatically in the last few years and a new branch LBS opened 3
> > years ago and they are doing well. But if you go a few miles away, to a
> > less prosperous neighborhood, you will not see children riding bikes, much
> > less adults.
>
> When you play golf, you get to sit. Hardly anyone walks around the course
> anymore. Can you really say it's a sport if all you do is get off your cart
> every few miles and hit the ball? The calorie burn per hour must be less
> than a quarter of what you get with cycling.

Not to mention the gallon of beer at the nineteenth hole.

Date: 01 Oct 2007 07:53:39
From: Art Harris
Subject: Re: What odd people

Tim McNamara wrote:
> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
> are cycling.

That's more than 1 in 20 of our population. I would think the number
that _are_ cycling would be less than that.

Art Harris

Date: 01 Oct 2007 09:03:53
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: What odd people

Art Harris wrote:
> Tim McNamara wrote:
>> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
>> are cycling.
>
> That's more than 1 in 20 of our population. I would think the number
> that _are_ cycling would be less than that.

Wonder if the real stat is 17 /percent/ fewer Americans are cycling? That
sounds plausible to me.

Bill S.

Date: 01 Oct 2007 16:10:42
From: Kristian M Zoerhoff
Subject: Re: What odd people

On 2007-10-01, Bill Sornson <askme@ask.me > wrote:
> Art Harris wrote:
>> Tim McNamara wrote:
>>> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
>>> are cycling.
>>
>> That's more than 1 in 20 of our population. I would think the number
>> that _are_ cycling would be less than that.
>
> Wonder if the real stat is 17 /percent/ fewer Americans are cycling? That
> sounds plausible to me.

Agreed, but I'd like to see a cite of the "media report" to see how they
inven^H^H^H^H^H measured the decline.

A big decline in recreational MTB'ing, for example, is much different than
a decline in urban commuting/utility cycling.

--

__o Kristian Zoerhoff
_'\(,_ kristian.zoerhoff@gmail.com
(_)/ (_)

Date: 01 Oct 2007 05:49:25
From: Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Sep 30, 7:59 pm, vey <jun...@ericvey.com > wrote:
> I needed a few things from the hardware store, so I pedaled up there to
> get them. When I got there, I noticed several bikes parked near the
> door. They weren't chained up to anything.
>
> I chained up to my familiar parking sign (there is no rack) and headed
> for the door with my helmet under my arm. As I approached the door, this
> big fellow of a man, at least 20 years my senior and with a nice white
> beard, comes out and starts beating his chest.
>
> "Isn't it a just splendid day to be riding a bike?!!" he proclaims to
> me. I turn my head and look at him oddly because I ride my bike every
> day, rain or shine and he goes on, "Yes, a glorious day and what a
> glorious way to keep the cardiologist at bay!!!"

Well, Greens, most people ride sparingly, most ride for 'fun' and do
not use their bicycle for everyday transportation and probably never
will until fuel is scarce and anarchy reigns...remember golf is
growing faster than cycling.
>
> It began to click in that he wasn't speaking to me, but to his younger,
> probably whiny children or grandchildren. So I agreed with him and
> ducked in the store to buy my air conditioner filters.

Date: 01 Oct 2007 09:08:44
From: Tim McNamara
Subject: Re: What odd people

In article <1191242965.276729.184010@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com >,
"Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <peter@vecchios.com > wrote:

> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.

It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
are cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In
any event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.

Date: 01 Oct 2007 19:11:12
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: What odd people

Tim McNamara wrote:
> In article <1191242965.276729.184010@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <peter@vecchios.com> wrote:
>
>> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>
> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
> are cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In
> any event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.

Much of the blame should go to the "cul-de-sac residential block
surrounded by high speed/high traffic arterials" development pattern. In
a metropolitan area of more than 1.5 million persons, I hardly see any
cyclists in the suburban neighborhoods that fit the above pattern, and
they are mostly lyrca wearing and on expensive road and tri/TT bikes.
More cyclists are seen in the older grid pattern neighborhoods, while
the downtown area has numerous "transportation" cyclists, sensibly
dressed on sensible bikes.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
A Real Cyclist [TM] keeps at least one bicycle in the bedroom.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 01 Oct 2007 23:20:32
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: What odd people

In article
<timmcn-7F8C85.09083901102007@news.iphouse.com >,
Tim McNamara <timmcn@bitstream.net > wrote:

> In article <1191242965.276729.184010@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <peter@vecchios.com> wrote:
>
> > remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>
> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
> are cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In
> any event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.

You are typically more careful with statistics than this.

I judge the increase in bicycling around here by the rate
of riders going the wrong way on the street. Riding is up.

--
Michael Press

Date: 01 Oct 2007 07:58:46
From: SMS
Subject: Re: What odd people

Date: 01 Oct 2007 19:15:13
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: What odd people

SMS wrote:
> Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article <1191242965.276729.184010@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
>> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <peter@vecchios.com> wrote:
>>
>>> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>>
>> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
>> are cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In
>> any event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.
>
> That can't be possible, as there is no mandatory helmet law for adults.
> We all know that the _only_ reason for fewer people cycling is the
> establishment of an MHL.

Nonsense. Being forced by social pressure to "bicycle lanes" and "bike
paths" also is detrimental to cycling.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
A Real Cyclist [TM] keeps at least one bicycle in the bedroom.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 16 Oct 2007 21:51:10
From: dabac
Subject: Re: What odd people

Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman Wrote:
> .... Being forced by social pressure to "bicycle lanes" and "bike paths
> also is detrimental to cycling.

Why have anything against bike paths and bicycle lanes, as long as the
can take you where you want to go

--
dabac

Date: 17 Oct 2007 23:43:04
From: Tom Sherman
Subject: Re: What odd people

dabac ??? wrote:
> Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman Wrote:
>> .... Being forced by social pressure to "bicycle lanes" and "bike paths"
>> also is detrimental to cycling.
>
> Why have anything against bike paths and bicycle lanes, as long as they
> can take you where you want to go?

Because almost none of them are properly designed. Most have
intersections with roads that put the cyclist at risk (e.g. having to
stop, then cross a busy road at slow speed). Many have "features" like
curb cuts that can only be negotiated at very slow speeds. Often they
dead-end at places where it is difficult to impossible to proceed from
that point as a vehicular cyclist.

If roads that allow motor vehicles were designed as poorly, the owners
(towns, cites, counties, states) would be bankrupt from losing suits
filed for damages due to accidents caused by poor design.

In addition, motor vehicle operators expect ALL cyclists to be on the
"bicycle facility" no matter how poorly designed, with some going to the
point of taking aggressive action against cyclists who "dare" to ride on
the roads.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
Beer - It's not just for breakfast anymore!

Date: 22 Oct 2007 19:00:07
From: dabac
Subject: Re: What odd people

Tom Sherman Wrote:
> dabac ??? wrote:
> > Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman Wrote:
> >> .... Being forced by social pressure to "bicycle lanes" and "bik
> paths"
> >> also is detrimental to cycling.
> >
> > Why have anything against bike paths and bicycle lanes, as long a
> they
> > can take you where you want to go?
>
> Because almost none of them are properly designed.

OK, so you're not adverse to the concept of bike lanes, only the wa
they're currently executed. I can understand that, poorly designe
ANYTHING can sure be an annoyance wherever it's encountered.
Tom Sherman Wrote:
> Most have
> intersections with roads that put the cyclist at risk ... Many hav
> "features" like curb cuts that can only be negotiated at very slo
> speeds. Often they
> dead-end at places where it is difficult to impossible to proceed from
> that point as a vehicular cyclist.

I guess I simply got lucky then. On my 16-something mile commute t
work only the last 2-3 have a couple of awkward spots, but that's smac
bang in the middle of an old city centre. They do try, but there's onl
so much than CAN be done with the space available.
There's one cycle lane that dead-ends in a thoroughly confusing wa
though. Short of teleporting one block down, (or growing wings
presume...) I really don't know how a rider is meant to make it to wher
the next cycle lane picks up.

Outside the city centre it's not a problem, crossings are regulated b
lights, so although they break my stride I can't complain about th
safety of these crossings. Doing the same route by car I'd see roughl
the same amount of crossings, so short of building over- and underpasse
there's not much to complain about the planning either.
Well, maybe it would be better if the pickup loops for the lights wer
placed farther apart from the crossings, could cut a few stops from th
journey.
Tom Sherman Wrote:
> In addition, motor vehicle operators expect ALL cyclists to be on th
> "bicycle facility" no matter how poorly designed, with some going to th
> point of taking aggressive action against cyclists who "dare" to ride o
> the roads.
I can see that happening, but it's very rare over here. I've onl
encountered something similar once. I was turning in on a one-way stree
("against" the traffic, only there were no cars) to get to read the roa
sign and while I was standing there, map in hand, a car came along an
pretty much chased me onto the curb while shouting abuse thrugh th
window.

And of course road rage is a *bigger threat* to an unprotected bik
rider than to a driver sitting safely in his own steel cage, but *th
problem* of some drivers making it their task to impose their view o
the highway code on other travellers is the same as when not allowin
another car to merge during a lane change and other kinds of aggressiv
behaviour

--
dabac

Date: 01 Oct 2007 15:22:07
From: _
Subject: Re: What odd people

On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:58:46 -0700, SMS wrote:

> Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article <1191242965.276729.184010@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
>> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <peter@vecchios.com> wrote:
>>
>>> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>>
>> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans
>> are cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In
>> any event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.
>
> That can't be possible, as there is no mandatory helmet law for adults.

Not true.

MHLs exist in many countries, including the USofA, where, starting in 1991
46 MHLs for ALL ages have been enacted.

> We all know that the _only_ reason for fewer people cycling is the
> establishment of an MHL.

The reduction in cycling correlated with the introduction of MHLs is well
established; but the characterisation of that as the only reason for this
decline is (to put it most charitably) disingenuous - there are a number of
anti-cycling measures and attitudes which frequently occur in places that
are willing to pass MHLs, and it is probable that they each have some
effect on the numbers of cyclists. If SMS wishes to encourage cycling he
would do well to focus not only on MHLs, but on the other factors as well.

Date: 01 Oct 2007 10:35:51
From: vey
Subject: Re: What odd people

Date: 01 Oct 2007 13:26:44
From: Greens
Subject: Re: What odd people

"vey" <junker@ericvey.com > wrote in message
news:fdr0di$2nk$1@news.datemas.de...
> Tim McNamara wrote:
>> In article <1191242965.276729.184010@n39g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
>> "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com" <peter@vecchios.com> wrote:
>>
>>> remember golf is growing faster than cycling.
>>
>> It was recently reported in the media that 17 million fewer Americans are
>> cycling. I can't recall what the comparison time frames were. In any
>> event, American cycling is contracting rather than growing.
>
> Wouldn't know that if you looked at my neighborhood. I've watched cycling
> increase dramatically in the last few years and a new branch LBS opened 3
> years ago and they are doing well. But if you go a few miles away, to a
> less prosperous neighborhood, you will not see children riding bikes, much
> less adults.

When you play golf, you get to sit. Hardly anyone walks around the course
anymore. Can you really say it's a sport if all you do is get off your cart
every few miles and hit the ball? The calorie burn per hour must be less
than a quarter of what you get with cycling.

Date: 30 Sep 2007 23:09:53
From: Greens
Subject: Re: What odd people

"vey" <junker@ericvey.com > wrote in message
news:fdpk3o$5qm$1@news.datemas.de...
>I needed a few things from the hardware store, so I pedaled up there to get
>them. When I got there, I noticed several bikes parked near the door. They
>weren't chained up to anything.
>
> I chained up to my familiar parking sign (there is no rack) and headed for
> the door with my helmet under my arm. As I approached the door, this big
> fellow of a man, at least 20 years my senior and with a nice white beard,
> comes out and starts beating his chest.
>
> "Isn't it a just splendid day to be riding a bike?!!" he proclaims to me.
> I turn my head and look at him oddly because I ride my bike every day,
> rain or shine and he goes on, "Yes, a glorious day and what a glorious way
> to keep the cardiologist at bay!!!"
>
> It began to click in that he wasn't speaking to me, but to his younger,
> probably whiny children or grandchildren. So I agreed with him and ducked
> in the store to buy my air conditioner filters.

You shoulda thoed a coke can at his head. Somebody in a pickup threw
something at me today. Frank, where were you at 5:30 pm eastern?