(You may have to actually review the article to understand some of my rebuttals.)
Does the man in your life fix your punctures?
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| Latest issue - Sidewall tear, but I knew how to mend it and I made it out of the woods. |
I was blown away when I read an article about what to carry on the trail and some of the women who responded openly admitted they just show up to ride, and don't worry about bringing tools or supplies because someone else on the ride will have them.
WHAT!? If that is your attitude, I will leave your ass to hike out! Man or woman.
If women want to stop being treated like they are helpless, then show up prepared to fix your own bike. Get a multi tool, a pump, CO2, some zip ties, and hell, get a freaking spare tube! Learn how to take care of your bike!
"Just like the men's version, but made to fit a woman"
Where is the confusion? What will it do for you? Everything it will do for the guys, but it will fit you better. It doesn't take an MIT grad to figure this one out.
If you want to know more about the bike, read the main description in the men's version. Stop whining, and go look. It's "just like the men's"! Same components, but "made to fit a woman". (Except those of us that don't fit on Women Specific set ups)
*Silence*
OK, yes, there is a chance that you walk into a bike shop to silence, but if they hounded you and tried to give you a tour, I'm sure there would still be complaints. Then it would be, "I don't need hand holding just because I am a woman."
I'm not shy. If I want to talk, I will go chat up whomever is in the shop, but I like the respect of walking in and being able to look around without being followed. If I'm looking for something specific, I will ask.
Here is a solution, speak up! Talk to them! Say Hi! Maybe they are shy. Maybe they are the same with every customer. Maybe you are not special just because you are a chick. Stop being offended by EVERYTHING!
Are you going to be ok without a compact?
Yes, I've experienced the issue of being profiled. I am a chick, so I don't ride as hard, or know what I'm talking about. It has happened. I got over it. I just shop elsewhere. Respect me, respect my money, or lose out. Not going to cry about it.
I got a "pass" from my wife/girlfriend to do this event...
I could go on about this one for days!
Seriously? This offends? Maybe as women you don't understand this struggle, but as a chick who rides with a bunch of guys, I can attest to their struggle. I think the entire "can I please go ride my bike" saga may be more infuriating for me than them. I can't believe how often some guys struggle to get out of the house to go ride. Maybe if their partner didn't act like a prison guard it wouldn't be such an issue.
On the flip side, I've also heard women who struggle with this same ordeal. I even know of one who went from learning to mountain bike to becoming a complete roadie because her husband did not like her riding in the woods. She is completely happy and still on two wheels, so who am I to judge.
Do you have trouble finding jeans?
Not sure what the complaint is here. YES! Yes I do have trouble finding jeans, and I know a ton of women riders that struggle with this exact issue. BIG stretch here.
"Vets and Women"
This is not OK. I understand the race promoter side of this, but there should be separate podiums even if the actual race runs these groups together. It's difficult in the race world when there are not enough women attending to have separate categories. Learn the whole story, don't just think it is because it's the "women" category. Help the promoters get more attendees. Engage. Get involved. Or live with it. Change comes from solutions, not complaints.
Weight loss, men shaving their legs... who cares.
Lucky Saddle!
What woman is tired of hearing she has a nice ass? Maybe by the same freak every week, but in general? I say, "Thanks!"
I call Bull Shit!
Are women actually "sick of hearing" these things? Is this really what women focus on? I know a TON of female riders and I'm not hearing this stuff.
IF, in a larger population consensus, these are the things women are actually complaining about then, I, as a woman, say "MAN UP!" Pull up your big girl panties and stop being offended by everything. Maybe it's more of a roadie thing, I don't know, but, as a woman, I am tired of all the men vs women media drama. There are plenty of valid issues within the industry, and then there are articles like this. I want to read about technology advancements, products, places to ride, skills... all the real stuff.
Reality TV does not belong in the woods. I ride to get away from the BS of the world. Don't bring it into my happy place.
***Update: Since writing this blog in rebuttal against the original article, the article has now been amended to be less men vs women. Here is the updated version.
