That's either complete BS or you are really bad at your job.

its totally easy to establish injuries from a third person over the internet. come on. also, stop calling me a troll.

It's not easy to establish injuries from secondhand information. But you seem to be willing to jump to the conclusion that the rider was faking a potentially serious injury. That's why I really hope you're lying about your job. Because otherwise, for the sake of public safety, we really ought to find your boss and show him/her a copy of that post.

why would my boss care about what i say or do on the internet?
what does gmr stand for?

Glendora Mountain Road

Let me give an example of merider1's discomfort from my own experience. I rode with San Diego Critical Mass once, and I pretty much swore I'd never do it again. Why? Because a small amount of jackasses make the whole group look bad.

When we rolled up to certain intersections, some of the group (not all, not even the majority I don't think) would block off the intersections and ride around doing donuts in the intersection. This stopped traffic for several minutes. This practice made me really uncomfortable and I totally do not agree with it. Yet I was with the rest of the group, waiting at the light like a responsible citizen, but I'm still associated with those guys riding the donuts. This made me really uncomfortable.

It's the same sort of thing. merider1 feels that the people who don't wear helmets and who drink and ride are like the people who stop traffic doing donuts: it just makes her uncomfortable. So she does not want to ride with this because of the small amount of people who engage in behaviors she does not agree with make her uncomfortable.

Whether or not you agree with her "stance" on helmets or drinking and riding is really not the point.

I have been on charity rides where serious roadies and even cops blaze through a red light at an intersection.
I have been on SoCal BF rides where people blow through a stop sign.
I have been on rides with people without helmets.
I have been on rides where people have drank before, during and after the rides (including before they drive).
I have not been on a Ridazz ride, but that is because they are generally farther away and I cannot always spare the time to get there.

and I AM Mr. Safety** and I have done all of the items listed above and most every one of you have been on a ride with me. Therefore, saying that you'll NEVER ride with someone because of this or that is pretty hypocritical.
I am not saying that anyone is right or wrong, just saying that everyone needs to remember that they have not always been perfect angels or corrupt hooligans throughout their lives. I like this forum because most of the people here respect others opinions and this allow us all to get together for fun and exciting bike rides.

**League Certified Instructor through the League of American Bicyclists, Chairman of the Safety Subcommittee at the MS150 Bay to Bay bike tour for the last two years, and I am going to be teaching bicycle safety through the community services section of the local government.

I'll say this, this thread has tuned into what I don't like about this forum, it was about the fun we all have.

Anyway, as for the original topic, Ralph, I also really enjoy having a community where I know many of the people and people generally get along. And Go_Fast, I'm "feelin' da luv" too. :p

Well, aside from the sporadic trolling activity, I can say that I love BF. I haven't been a BFer as long as most, but spending time with other BFers have turned me into a true BF addict. I have to have my BF fix first thing in the morning, and I often think about BF all day long. There is plenty of good advice here, and I find most BFers eager to help. Spending time with another BFer, or even a BF group, has improved my solo performances and made them even more rewarding.

That goes hand-in-hand with BJ, too. Nothing gets me more excited for my next ride than seeing other BFers' efforts at BJ. I think if I keep practicing and putting in the effort, I might one day be as successful at BJ as the guys and girls on top. Dare to dream!

Well, aside from the sporadic trolling activity, I can say that I love BF. I haven't been a BFer as long as most, but spending time with other BFers have turned me into a true BF addict. I have to have my BF fix first thing in the morning, and I often think about BF all day long. There is plenty of good advice here, and I find most BFers eager to help. Spending time with another BFer, or even a BF group, has improved my solo performances and made them even more rewarding.

That goes hand-in-hand with BJ, too. Nothing gets me more excited for my next ride than seeing other BFers' efforts at BJ. I think if I keep practicing and putting in the effort, I might one day be as successful at BJ as the guys and girls on top. Dare to dream!
+1. I couldn't have summed it up better. I have the exact same thoughts. Riding with BF is the most fun I've had with any group.

and I AM Mr. Safety** and I have done all of the items listed above and most every one of you have been on a ride with me. Therefore, saying that you'll NEVER ride with someone because of this or that is pretty hypocritical.
I am not saying that anyone is right or wrong, just saying that everyone needs to remember that they have not always been perfect angels or corrupt hooligans throughout their lives. I like this forum because most of the people here respect others opinions and this allow us all to get together for fun and exciting bike rides.
.
Oh for God's sake, Phil. No one said in any of their posts that they would NEVER ride with anyone based on everything you listed. I merely refer to a comfort level when around those who drink while riding. I personally don't want to be on the freeway with drivers who are drinking while driving, but I am sure I am. I have to drive to get to places (don't even try it with the commute crap because it isn't feasible for me). I also am aware that there are drivers out drinking while I'm riding a bike. I don't want ANYMORE of a risk than is already there, which means avoiding groups that condone it. THAT IS DUE TO A COMFORT LEVEL (did you not read what I wrote?) and not a bias against those who drink, don't wear helmets, blow through stop signs, wear IPODS (you forgot that one) or anything else. My not joining the MR for rides is my choice and isn't hypocritical in the least. And stop throwing your Safety Chairman title around when you have laughed and joked about that to me and others in person.

Um. I like to ride.

Um. I like to ride.
Yes, and I like to ride with you although you eat donuts and ride - and I think we need to have a talk about that. :p :D

I think it's a great idea. In fact how about an international convention

Yes, and I like to ride with you although you eat donuts and ride - and I think we need to have a talk about that. :p :DI will continue to eat donuts and ride and there's not much you're going to be able to say to stop that.

I will continue to eat donuts and ride and there's not much you're going to be able to say to stop that.
I may have to turn you in as it is incredibly dangerous to eat that much sugar on a ride, and I have a real prejudice against those who eat worthless, nutritionally-poor food while riding as it can endanger others. If you go into sugar shock, for example, and fall off your bike and somehow knock me off mine, I could be injured in the process. I will NEVER ride with you if you continue to eat those donuts. I'm drawing the line in the sand, Joel. Somebody has got to do it - for your safety and those around you.





:p :p :p

wear IPODS (you forgot that one)

Hey, lets not bring iPods into this :eek:

I guess it just boils down to one simple fact. Bike riding can be very dangerous. And we should try and be as reasonably safe as possible.

STAY SAFE PEOPLE!

Edit: I guess that was TWO simple facts.

I will continue to eat donuts and ride and there's not much you're going to be able to say to stop that.

Every donut you eat is one less that's available for me, keep up the good work my man!

I'll say this, this thread has tuned into what I don't like about this forum, it was about the fun we all have.
I read the whole thread, I almost find it ironic and almost humorous that this thread took a turn into this. Especially considering most socal threads seem to be alot of fun and that's what you were praising in the OP. I think foo is alot like socal, the core group get's along great, and we try to welcome others and have fun. Granted, lots of us have not met, I have met 2 people off of foo, it's great riding with folks from here. It also changes the interaction you have with these people online, once you know the kind of people they are and are more than an avatar to you. :)

so merider1 is also against riding with diabetics?

:lol:

Wait. That was sarcasm. :mad:

Hey, lets not bring iPods into this :eek:
It's funny you should mention ipods ... on the Tour de Cure ride, as we were rolling out, they made a plead "Please, no ipods!!!!".

That goes hand-in-hand with BJ, too. I think if I keep practicing and putting in the effort, I might one day be as successful at BJ as the girls on top. Dare to dream!


Wow . . . if more women followed your example, this world would be a much happier place . . . :p

It's funny you should mention ipods ... on the Tour de Cure ride, as we were rolling out, they made a plead "Please, no ipods!!!!".

As far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with wearing an iPod in one ear. I suppose it depends on your jurisdiction, but in CA it is only illegal to wear headphones in both ears. I guess a ride organizer can prohibit them if they really want to.

As far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with wearing an iPod in one ear. I suppose it depends on your jurisdiction, but in CA it is only illegal to wear headphones in both ears. I guess a ride organizer can prohibit them if they really want to.
Just my observation, but all the riders I see who wear ipods have them in both ears. I just think it reduces the awareness of your surroundings, when you have something in your ears that drown out the area around you. Won't be able to hear cars, trucks, or motorcycles breathing down your neck. Won't be able to hear ME yell "car back!"

Won't be able to hear ME yell "car back!"

That'll be the day :p

Just my observation, but all the riders I see who wear ipods have them in both ears. I just think it reduces the awareness of your surroundings, when you have something in your ears that drown out the area around you. Won't be able to hear cars, trucks, or motorcycles breathing down your neck. Won't be able to hear ME yell "car back!"

Well, both ears is illegal in California. I always ride with an earphone in my right ear, although when I am with a group the music is not usually on. It slightly muffles conversations to the right side, so I usually keep other people to my left (when riding 2x2). I have no problem hearing cars and verbal ride signals.

Well, both ears is illegal in California.
That's true. But the majority of the population doesn't know that. I haven't seen one rider, with an ipod, where they have one ear open ... 100% of the time, I see them with ear buds in both ears.

:cry: Okay, truce. Please, Truce! BF So cal cyclists (members of this community),

So I'm opinionated, loud and a real PITA sometimes, but I mean well. I feel all of this started over my one opinion about a different group of riders! All this silly debate (I love to debate so I'll go at it, but yes, in the scheme of things, this is just silly) has gone on for too long (and I've added to it I realize - so as not to be a hypocrite). AND I've bickered with a member of this community over this whom I actually really adore (that member knows who "they" are). And for what?

Look, the reason I LOVE this community (this ROADIE, MOUNTAINBIKER, FIXIE, TANDEM filled community) is that we are all like-minded adults (as in WE LOVE TO RIDE) who are fun and fun-loving even if we have diverse beliefs, values and standards. I deeply appreciate that I have found this little hub in the large cycling community to make connections to so many wonderful folks.

But we are not all going to agree on the IPOD wearing, helmet-wearing, safety-etc. issues - anymore than we are going to all agree on whether or not we like Governor Arnold (I throw this out because I saw him today in a convertible in Brentwood on my recovery ride with Bob and said goofy like "Well, hello Governor" and he said,"well, hello to you.") So, THIS THREAD is about why we like this community and I think the OP (1955) was trying to show unity. Let's unite and stop the debating. I'm not engaging anymore with the new guys who took real offense to my one opinion. I'm done.

I want to just organize rides, ride, joke and chat with all of you fun-loving people and other than the extreme, do as you wish on your rides. My experiences with those I've met here have been positive and have brought much joy to my little single, sometimes isolated, LA existence. So, in this thread, please, let's just stay on the subject (again, not to be a hypocrite, I realize I've been the biggest instigator in debating within this thread, but no more - and, Ralph, I owe you an apology. I hope you'll accept it).

:o :o :o

That's true. But the majority of the population doesn't know that. I haven't seen one rider, with an ipod, where they have one ear open ... 100% of the time, I see them with ear buds in both ears.

You've seen me ride, right? I always have an iPod, and only in one ear. :p

I loved this community when I thought BF stood for...well...something else.

Now that I know the truth, I just tolerate all of you.

Even you, GG Allin. You freak of nature.

;)

You've seen me ride, right? I always have an iPod, and only in one ear. :p
Ok, I stand ... or sit corrected.

I dont fall under any of your criteria...

but thats probably because you're a russophobe

I dont fall under any of your criteria...

but thats probably because you're a russophobe

You're a potato?

You're a potato?

Sorry you're comment is before my time. Elaborate in more rap-like-thuggish-paris-hilton-cool terms for me please.

Sorry you're comment is before my time. Elaborate in more rap-like-thuggish-paris-hilton-cool terms for me please.
Fo Shizzle. You're a potato?

That's true. But the majority of the population doesn't know that. I haven't seen one rider, with an ipod, where they have one ear open ... 100% of the time, I see them with ear buds in both ears.

Well I guess we will just have to ride together sometime and you will see a rider with an ipod in just one ear. You doing the next Santa Barbara ride that Danno is organizing?

and, Ralph, I owe you an apology. I hope you'll accept it).

:o :o :o

None needed. I'm always saying something to piss people off, just ask Ovo. There are certain things that will set each and every one of us off and like most people who find themselves as friends, they simply avoid those subjects.

You've seen me ride, right? I always have an iPod, and only in one ear. :p

I need an ipod like I need a matching set of road rash. I don't care if you do the one ear thing, but at some point, it would distract me when I need my attention on the road. I'm too easily distracted as it is. That's just me though.

1) Please do not refer to the Ridazz a "guys" there is a higher percentage of women on that ride than just about ride i have seen outside rides that are specifically organized for women. The founder of Midnight Ridazz "Skull" is a woman.
2) As far as the "purpose" of Midnight Ridazz. Read the manifesto, it is quite clear that the goal of the ride is to socialize and have fun on bicycles. This is not the 2 (or 2000) wheeled weather underground.
3) Midnight Ridazz is an open group. So if anybody suggests that "those guys" do this or that, or have this attitude or that attitude, all you have to do is join the ride and you can be one of "those guys" and BE the attitude and behavior that you think 1 cyclist among a thousand+ should be.
4) I love making numbered lists.

With all due respect Merider1, while your original post, that started the worthy and civil discussion about the culture of MR was indeed "polite" it was also a bit condescending and presumptuous.

Please understand that thousands of people have had fun, positive, even life-changing experiences (http://midnightridazz.com/viewPhoto.php?vote=5&galleryId=7103&artistId=6) on this ride compared with a relatively tiny number that have had seriously negative experiences.

Midnight Ridazz is free and open to all and held on public streets. Therefore by definition, we can not control the actions of our fellow riders be they, drunk, inexperienced, or distracted by some tight jeans.

Unfortunately, as an urban rider I share the roads every day with drunk drivers and many more that that aren't drunk but drive as much or more dangerously than those who are. Personally, I'll take my chances with an occasional CUI rida, as I have a statistically insignificant chance of dying or being seriously injured by a drunk cyclist (thanks to my helmet) compared to the odds that I will be killed or seriously injured by a car driver when riding alone.

PS
I'm a little slow to this thing so please forgive me if it feels like i am beating a dead car.
I haven't been here long ... but the reason I think bike forums in general tend to be a bit more civil is that at the end of the day Bike nerds care more about riding bikes than getting in fights.

BTW/ if you do the one ear-bud thing, go ahead and make your mp3s mono... you'll fit twice as many songs on your ipod and get better battery life with out sacraficing any quality, infact you get to hear the whole mix. Whether you feel safe doing it or not ... well thats up to you.

by the way I love you all ((hugs))

I am actually a little bummed those Midnight Ridazz guys didn't give us a chance and instead just looked at us a snobby roadies.

Gee, I can't imagine why anybody would think such a thing. They must not be "true roadies."

Gee, I can't imagine why anybody would think such a thing. They must not be "true roadies."

Nice boilerplate try.

"Boilerplate" doesn't mean quite what you seem to think it means. But I do thank you for taking the time to reply. And whether your colleague wants to admit it or not, there is something a bit snobby, not to mention arrogant, about presuming to speak for "true roadies" in broadly dismissing a large and diverse group of bicycle riders.

Fo Shizzle. You're a potato?

hahahah,
Sorry I don't associate with the gangsta rap.

I also hang around in the SoCal forum because I think it is fun. I enjoy the rides we've done together and also gives me more motivations to ride and become faster as well; so that one day I can catch you guys & gals. Hehe. :D


Placid Casual, you may want to join a few SoCal rides and get to meet a few people here. I think you are sometimes taking words/phrases out of context and make things unnecessarily unhappy for yourself. I don't think ME's "snobby roadies" comment is an attempt to cast everyone else out as non-true-roadies. You should really just take it as "she thinks you're biased and thinks the BF SoCal group as snobby cyclists". As for the major issue that you seem to be having; why is there so much rejection from you if ME thinks it's dangerous FOR HER to ride with a group where a minority few may be drinking, and so won't join those rides? She's entitled to her own opinions and action, just as you wouldn't like others to enforce you to wear a helmet or not.

To me, I can probably justify your reactions if, for example, we don't ride with people that has poor color coordinations b/w bike/jersey/shorts/etc... But I don't think we're like that. :p

Cheers!

I was hoping for some people to say things like,

"I enjoy the forums because I get to be enlightened by ovoleg"

the ridazz thing bleed into here as well???????

the ridazz thing bleed into here as well???????

Of course. It's all about inclusion.

I enjoy the forums because I get to be enlightened by ovoleg