View Full Version : The reason I like to hang out with you BFers
The reason I like to hang out here in the Socal section of BF is because…you just might meet someone you’re chatting with and are much more inclined to be civil. When you have no chance of meeting someone you are chatting with you are much more inclined to not care what the other person thinks of you or even what they think at all.
I used to hang out in a woodworking forum called Badger Pond and you could visit, but you couldn’t post unless you used your real name (the owner of the site was kind of a Nazi, but if we didn’t act like idiots he left us alone). We didn’t go for rides there, but we did get together for BBQ’s all over the country. The minute someone tried to bust in stir things up, you were booted off and never heard from again.
I don’t even visit the road forum anymore because of all the carp that goes on there.
I guess that these Ridazz guys got me thinking how much I enjoy a place where every one knows you avatar.
spingineer
06-09-07, 06:15 PM
For me, it's because it's fun. And it is a lot more fun when you actually meet who you are trading messages to. It's just a friendly forum, and a good way to waste some time ... high on the entertainment value.
4mirswimr
06-09-07, 06:18 PM
Being new to this forum, I have to admit that the general civility, comradarie, and friendships (as well as good natured ribbing, etc.) that appear to exist on this discussion board is what drew me in. I have been an infrequent poster and lurker on many other forums, including the road forum here, letsrun, trinewbies, slowtwitch, etc. but this place is more appealing to me than those now. In part, because I would like to join in on some of the long rides that you all engage in but mainly because it seems like a pretty fun place to exchange news, and information about biking that is very relevant and specific to Socal.
I still visit those other forums to try to learn info on training, etc. but I gotta admit I like the online environment of this regional forum and look forward to riding with some of you folks someday.
Jeff in Torrance
roadfix
06-09-07, 06:23 PM
Even if we have not met I would invite most of you to my home for dinner.
Go_Fast
06-09-07, 07:06 PM
i'm feelin' da luv.
spingineer
06-09-07, 07:08 PM
Even if we have not met I would invite most of you to my home for dinner.
What's for dinner? Do we have to bring our own beer?
voltman
06-09-07, 07:21 PM
Norm!
merider1
06-09-07, 08:30 PM
I still visit those other forums to try to learn info on training, etc. but I gotta admit I like the online environment of this regional forum and look forward to riding with some of you folks someday.
Jeff in Torrance
Welcome, Jeff! :) We'd love to have you join. I was just thinking today on the Wheelman trainer ride how lucky I am to have met some of these wonderful riders here. The community is small, but you never know who pops on here or who you'll meet out on rides who know of this forum. And I personally have friends here (genuine friends and not just acquaintences with whom I ride). Last but not least, it's an eclectic group of strong personalities. 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. We, in fact, are from all walks of life and backgrounds, and they might find, if they ever joined on a ride, that they'd like roadies and the rides. :D
Welcome, Jeff! :) We'd love to have you join. I was just thinking today on the Wheelman trainer ride how lucky I am to have met some of these wonderful riders here. The community is small, but you never know who pops on here or who you'll meet out on rides who know of this forum. And I personally have friends here (genuine friends and not just acquaintences with whom I ride). Last but not least, it's an eclectic group of strong personalities. 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. We, in fact, are from all walks of life and backgrounds, and they might find, if they ever joined on a ride, that they'd like roadies and the rides. :D
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I think there minds were make up before they showed up here.
spingineer
06-09-07, 09:03 PM
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.
??? :eek: Snobs? How did they get that impression? I do feel that some in the racing community do act a little snobbish, but not us. If we are, I'd really like to know why they feel that way.
ronjon10
06-09-07, 09:08 PM
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I think there minds were make up before they showed up here.
Maybe they saw the "Whatever" you dropped in response to kate fultons original post in that other thread. I can see how anyone would take that as offensive or snobbish. Maybe I missed something else that happened prior?
ggallin
06-09-07, 09:12 PM
ronjon got part of it, i think.
Even if we have not met I would invite most of you to my home for dinner.
Ditto!!
( but I'd have to clean first...... and get a bigger house....)
merider1
06-09-07, 09:27 PM
Maybe they saw the "Whatever" you dropped in response to kate fultons original post in that other thread. I can see how anyone would take that as offensive or snobbish. Maybe I missed something else that happened prior?
Perhaps, Ron. But what I think they are misunderstanding is that most of us (well, me for sure as I only speak for me) are uncomfortable with the idea of drinking and riding. Pure and simple, and as I stated as politely as I could in that thread, that type of riding is illegal and dangerous (just the same as drinking and driving is). No matter who you are or how old you are, you can be arrested for riding a bike and drinking. That group is notorious for that and blatant about it (read link in that thread by the OP, it's in there). As I also posted in that thread, it shocks me that due to my not being comfortable (i.e. not feeling SAFE), and not willing to ride with the Midnight Ridazz, that they perceive me as a snob. Quite the contrary. They are more than welcome to come ride on one of my rides. However, if they bring alcohol and I detect it, I will first ask them to leave, and second alert the authorities as I don't want to be around those who drink and ride. But AS I STATED IN THAT THREAD, not all members of that group partake in that behavior. I'm not a snob or intolerant of others. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE riding with people who partake in alcohol while riding a bike (which I love to drink by the way) and ride near or around me.
MY posts in that thread are the issue with these guys. And for those posts, I make no apologies regardless of how they are perceived by "some" members of that group.
So, to go back to the original topic of this thread, I really appreciate the wonderful, eclectic community here, in which anyone is welcomed to come ride safely and responsibly. :)
Maybe they saw the "Whatever" you dropped in response to kate fultons original post in that other thread. I can see how anyone would take that as offensive or snobbish. Maybe I missed something else that happened prior?
You may be right, but I don't perceive what they do on these midnight rides as riding to ride, I look at these events as a political statement against the "establishment". I've seen where these threads go on the road forum and it's never pretty, there is always an attitude. There posts are always filled with rants against cars, SUV's and the money people have and spend, and generally how much fun they have pissing people off. When I ride, I'm not worried about what political persuasion someone is, only if they keep there line and if I can keep up with them.
Sorry if I jumped the gun on them, but if all there angst was caused by my little remark...oh well.
ggallin
06-09-07, 09:57 PM
more generalizations from people who havent experienced it first hand.
merider1
06-09-07, 10:01 PM
more generalizations from people who havent experienced it first hand.
I don't ever want to experience riding and drinking alcohol simultaneously (as in, in my water bottles) first hand. Ever. And I don't wish to ride with those who do. It's illegal and dangerous and riding is dangerous enough without adding that element.
Now, how exactly is that a "generalization?"
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:08 PM
i thought you blocked me.
anyway, that was about the whole "riding to piss off motorists, not riding to ride" nonsense. if midnight ridazz purpose was to fight with traffic, then it wouldnt happen at 10pm at night. also, not everyone on these rides are under the influence. families come with their kids. theres a guy that brings his dog in a backpack. people that are old enough to be your parents have done these rides. so saying that they are all anti establishment hooligans is a generalization.
i also fail to see how its ok to you to drink after you ride. i assume you have to ride back to where you started/get to your car/get home. do you wait the full hour after consuming a single alcoholic beverage before getting back on your bike? i doubt it.
ronjon10
06-09-07, 10:14 PM
i also fail to see how its ok to you to drink after you ride. i assume you have to ride back to where you started/get to your car/get home. do you wait the full hour after consuming a single alcoholic beverage before getting back on your bike? i doubt it.
Didn't mean to start the debate again.
That's a bad assumption. We ride, pack up the bikes, then drink.
Congrats on the MS fundraising btw!
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:23 PM
so do you wait an hour before driving, making sure that all the alcohol is out of your system before getting behind the wheel? do you have a pocket breathalyzer that you can use to determine when you are in fact legal to drive? i mean, if youre all about abiding by the law, you should go all out.
merider1
06-09-07, 10:25 PM
i thought you blocked me.
anyway, that was about the whole "riding to piss off motorists, not riding to ride" nonsense. if midnight ridazz purpose was to fight with traffic, then it wouldnt happen at 10pm at night. also, not everyone on these rides are under the influence. families come with their kids. theres a guy that brings his dog in a backpack. people that are old enough to be your parents have done these rides. so saying that they are all anti establishment hooligans is a generalization.
i also fail to see how its ok to you to drink after you ride. i assume you have to ride back to where you started/get to your car/get home. do you wait the full hour after consuming a single alcoholic beverage before getting back on your bike? i doubt it.
I took you off Ignore as I am curious what the fuss from you is about.
As I stated in that thread (are you ignoring that I've repeated this now at least twice), "some" of the members partake in alcohol while riding. I imagine there are some very responsible members and wonderful people out riding the MR rides. I'm not against them nor have I taken that stance. But "those who do partake in alcohol while riding" the MR rides make me nervous, so I don't want to join. Why does that bother you so much? It's a comfort issue and my right, and I have a right to my opinion, yes? As for the "anti-establishment" thing, I have no clue about what you are referring as I never said MR is anti-establishment. That's not my concern in the least as I don't care what people believe (politics, religion, etc.) when out riding with them, I just want them to be safe and responsible (i.e. not under the influence of alcohol, a definite deal-breaker for me).
As for when I drink, if I am consuming alcohol and getting behind a wheel of a car and a cop pulls me over, I get a DUI (and spend a night in jail), yes? So, your argument about any drinking behavior I (or anyone) may exhibit in any other realm is not relevant except to show that you're making my point! If it is NO different (i.e. driving and drinking - which can kill and is illegal - or riding and drinking - which could kill and is illegal), then really no one should do either. Yes? I can guarantee you, I do not drink alcohol and ride at the same time, GG, and MR does have members who do. Trying to lessen their behavior by using the argument above is useless and just a way to deflect the point that the behavior is dangerous (thus, the reason it's illegal). Whether I'm a hypocrite or not, is also not relevant and useless to your argument. For all you know, I may be a raging alcoholic! But I don't drink and ride, period. And I don't want to be around those who do. Period.
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:27 PM
you missed the point completely.
Blood alcohol levels
http://www.california-drunkdriving.org/blood_alcohol_levels.html
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:34 PM
ive never seen people drink and ride at the same time, either. its usually at the regroup spots where people will take the beer from their bags or cages and open them. maybe these riders that youve seen drinking and riding emptied kegs into their camelbacks?
Indolent58
06-09-07, 10:35 PM
http://media.npr.org/programs/newsnotes/features/2006/mar/king/blurb200.jpg
Can't we all just get along?
merider1
06-09-07, 10:36 PM
you missed the point completely.
How have I missed the point? Please explain. And as to your comment on drinking at regroup spots, they are still drinking ON THE RIDE. Illegal. Dangerous.
merider1
06-09-07, 10:38 PM
Can't we all just get along?
We're not fighting, Dan. This is a discussion. Something I think is fine on a public forum. But this man isn't being rude to me in the least or me to him...or anyone else in this thread. Just a discussion.
Anyone who doesn't care for this discussion, can choose to leave the thread and enjoy others. :)
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:42 PM
but youre main gripe are the ones that are drinking and riding at the same time. it seems like most people are too busy being on their proverbial high horse to objectively see each side to the argument.
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:47 PM
and the helmet thing - its not against the law to ride a bike without a helmet if you are over the age of 18. i dont understand how one could make a stand and not ride with people that dont wear helmets. that seems like a very childish thing to be picky about.
ronjon10
06-09-07, 10:53 PM
and the helmet thing - its not against the law to ride a bike without a helmet if you are over the age of 18. i dont understand how one could make a stand and not ride with people that dont wear helmets. that seems like a very childish thing to be picky about.
I've ridden with people who don't ride with helmets. I will say, I'd HATE to be the person who has to take care of someone who cracked their head when they weren't using a helmet though.
I was on a group ride today when a woman took a tumble and landed on her head (with a helmet). She got up and seemed ok to continue. After about 1/4 mile. She stops. Looks at herself, and asks someone if she fell. She couldn't remember it. I'd can't imagine what shape she'd be in if she wasn't wearing a helmet.
ggallin
06-09-07, 10:58 PM
she was probably faking it. theres no way to fall while wearing a helmet to get that sort of trauma. maybe if she endoed over the bars and landed flat on the top of her head, but there would have been damage to the helmet, and im sure you know youre not supposed to ride with them.
spingineer
06-09-07, 11:01 PM
I've ridden with people who don't ride with helmets. I will say, I'd HATE to be the person who has to take care of someone who cracked their head when they weren't using a helmet though.
I was on a group ride today when a woman took a tumble and landed on her head (with a helmet). She got up and seemed ok to continue. After about 1/4 mile. She stops. Looks at herself, and asks someone if she fell. She couldn't remember it. I'd can't imagine what shape she'd be in if she wasn't wearing a helmet.
... not meaning to add fuel to the fire ... but I will. I seem to be good at doing that ... it is completely ridiculous to not wear a helmet while riding. In fact, I completely refuse to ride with someone who does not wear a helmet while riding. Riding without a helmet is suicide. Might as well stick a gun to your head and pull the trigger ... I think you get my point. Not only should riders wear a helmet, they should wear it correctly. I cringe when I see someone wear a helmet with a loose fit. It doesn't make any sense to see a family bike ride, with the kids wearing helmets, and adults with no helmet. It's sending the wrong message.
Ok, I'm breathing now ... breath in .... breath out .... ahhhh .... feeling better now ... :)
merider1
06-09-07, 11:03 PM
but youre main gripe are the ones that are drinking and riding at the same time. it seems like most people are too busy being on their proverbial high horse to objectively see each side to the argument.
Okay, GG, I'm putting you back on ignore. Here is why: You have now in this thread not answered any of my questions back to you and YOU keep making the generalizations (and statements that IMO do not represent your argument well - or the MR community well). I'm not on any "high horse" - I'm just not comfortable with certain behaviors and choose not to be around them. I am also the type to have strong opinions and to express them. You are allowed to as well, but note, I did not go on the Midnight Ridazz forum (assuming there is one) and post to those members with the types of posts you and others (from the group I am assuming) have. I'm not calling you guys names. I just don't want to join on rides with MR due to what I've already expressed. I'm sorry you don't like it.
Good luck to you and safe riding in any group you join. :)
ggallin
06-09-07, 11:03 PM
why push that on someone that doesnt want to? its not up to you.
Indolent58
06-09-07, 11:03 PM
OK so in the spirit of discussion, is it accurate to say that a) you agree that riding a bike under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, but b) ME's concerns are overblown because the MRs don't really do that? If so, this really boils down to a point of fact. Do they drink and ride or not? If this is not what you mean then what?
As for helmets - you are completely right that it's legal to ride without one. But for many of us who understand the importance of wearing one, riding with people who don't or won't wear them makes us nervous and on edge as we end up worrying about that person's safety. It is, as ME says, about a comfort level and trust in people you ride with. I personally would not refuse to ride with someone without a helmet, but it would bother me and I would feel cause to question that person's judgement re. safety. I would also tell them in the nicest possible way that they are a #$%&ing idiot.
she was probably faking it. theres no way to fall while wearing a helmet to get that sort of trauma. maybe if she endoed over the bars and landed flat on the top of her head, but there would have been damage to the helmet, and im sure you know youre not supposed to ride with them.
Geez is this guy real ??
Troll ...
spingineer
06-09-07, 11:06 PM
#$%&ing idiot.
... saying it in a nice way :)
ggallin
06-09-07, 11:07 PM
i am a paramedic and a lifeguard. i have been trained to respond to these sorts of things. you can trust my judgement in things like this.
spingineer
06-09-07, 11:09 PM
would you ride down GMR going 30-40 mph without a helmet?
ronjon10
06-09-07, 11:11 PM
she was probably faking it. theres no way to fall while wearing a helmet to get that sort of trauma. maybe if she endoed over the bars and landed flat on the top of her head, but there would have been damage to the helmet, and im sure you know youre not supposed to ride with them.
She probably faked the trip to the emergency room also.
And yeah, helmets, much like Vanilla Ice and Right Said Fred, are indeed one hit wonders.
ggallin
06-09-07, 11:12 PM
i dont know what gmr stands for, but ive ridden from rose valley back to ventura without a helmet. i went almost 50.
i am a paramedic and a lifeguard. i have been trained to respond to these sorts of things. you can trust my judgement in things like this.
Okay, now I feel a need to comment. No, I most definitely cannot trust your judgment in things like this. Any paramedic who would be willing to assume that someone probably is faking a potential brain injury should be fired. I sure hope you're not the one responding to the scene if I'm ever seriously injured.
cjbruin
06-09-07, 11:16 PM
i am a paramedic and a lifeguard. i have been trained to respond to these sorts of things. you can trust my judgement in things like this.
That's either complete BS or you are really bad at your job.
Don't feed this troll anymore really. Read this post
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=305423
ggallin
06-09-07, 11:17 PM
i guess you guys dont want to ride with me because i dont wear a helmet? i understand.
spingineer
06-09-07, 11:20 PM
... and his comment about going 50 without a helmet ... yeesh! put him on ignore
would you ride down GMR going 30-40 mph without a helmet?
I'd note that one does not need to go fast to have a helmet protect one's head. My hardest hit on the head while cycling came at zero miles per hour. Yes, you read that right. I was going uphill late in a ride, cramped up in both legs, rolled to a stop while still cramped, and fell over sideways, with my helmet taking a decent whack in the process. The fall of a skull from six feet above the ground onto hard asphalt is plenty hard enough to hurt without horizontal momentum to help it along.
spingineer
06-09-07, 11:21 PM
I'd note that one does not need to go fast to have a helmet protect one's head. My hardest hit on the head while cycling came at zero miles per hour. Yes, you read that right. I was going uphill late in a ride, cramped up in both legs, rolled to a stop while still cramped, and fell over sideways, with my helmet taking a decent whack in the process. The fall of a skull from six feet above the ground onto hard asphalt is plenty hard enough to hurt without horizontal momentum to help it along.
yes, agreed. I was just pointing out an extreme example.
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
cjbruin
06-09-07, 11:23 PM
i guess you guys dont want to ride with me because i dont wear a helmet? i understand.
Actually, I don't want to ride with you because you remind me of one of these...
http://media.urbandictionary.com/image/large/******bag-32667.jpg
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