What's this suffer thing people want to promote?
01-01-13, 05:18 AM
#26
Starting over
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1500; 2006 Gary Fisher Marlin; 2011 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 105; 2012 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Why don't we just drop the whole thing and get back to the real tragedy of today's world, especially during this particular season - the use of "gift" as a verb.
01-01-13, 05:59 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Sure. I need to work on some architecture problems with my PC.... its difficult being a computer architect. Don't you agree, CraigB?
01-01-13, 06:04 AM
#28
Senior Member
Oh Craig, I cannot suffer the use of gift as a verb.
My experience with hearing about "suffer-fests" as a new overweight rider was "oh cool, fat people exercising hard and not dying."
My experience with hearing about "suffer-fests" as a new overweight rider was "oh cool, fat people exercising hard and not dying."
01-01-13, 06:33 AM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Interesting. I've been both teasing and reassuring Nerys, who I am hiking with in a few hours, that I designed a hike to push him to his limits - but with no suffering. He seems up for it. Perhaps its not the word thats the turnoff, but the context?
01-01-13, 06:48 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cobourg Ontario Canada
Posts: 2,206
Bikes: ParleeZ5/Parlee Chebacco/Trek Farley/Cannondale Slice/Burley Tandem
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
4 Posts
But I bet you've drilled the 10 ring or pinwheeled that target or have a bow that smokes an arrow...lol
01-01-13, 11:07 AM
#31
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 2,949
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times
in
17 Posts
I see that Michigan University released its list of words that should be banned from 2012 https://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/20...ould-be-banned.
How about a list of terms that should be banned from BF (all in good fun of course
)?
So far we have "sufferfest" and "epic". I'll add "BSO" as some people don't have a choice due to financial constraints or they had a big box bike given to them by a parent, etc. Anyone else? (please keep it good natured)
How about a list of terms that should be banned from BF (all in good fun of course
)?So far we have "sufferfest" and "epic". I'll add "BSO" as some people don't have a choice due to financial constraints or they had a big box bike given to them by a parent, etc. Anyone else? (please keep it good natured)
01-01-13, 11:22 AM
#32
Just Keep Pedaling
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lakewood, CA
Posts: 3,355
Bikes: 99 Schwinn Mesa GS MTB, 15 Trek Domane 5.9 Dura-Ace, 17 Trek Emonda SL6 Pro & 18 Bianchi Vigorelli
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 67 Times
in
34 Posts
I see that Michigan University released its list of words that should be banned from 2012 https://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/20...ould-be-banned.
How about a list of terms that should be banned from BF (all in good fun of course)?
So far we have "sufferfest" and "epic". I'll add "BSO" as some people don't have a choice due to financial constraints or they had a big box bike given to them by a parent, etc. Anyone else? (please keep it good natured)
How about a list of terms that should be banned from BF (all in good fun of course
)?So far we have "sufferfest" and "epic". I'll add "BSO" as some people don't have a choice due to financial constraints or they had a big box bike given to them by a parent, etc. Anyone else? (please keep it good natured)
01-01-13, 11:29 AM
#33
2 Fat 2 Furious
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: England
Posts: 3,996
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport RIP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
It concerns me every time I read the word "suffer" in thread headings and posts.
The word has so many negative connotations to it, that it is enough to scare off people who might want to engage in cycling as a way to increase fitness and strength, and improve their weight.
Is it some sort of badge of honour that some people want to wear to show they have made some sort of sacrifice, that they are better than others? Is it to show people that they are better than everyone else, even though they are not?
In all my time riding, and all my hillclimbing and riding through difficult conditions, I have never intentionally used the term "suffer" to reflect what I consider to be personal achievements.
I leave the term to accurately portray what people are going through when they starve, live through terminal disease, and other much, much more serious issues.
The word has so many negative connotations to it, that it is enough to scare off people who might want to engage in cycling as a way to increase fitness and strength, and improve their weight.
Is it some sort of badge of honour that some people want to wear to show they have made some sort of sacrifice, that they are better than others? Is it to show people that they are better than everyone else, even though they are not?
In all my time riding, and all my hillclimbing and riding through difficult conditions, I have never intentionally used the term "suffer" to reflect what I consider to be personal achievements.
I leave the term to accurately portray what people are going through when they starve, live through terminal disease, and other much, much more serious issues.
The only ride I've done that I specifically call a sufferfest was a 115km ride that took in 2300m of climbing. That one really did hurt, it was a constant battle against my muscles to get over some of those hills at all, it was a ride that caused a lot of pain (albeit short term) in my legs trying to get over the hills, but I'm still glad I did it. It did involve suffering, but to me the suffering was what it took to push myself well outside my comfort zone rather than something that makes me better than anyone else. I was allowed 7h40 to complete the ride and crossed the finishing line in 7h25 - others did it in not much more than half that time so it's not like I was one of the elites or anything.
__________________
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
01-01-13, 11:33 AM
#34
2 Fat 2 Furious
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: England
Posts: 3,996
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport RIP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
BSO = Bike Shaped Object
Something that has two wheels, handlebars, pedals etc but isn't regarded as a "proper" bike. Usually because it came from a big-box store and maybe cost $100 or less. As a bike it's not going to be particularly good, but then it's probably going to be $100 worth.
The main trouble with them comes when people think their $100 mountain bike is as good as a $1000 mountain bike and wonder why it breaks when they do rugged MTB trails on it.
Something that has two wheels, handlebars, pedals etc but isn't regarded as a "proper" bike. Usually because it came from a big-box store and maybe cost $100 or less. As a bike it's not going to be particularly good, but then it's probably going to be $100 worth.
The main trouble with them comes when people think their $100 mountain bike is as good as a $1000 mountain bike and wonder why it breaks when they do rugged MTB trails on it.
__________________
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
01-01-13, 11:53 AM
#36
Senior Member
When I hear "epic" or "awesome" or "stoked" I immediately think that the speaker is much younger than I am. I also hear Keanu Reeves voice. 
"Just saying" is a major irritant to me. Just saying.
For all sorts of reasons my current number one disliked phrase is "don't be a hater."
"Just saying" is a major irritant to me. Just saying.
For all sorts of reasons my current number one disliked phrase is "don't be a hater."
01-01-13, 12:01 PM
#37
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
It's just a cycling related term, don't read too much into it.
What next, are we literally horses?
What next, are we literally horses?
01-01-13, 12:24 PM
#39
Starting over
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1500; 2006 Gary Fisher Marlin; 2011 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 105; 2012 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I see that Michigan University released its list of words that should be banned from 2012 https://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/20...ould-be-banned.
01-01-13, 12:30 PM
#41
2 Fat 2 Furious
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: England
Posts: 3,996
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport RIP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I prefer to have someone solution my data architecture. If they quote me happy I'll gift them a contract. Just saying.
__________________
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
01-01-13, 12:59 PM
#42
Banned
There was a TV show out of L.A, The hosts set up a table on the street ,and did 'Man on the street' interviews
as they promoted to reduce 'women's sufferage', in the process, making light of the dreadful state of education
offered in the US , as the adults .. in the clip, [post editing ,of course] thought.. (airheadedly)
the term was about suffering, when in fact it is about the right to vote..
as they promoted to reduce 'women's sufferage', in the process, making light of the dreadful state of education
offered in the US , as the adults .. in the clip, [post editing ,of course] thought.. (airheadedly)
the term was about suffering, when in fact it is about the right to vote..
01-01-13, 01:06 PM
#43
I am the Snail~!
You don't necessarily count in this discussion because you've suffered through an unusual form of cancer, and that puts you ahead on the concept of pain and determination to live.
But maybe tough, challenging, difficult... along those lines.
I know that for the average 400lb Clyde or Athena, there is going to be a degree of discomfort, even pain from making a start in cycling. But the continued use of "suffering" is just a great way of discouraging people, because the implication is that to ride a bike, the rider has to suffer, and never stop suffering.
In the context of people with, for example, terminal illness, or in terminal poverty, who are genuinely suffering, the description isn't right.
But maybe tough, challenging, difficult... along those lines.
I know that for the average 400lb Clyde or Athena, there is going to be a degree of discomfort, even pain from making a start in cycling. But the continued use of "suffering" is just a great way of discouraging people, because the implication is that to ride a bike, the rider has to suffer, and never stop suffering.
In the context of people with, for example, terminal illness, or in terminal poverty, who are genuinely suffering, the description isn't right.
I understand how a term can become popular, and everyone talks with different 'slang'. But to me as well, the word 'suffer', or suffering, sufferfest, etc all bring negative feelings to mind for me.
01-01-13, 01:35 PM
#44
Senior Member
01-01-13, 03:23 PM
#45
Starting over
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1500; 2006 Gary Fisher Marlin; 2011 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 105; 2012 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
There was a TV show out of L.A, The hosts set up a table on the street ,and did 'Man on the street' interviews
as they promoted to reduce 'women's sufferage', in the process, making light of the dreadful state of education
offered in the US , as the adults .. in the clip, [post editing ,of course] thought.. (airheadedly)
the term was about suffering, when in fact it is about the right to vote..
as they promoted to reduce 'women's sufferage', in the process, making light of the dreadful state of education
offered in the US , as the adults .. in the clip, [post editing ,of course] thought.. (airheadedly)
the term was about suffering, when in fact it is about the right to vote..
01-05-13, 04:16 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,874
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1856 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
I think it's the Illiad, and it's AN epic (which is a type of story-telling poem). It's also long, and a great story of adventure, what was in its day a gigantic sea journey.
01-05-13, 05:05 PM
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Hmm.... a new sub-category of C/A for Clydes and Athenas who really really REALLY want to be in the Road Forum, but who spent too much time getting seconds at the buffet..... "too fat for 41!"
01-05-13, 07:18 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern New Jersey
Posts: 213
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Last Summer I saw a 300+ lb Clyde riding a mountain bike up the steepest grade in my area into 25-30 wind mph wind on a mid summers day. I thought that was "picture in the dictionary" caliber suffering.
01-05-13, 07:39 PM
#49
Senior Member
01-05-13, 07:41 PM
#50
Senior Member
In the ban from the vocabulary vein, I nominate "engine" as used by pro cyclists as in I have a big engine. You have no engine, you have a body with some strengths and weaknesses. BTW - they are your legs not the legs.
Edit: I forgot to say, I agree totally with Rowan - suffer is way overused in cycling. Suffer does not mean the same as discomfort.
Edit: I forgot to say, I agree totally with Rowan - suffer is way overused in cycling. Suffer does not mean the same as discomfort.
Last edited by howsteepisit; 01-05-13 at 08:19 PM.