"You're Fat Because You're Stupid"
05-28-13, 07:40 PM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Kearneysville, WV
Posts: 739
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale Flash Alloy 2 (mountain bike), 2010 Schwinn Paramount Series 7 (road bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maybe I wasn't as clear as I thought when I stated "I know you aren't that way".......you actually specifically made a debunking statemewnt. You asked for my and other's thoughts though on the tactics and strategy endorsed by that site, and I was responding to that.
Was the article motivating? Not really, but in a way it got me thinking, and I can certainly see the writer's point of view. Whether all the writer's statements are factual, I can't say, as I didn't research his claims.
As for what the guy is saying though, he pretty much called it right down the middle in my case.
05-28-13, 09:01 PM
#52
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
You DIDN'T 'write' it...but by the tone of your post, you IMPLIED it. I caught that, as well.
By the modern 'height/weight' scales, I am considered 'overweight', at 6'1", 235#. My various health numbers, my muscle tone and definition, and the fact that I can do things that people 15 years younger CAN'T, seems to indicate that I can healthily carry that weight. I also know from personal experience that, if my weight drops below 220, I start losing strength.
If you ask me (and you indirectly did), this website -- while it MAY have sound advice -- is cowardly. Anyone who would say this to my face would rather quickly receive a broken nose. For starters.
By the modern 'height/weight' scales, I am considered 'overweight', at 6'1", 235#. My various health numbers, my muscle tone and definition, and the fact that I can do things that people 15 years younger CAN'T, seems to indicate that I can healthily carry that weight. I also know from personal experience that, if my weight drops below 220, I start losing strength.
If you ask me (and you indirectly did), this website -- while it MAY have sound advice -- is cowardly. Anyone who would say this to my face would rather quickly receive a broken nose. For starters.
05-28-13, 09:13 PM
#53
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
While I haven't read the article yet, I will get to it, but I'm going to comment based off of, "You're fat because you're stupid." I am fat because I'm stupid. Today, I made myself two cheeesburgers, complete with the requisite ketchup and mustard, and right afterwards I treated myself to a "banana split," which consisted of a banana and two huge scoops of Friendly's "Rich and Creamy Fudge Swirl." Yesterday, we had turkey for dinner, which was good, but for lunch I had the same cheeseburger (with ketchup and mustard) but only this time, I had a huge plate of Ore-Ida's Waffle Fries. Wanna guess what dessert was? Yep, you guessed it, Friendly's "Rich and Creamy Fudge Swirl."
I've never been one to like eating my fruits and veggies, and that hasn't changed. I am guilty as charged with being fat because I'm stupid. I know what I'm eating is not good for me, yet I continue to do it anyway. I know these foods cause weight gain and lord only knows what other negative effects they contribute to, yet I continue to stuff my face anyway.
Now, some would argue, "You're not fat," but I am. Yes, I'm 5'11 and weigh between 212-216 lbs on any given day and while I'm not "wide-fat," I am fat, front to back. When I stand sideways I look like a thermometer with a bulge in the middle; a LARGE bulge. To be quite honest, I look like I'm 5-6 months pregnant. My gut borderline "creases" and I know I'm not looking very good. Sure, I care, but apparently I don't care so much that I've dropped the burgers and fries.
In the end, I'm fat because I apparentliy wanna be, or maybe just because I'm stupid. It's my own fault, not McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, etc.
I've never been one to like eating my fruits and veggies, and that hasn't changed. I am guilty as charged with being fat because I'm stupid. I know what I'm eating is not good for me, yet I continue to do it anyway. I know these foods cause weight gain and lord only knows what other negative effects they contribute to, yet I continue to stuff my face anyway.
Now, some would argue, "You're not fat," but I am. Yes, I'm 5'11 and weigh between 212-216 lbs on any given day and while I'm not "wide-fat," I am fat, front to back. When I stand sideways I look like a thermometer with a bulge in the middle; a LARGE bulge. To be quite honest, I look like I'm 5-6 months pregnant. My gut borderline "creases" and I know I'm not looking very good. Sure, I care, but apparently I don't care so much that I've dropped the burgers and fries.
In the end, I'm fat because I apparentliy wanna be, or maybe just because I'm stupid. It's my own fault, not McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, etc.
05-28-13, 09:37 PM
#54
That guy from the Chi
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,000
Bikes: 88 Trek 800 - gone to new cheeks; '14 Trek 1.2 - aka The X1 Advanced; '13 Trek 3500 Disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I haven't followed the thread, but is this the running theme? That we (or anyone with an issue) hates themselves? So the more overweight someone is the more they hate themselves? Or was this just in reference to the poster?
05-28-13, 11:13 PM
#55
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I was specifically replying to Wooden Tiger's post. The one in which he immediately identified with the insult "stupid" and started piling on himself.
05-28-13, 11:32 PM
#56
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Smoking is an interesting comparison. One difference between smoking and obesity is that while both were considered bad habits smoking was glamorized as obesity wasn't. Think of Sherlock Holmes and his pipe, or how often people smoke in Hollywood films. Another, and stronger, difference is that food is needed for the continuance of life and tobacco, despite the claims of some smokers, isn't.
05-28-13, 11:43 PM
#57
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
[QUOTE=Pamestique;15676254]
I'm reminded of a Sayre Kulp post in which he looked at a photo of his 430 pound self and wrote "I wonder why I hated myself so much."
That's why the website failed, in my opinion. Super obese people already suffer from low self-esteem. Why does anyone think insulting someone with low self esteem works as motivation?
In my case, going back to my 400 pound days, I lost weight because I told myself it was OK to be super obese if I wanted to be. I wasn't stupid or worthless or whatever. It was a lifestyle choice. And I found the lifestyle wasn't one I wanted to live. So I changed it.
...My sister in law is probably 600 pounds by now. ..QUOTE]
As someone who studies human reactions and behavior for a living this fascinates me. I always wonder how someone allows themselves to get that big. It takes real work and dedication. At some point, no matter how healthy she opines she is, everything becomes a hassle - just think about every day bodily functions and cleansing... at some point when someone has to come in and help one bathe, and go to the toilet, I think the person would want help.
It's sortof like those hoarder shows. I would be yelling that person 'THROW THAT AWAY ITS JUNK!" but the therapist has so much patience and helps the hoarder work through the anxiety. Your SIL in slowly commiting suicide, the family needs to intervene and at some point stop enabling the poor behavior but its hard to do...
As someone who studies human reactions and behavior for a living this fascinates me. I always wonder how someone allows themselves to get that big. It takes real work and dedication. At some point, no matter how healthy she opines she is, everything becomes a hassle - just think about every day bodily functions and cleansing... at some point when someone has to come in and help one bathe, and go to the toilet, I think the person would want help.
It's sortof like those hoarder shows. I would be yelling that person 'THROW THAT AWAY ITS JUNK!" but the therapist has so much patience and helps the hoarder work through the anxiety. Your SIL in slowly commiting suicide, the family needs to intervene and at some point stop enabling the poor behavior but its hard to do...
That's why the website failed, in my opinion. Super obese people already suffer from low self-esteem. Why does anyone think insulting someone with low self esteem works as motivation?
In my case, going back to my 400 pound days, I lost weight because I told myself it was OK to be super obese if I wanted to be. I wasn't stupid or worthless or whatever. It was a lifestyle choice. And I found the lifestyle wasn't one I wanted to live. So I changed it.
05-29-13, 12:15 AM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Cut n Shoot Texas
Posts: 92
Bikes: 86' schwinn sprint updated and converted to touring, Trek 3 series, trek 1.2, and as soon as the disk LHT comes out it will be added
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I didn't choose to be fat...in fact I wasn't until I hurt my back to the point that if I tried any impact sport above walking I would loose feeling in my legs to the point I would hit the ground. Believe me I tried, I was a runner in high school and still miss running. I didn't cry into a tub of ice cream and held a pretty steady weight until I got older and my back got worse. I had back surgery and a year of recovery that ballooned my weight up to 330 and a job where I don't do much moving around. I didn't get fat from stupidity or any other IQ problem I got fat because I simply didn't pay attention, to what I ate or what size I wore until I hit 40 waist. Then it really sunk in.
I have 2 quotes that drive me....
What you accept is what you will have.
Your fat and don't sugar coat it cause you'll probably eat that too.....
we all need a bit of brutal reality at times, but to be fat because of a low IQ.....that's very laughable
I have 2 quotes that drive me....
What you accept is what you will have.
Your fat and don't sugar coat it cause you'll probably eat that too.....
we all need a bit of brutal reality at times, but to be fat because of a low IQ.....that's very laughable
05-29-13, 04:37 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Kearneysville, WV
Posts: 739
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale Flash Alloy 2 (mountain bike), 2010 Schwinn Paramount Series 7 (road bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What makes me stupid isn't the inability to learn, but the fact I know what I need to do and how to do it, yet simply don't.
You DIDN'T 'write' it...but by the tone of your post, you IMPLIED it. I caught that, as well.
By the modern 'height/weight' scales, I am considered 'overweight', at 6'1", 235#. My various health numbers, my muscle tone and definition, and the fact that I can do things that people 15 years younger CAN'T, seems to indicate that I can healthily carry that weight. I also know from personal experience that, if my weight drops below 220, I start losing strength.
If you ask me (and you indirectly did), this website -- while it MAY have sound advice -- is cowardly. Anyone who would say this to my face would rather quickly receive a broken nose. For starters.
By the modern 'height/weight' scales, I am considered 'overweight', at 6'1", 235#. My various health numbers, my muscle tone and definition, and the fact that I can do things that people 15 years younger CAN'T, seems to indicate that I can healthily carry that weight. I also know from personal experience that, if my weight drops below 220, I start losing strength.
If you ask me (and you indirectly did), this website -- while it MAY have sound advice -- is cowardly. Anyone who would say this to my face would rather quickly receive a broken nose. For starters.
05-29-13, 04:45 AM
#60
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Nah, it's not that I dislike myself, I'm just lazy and don't wanna work to achieve my goal in this case. I guess I "fund" my poor eating habits by riding my bike.
What makes me stupid isn't the inability to learn, but the fact I know what I need to do and how to do it, yet simply don't.
What makes me stupid isn't the inability to learn, but the fact I know what I need to do and how to do it, yet simply don't.
05-29-13, 04:53 AM
#61
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
There's a small subset of posters on Bike Forums who think I'm some dark Overlord of the Clyde/Athena Forum, driving new posters away and hating fat people. I'm used to it by now.....
05-29-13, 05:00 AM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I think YOU are the only one that thinks like that Neil. Just like YOU are the only one that thinks you are not a real cyclists.
05-29-13, 05:13 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Kearneysville, WV
Posts: 739
Bikes: 2012 Cannondale Flash Alloy 2 (mountain bike), 2010 Schwinn Paramount Series 7 (road bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not to stray off topic but what is a "real cyclist?" Is it somebody who wears a Pepto-Bismol pink "kit" like the pros, someone who "thinks" he/she is "pro," or what? Is a "real cyclist" someone who rides 50 miles before and after work every day? What's the definition of a "real cyclist," because IMO, I've never seen a "real cyclist," only people who enjoy cycling or "live" for cycling. While I love mountain biking and am now doing it as much as I can, I can hardly claim to being a "mountain biker," just like playing the guitar and recording my own music doesn't make me a "musician."
IMO, a "real cyclist" is someone who does it for a living (Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, etc.), and I'm yet to run into any "real cyclists" scouring Bike Forums.
Sorry, Neil, you're not a real cyclist by my standards.
05-29-13, 05:21 AM
#64
Watching and waiting.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mattoon,Ill
Posts: 2,023
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-29-13, 05:21 AM
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well, I think we're all guilty of doing stupid things, perhaps this one sort of falls into the category of "irresponsible things?"
Yes, I've noticed that on more than a few occasions. You seem to be the big, bad wolf.
I disagree, I've seen people attack Neil many a time for no apparent reason(s) whatsoever. Every time the guy opens his mouth, he's been either accused of plagiarizing someone's article, taking credit for an article he'd hadn't written, not knowing what he's talking about, or saying things he'd never said in the first place, such as in the case of this thread with the finger-pointing that he claimed to have written the article that kicked off this thread.
Not to stray off topic but what is a "real cyclist?" Is it somebody who wears a Pepto-Bismol pink "kit" like the pros, someone who "thinks" he/she is "pro," or what? Is a "real cyclist" someone who rides 50 miles before and after work every day? What's the definition of a "real cyclist," because IMO, I've never seen a "real cyclist," only people who enjoy cycling or "live" for cycling. While I love mountain biking and am now doing it as much as I can, I can hardly claim to being a "mountain biker," just like playing the guitar and recording my own music doesn't make me a "musician."
IMO, a "real cyclist" is someone who does it for a living (Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, etc.), and I'm yet to run into any "real cyclists" scouring Bike Forums.
Sorry, Neil, you're not a real cyclist by my standards.
Yes, I've noticed that on more than a few occasions. You seem to be the big, bad wolf.
I disagree, I've seen people attack Neil many a time for no apparent reason(s) whatsoever. Every time the guy opens his mouth, he's been either accused of plagiarizing someone's article, taking credit for an article he'd hadn't written, not knowing what he's talking about, or saying things he'd never said in the first place, such as in the case of this thread with the finger-pointing that he claimed to have written the article that kicked off this thread.
Not to stray off topic but what is a "real cyclist?" Is it somebody who wears a Pepto-Bismol pink "kit" like the pros, someone who "thinks" he/she is "pro," or what? Is a "real cyclist" someone who rides 50 miles before and after work every day? What's the definition of a "real cyclist," because IMO, I've never seen a "real cyclist," only people who enjoy cycling or "live" for cycling. While I love mountain biking and am now doing it as much as I can, I can hardly claim to being a "mountain biker," just like playing the guitar and recording my own music doesn't make me a "musician."
IMO, a "real cyclist" is someone who does it for a living (Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, etc.), and I'm yet to run into any "real cyclists" scouring Bike Forums.
Sorry, Neil, you're not a real cyclist by my standards.
05-29-13, 05:37 AM
#66
Watching and waiting.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mattoon,Ill
Posts: 2,023
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nah, it's not that I dislike myself, I'm just lazy and don't wanna work to achieve my goal in this case. I guess I "fund" my poor eating habits by riding my bike.
What makes me stupid isn't the inability to learn, but the fact I know what I need to do and how to do it, yet simply don't.
What makes me stupid isn't the inability to learn, but the fact I know what I need to do and how to do it, yet simply don't.
05-29-13, 06:34 AM
#67
You gonna eat that?
I thought it was clear that Neil didn't write the original article. But he did start a conversation that maybe didn't need to happen, and he selected a thread title that couldn't be more inflammatory. It seems like he's inviting conflict.
He got it.
He got it.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
05-29-13, 06:41 AM
#68
Senior Mumbler
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: England
Posts: 452
Bikes: Ridgeback Voyage (for touring and commuting), unknown beach cruiser (for smiling)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Last edited by steve2k; 05-29-13 at 07:09 AM.
05-29-13, 07:32 AM
#69
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Yes, I've noticed that on more than a few occasions. You seem to be the big, bad wolf.
I disagree, I've seen people attack Neil many a time for no apparent reason(s) whatsoever. Every time the guy opens his mouth, he's been either accused of plagiarizing someone's article, taking credit for an article he'd hadn't written, not knowing what he's talking about, or saying things he'd never said in the first place, such as in the case of this thread with the finger-pointing that he claimed to have written the article that kicked off this thread.
Not to stray off topic but what is a "real cyclist?" Is it somebody who wears a Pepto-Bismol pink "kit" like the pros, someone who "thinks" he/she is "pro," or what? Is a "real cyclist" someone who rides 50 miles before and after work every day? What's the definition of a "real cyclist," because IMO, I've never seen a "real cyclist," only people who enjoy cycling or "live" for cycling. While I love mountain biking and am now doing it as much as I can, I can hardly claim to being a "mountain biker," just like playing the guitar and recording my own music doesn't make me a "musician."
IMO, a "real cyclist" is someone who does it for a living (Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, etc.), and I'm yet to run into any "real cyclists" scouring Bike Forums.
Sorry, Neil, you're not a real cyclist by my standards.
I disagree, I've seen people attack Neil many a time for no apparent reason(s) whatsoever. Every time the guy opens his mouth, he's been either accused of plagiarizing someone's article, taking credit for an article he'd hadn't written, not knowing what he's talking about, or saying things he'd never said in the first place, such as in the case of this thread with the finger-pointing that he claimed to have written the article that kicked off this thread.
Not to stray off topic but what is a "real cyclist?" Is it somebody who wears a Pepto-Bismol pink "kit" like the pros, someone who "thinks" he/she is "pro," or what? Is a "real cyclist" someone who rides 50 miles before and after work every day? What's the definition of a "real cyclist," because IMO, I've never seen a "real cyclist," only people who enjoy cycling or "live" for cycling. While I love mountain biking and am now doing it as much as I can, I can hardly claim to being a "mountain biker," just like playing the guitar and recording my own music doesn't make me a "musician."
IMO, a "real cyclist" is someone who does it for a living (Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, etc.), and I'm yet to run into any "real cyclists" scouring Bike Forums.
Sorry, Neil, you're not a real cyclist by my standards.
05-29-13, 07:37 AM
#70
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I posted the thread because this website has been recommended by at least two Bike Forums posters, neither of whom post much here anymore. The thread title is the name of the website. Yes, its controversial, but there's no reason we can't have a discussion about the website. Not about my posting the thread, but the website.
05-29-13, 07:39 AM
#71
Senior Member
There is a facebook group with some people who are on this forum and this article was posted there. I was roundly panned for my critique of the website. I went back to find the postings but they seem to have disappeared. The person who posted the website strongly supported the strategy and she was harshly critical of her own obese sister.
Anyway, evidence is often not a priority when discussing obesity. People seem to easily slip into catchphrases, moralizing and self flagellation. Even when overweight people aren't called names there still is a tendency make assumptions about causes based on feelings and to overweight (ha ha) psychological factors and underweight biological. No one likes "its complicated" as an answer to why people are fat. There is also a tendency towards self analysis that can easily go wrong. As Richard Feynman said: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool."
Anyway, evidence is often not a priority when discussing obesity. People seem to easily slip into catchphrases, moralizing and self flagellation. Even when overweight people aren't called names there still is a tendency make assumptions about causes based on feelings and to overweight (ha ha) psychological factors and underweight biological. No one likes "its complicated" as an answer to why people are fat. There is also a tendency towards self analysis that can easily go wrong. As Richard Feynman said: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool."
05-29-13, 07:53 AM
#72
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
There is a facebook group with some people who are on this forum and this article was posted there. I was roundly panned for my critique of the website. I went back to find the postings but they seem to have disappeared. The person who posted the website strongly supported the strategy and she was harshly critical of her own obese sister.
Anyway, evidence is often not a priority when discussing obesity. People seem to easily slip into catchphrases, moralizing and self flagellation. Even when overweight people aren't called names there still is a tendency make assumptions about causes based on feelings and to overweight (ha ha) psychological factors and underweight biological. No one likes "its complicated" as an answer to why people are fat. There is also a tendency towards self analysis that can easily go wrong. As Richard Feynman said: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool."
Anyway, evidence is often not a priority when discussing obesity. People seem to easily slip into catchphrases, moralizing and self flagellation. Even when overweight people aren't called names there still is a tendency make assumptions about causes based on feelings and to overweight (ha ha) psychological factors and underweight biological. No one likes "its complicated" as an answer to why people are fat. There is also a tendency towards self analysis that can easily go wrong. As Richard Feynman said: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool."
05-29-13, 08:28 AM
#73
You gonna eat that?
Then why start a conversation here, if not for the drama of it all?
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
05-29-13, 09:03 AM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Chester County, PA
Posts: 83
Bikes: 2013 Fuji Absolute 3.0 - 1998 Trek 800 Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
On the subject of "Real cyclist" I like Neil's use of the term to describe those who would use the term to separate themselves from the great unwashed masses.
Coming from a running background, I think there is more of this in the cycling world that in the running world... there are still lots of people who consider others who are slow or heavy or who don't wear the "right" shoes to not be "real runners", but I think the level of technology and equipment required for cycling has a lot to do with an increased level of elitism overall. How can you be a "real cyclist" if you are riding some piece of junk from Salvation Army or walmart, etc.?
I have always loved this quote by the author John Bingham (himself a clydesdale runner who started getting fit in his 40s and eventually became a columnist for Runner's World and a best selling author).
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
My attitude is the same about cycling. I'm now a cyclist. Am I a "real cyclist"... don't know and don't care... at least what anyone else thinks. In my mind, any day I go out and ride... I'm a cyclist as real as anyone else.
Ted
Coming from a running background, I think there is more of this in the cycling world that in the running world... there are still lots of people who consider others who are slow or heavy or who don't wear the "right" shoes to not be "real runners", but I think the level of technology and equipment required for cycling has a lot to do with an increased level of elitism overall. How can you be a "real cyclist" if you are riding some piece of junk from Salvation Army or walmart, etc.?
I have always loved this quote by the author John Bingham (himself a clydesdale runner who started getting fit in his 40s and eventually became a columnist for Runner's World and a best selling author).
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
My attitude is the same about cycling. I'm now a cyclist. Am I a "real cyclist"... don't know and don't care... at least what anyone else thinks. In my mind, any day I go out and ride... I'm a cyclist as real as anyone else.
Ted
05-29-13, 09:13 AM
#75
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
On the subject of "Real cyclist" I like Neil's use of the term to describe those who would use the term to separate themselves from the great unwashed masses.
Coming from a running background, I think there is more of this in the cycling world that in the running world... there are still lots of people who consider others who are slow or heavy or who don't wear the "right" shoes to not be "real runners", but I think the level of technology and equipment required for cycling has a lot to do with an increased level of elitism overall. How can you be a "real cyclist" if you are riding some piece of junk from Salvation Army or walmart, etc.?
I have always loved this quote by the author John Bingham (himself a clydesdale runner who started getting fit in his 40s and eventually became a columnist for Runner's World and a best selling author).
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
My attitude is the same about cycling. I'm now a cyclist. Am I a "real cyclist"... don't know and don't care... at least what anyone else thinks. In my mind, any day I go out and ride... I'm a cyclist as real as anyone else.
Ted
Coming from a running background, I think there is more of this in the cycling world that in the running world... there are still lots of people who consider others who are slow or heavy or who don't wear the "right" shoes to not be "real runners", but I think the level of technology and equipment required for cycling has a lot to do with an increased level of elitism overall. How can you be a "real cyclist" if you are riding some piece of junk from Salvation Army or walmart, etc.?
I have always loved this quote by the author John Bingham (himself a clydesdale runner who started getting fit in his 40s and eventually became a columnist for Runner's World and a best selling author).
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
My attitude is the same about cycling. I'm now a cyclist. Am I a "real cyclist"... don't know and don't care... at least what anyone else thinks. In my mind, any day I go out and ride... I'm a cyclist as real as anyone else.
Ted
I can't speak about running, only having been part of that world briefly, but hiking seems free from such elitism as you've described. If a woman in her sixties who completes the Appalachian Trail wearing Keds and carrying her gear in a burlap sack isn't a hiker, then no one is.