freeranger

Why do I find this term derogatory? I have found that it is what fits me, but for some reason, don't like being called one. I don't enjoy hammerfests, I do enjoy a decent pace, riding back roads, putting on some mileage, and taking in the scenery. And I don't think that's such a bad way to enjoy cycling. Anyone else found the term to carry a negative connotation? I know it shouldn't bug me, but it does!

p8rider

I've never thought of the term recreational rider as being derogatory. I consider myself a recreational rider and feel that puts me light years ahead of friends that are recreational couch potatoes!
I consider the hammerfest fans to be recreational riders also, just a different type.

Beverly

I've never thought the label was derogatory. I often refer to this type of riding as "Stop and smell the roses"

I do all types of riding from those slow rides to enjoy the scenery and the occasional hammer-fest to improve fitness. I think everyone should ride for the enjoyment.

chipcom 

Here's my take.
Anyone who rides a bike is a cyclist.
Cyclists fall into two basic groups, recreational and transportational.
Recreational riders are the vast majority, riding for fitness, sport or just for...recreation.
Transportational riders ride to get someplace for reasons other than recreation...work, errands, etc.
Many riders are both transportational AND recreational.
I commute to work, but even then I consider it as a mixture of my recreation for transportational purposes.

Now there are those who wish to separate cyclists into 'serious' and 'non serious', usually sport or 'advocate' riders who think their sport, speed, mileage, classes, etc. make them 'serious'...usually lumping recreational riders into the non-serious category. IMO it's basically just a way for them to feel superior to others and an indication of their own personality issues and insecurities.

So, no reason to get offended if someone calls you a recreational rider - if they think they are dissing you, they are only displaying their own ignorance and insecurity.

maddmaxx 

Welcome to the 50+ forum. Most of us are "recreational riders". More common sense and courtesy prevails here than in some of the other groups.

Here you are allowed to have a 6 speed bike with aero bars that you use to go to the pie shop on Sunday morning and we will think its cool.

Smiles per mile......................

big john

What would you prefer; squid, Fred, poser, wannabee, bike nerd...? just kidding...

Red Rider

When I grow up I want to be a professional recreationist. So being a recreational cyclist is part of my training.

The term doesn't bother me as much as that attitude prevalent in other forums wherein if you don't ride like you're 22 you ain't ****. Now that gets my chamois in a twist, by golly.

Trsnrtr

The term "sport rider" or "club rider" probably fits fast non-licensed hammerheads better.

crtreedude 

If you recreate yourself while riding, I guess you are a recreational cyclist. As Chipcom said, those who have a need to label everyone have a label for themselves probably.

Of course, Chip is a little sensitive because no one has been able to figure what kind of group he should belong too.

I mean, how many middle aged, slightly puggy, cigar smoking, playboy posing, supermodels can there be? (Please tell me no more than one...!)

BluesDawg

Nothing wrong with being a recreational rider. Like Chipcom said, most of us are recreational riders and a few are transportational. I would add a category of professional or near professional racers. Most of the hammerheads who might look down on recreational riders would fall in the recreational category.

maddmaxx 

If you count Rue Paul there are at least 2.

CaptainTandem

We are all recreational riders, unless one of us happens to be in an actual race at the time.

There are a lot of "legends-in-their-own-mind" riders though. ;-)

chipcom 

I don't smoke cigars...I fall into a class all my own...though I am not sure class has anything to do with it.

PaulH

I rarely get on a bike except when I want to go somewhere, so that makes me "transportational". However, I really enjoy it, so that makes me "recreational."
If I am at the shore, riding to the beach, am I "recreational" or "transportational?"
For that matter, isn't racing a form of recreation?
If "recreational" means "I enjoy it", then that's what I am, no apologies.
Is pie transportational or recreational? One can ride to get to it.

Paul

chipcom 

I agree, perhaps "professional" is valid, for those who actually get paid to ride for a living.

chipcom 

Pie is mathmatical.

DnvrFox

No, pie is mathematical

chipcom 

No, Pi is mathematical! I knew someone would take the bait!

DnvrFox

If the bait is pie, I will take it and mathematically cut it into 6 Pi_eces

crtreedude 

I see, as usual, the thread has degenerated into a PI fight...

BSLeVan

For the most part I don’t like arbitrary classifications. I think it speaks to a part of human nature that frustrates me to no end – the need to place things into categories so as to simplify what it takes for us to understand it. I find this true of descriptions of political leanings, kinds of music, kinds of bicyclist, etc. You get the point. Often these kind of classifications end up being hierarchical in nature which allows those with elitist leanings to revel in their “superiority”. See here’s the thing, I’ll never be a professional rider, and I’m OK with that. At the same time, I have much in my life at which I do excel. I try to use my “gifts” as modestly as possible, and never want to have others feel less because of me. I really do rile at the need some people have to place themselves in the “one-up” position over others. End of rant…..

Digital Gee

I'm a recreational cyclist -- it helps me re-create my childhood experience.

chipcom 

jm01

+1...I'm a year round commuter and run errands on my bikes, however consider my noon-time 1.5 hour ride and my weekend XC trail and road rides recreational

never thought a label was an issue

will dehne

I am helping two guys to get going with biking. In that process, labels were used and helpful but not in a sense of derogatory.
Guy #1
I want to bike and stop smoking. I want to go to/from work on a paved trail 25 miles in under 1.5 hours. I also want to bike with guys like my father and keep up.
Me
You want to be a Performance biker. You need a light weight road-bike, full biking equipment and learn such things as cadence, nutrition, hydration, proper posture, bike adjustments, bike maintenance.
Guy #2
I am pedaling around on a hybrid and I do not like being dropped by every biker I meet. I am a competitive person who ran marathons until my hip needed to be replaced. I now want to be a Competitive biker.
Me
I gave him the same advise as above.

I am finding these terms useful: Recreational, performance and competitive do summarize the intend of that biker.