Originally Posted by
miss kenton
C.O.D. and Denver,
I sincerely hope that neither of you stop posting. I had considered giving up on 50+ myself, but found I would truly miss the likes of you two and many of the other members . I decided that rather than stop visiting or posting, I would simply not read or respond to the posts of those I find to be consistently combative, disrespectful, or possessing a "holier than thou" attitude. If it means skipping a whole thread, that's okay.
I come here for cycling advice and information, the camaraderie of fellow cyclists, and the entertainment provided by some of the wits, story tellers, and photographers here. If I wanted to be involved in a useless donnybrook, I could just tell my husband I forgot to pay the mortgage on time last month.
I have found this forum to be a wealth of cycling information that has helped a great deal since I've started riding and while I wouldn't come here for medical advice,
, many posters, through their experience and,
ahem, maturity, have some interesting and insightful things to say, not all bike related, but I value that, too.
I understand the forum evolves as new members come and others leave, but I don't think the basic personality of this forum must change as a result of a few that feel they must insist they know more than the rest of us. Leaving the forum isn't going to change that. I understand how the contention caused by a few angry birds can make one weary, but there are many here that value sharing the vulnerabilities, trials, and tribulations as well as the joys and triumphs of those that are not "perfect."
Thanks, Miss Kenton
I didn't mean to imply that I was leaving the forum. Just backing off a bit. Perhaps your words of wisdom are appropriate, not only to me, but to everyone. If I (and others) could learn to simply ignore the few - and I could likely write a list right now - who find joy in getting reactions from others and simply not read, or, if read, not respond, things would settle down a bit.
There is nothing more powerful than being ignored. I received a snippy reply in this thread which I just ignored and - YEAH - that comment just went away - no one else responded, either.
So, I, like you, will ignore threads that seem to be headed for train wrecks. Perhaps we could report to the mods those that should be moved to P&R or ask them to simply remove the political or otherwise offensive post from the thread.
It really is important to me to get the views of other 50+'rs - or in my case 70+'rs - on some subjects - that perhaps could be in foo or another forum, but, honestly, I don't need the thoughts of an 18 year old on many of the threads that are started here.
It was my goal several years back to help start a friendly, positive, supportive sub-forum, broaching a wide range of topics, Many,many things affect our ability to bike, especially as one gets a few years on their body. Right now, my bicycling is limited because of left hip pain, right Achilles tendon pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia pain and my recovering from and adjusting to the cataract sugery (but this is very minor). Additionally, for many of us, our home and spouse situation(s) become a factor in our frequency and length of bicycling. Things such as retirement and bicycling, death of and illness of spouses and bicycling, aches and pains and bicycling, slowing down with age and bicycling are important to share ideas about.
It is also great to read about the accomplishments and great things done by so many of our 50+ riders, and how they got there. Training techniques, racing accomplishments, centuries, doubles, randonneuring, - wow, the list goes on.
This gives hope and inspiration to many, and discards many preconceptions that folks may have about 50+'rs.
It is really nice to have a place to discuss, without fear of being put down, some issues broader then most bicycling sub-forums, where the perspectives of those with thinning hair can help to sort things out.
Additionally, I hope it is worthwhile to have a place where a 50+ (or 60+) or (70+) newbie or returning bicyclist can ask questions - which may seem dumb to the asker - and get supportive answers and congratulations for accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem to others.