In regards to women in cycling: For me cycling is the great equalizer if anything else. You're either fast or you're not (I'm not). It always blows my mind when you run into that condescending attitude towards women on a group ride. Luckily I've heard about more than I've seen it first hand. It also helps that most of the riders I know are smart enough to never underestimate a rider based on gender or outward appearance. There are lots of fast women riders in the Dallas circle I know, including a two time masters national champ who runs the local crit series.
But getting back to the equalizer aspect of cycling, I just love it. I showed up to that event last night and you have all types of riders out there. Some are decked out like pros and they fall off the back after the first few miles. Some are wearing worn out kit and crushing souls. And gender is irrelevant when the pedals start turning.