Originally Posted by
maartendc
But I know that a lot of people would be deterred from getting into cycling because of this attitude. They don't want to show up with "lesser" equipment, or they think they need the latest and greatest to be able to partake, which saddens and angers me. The enjoyment of cycling does not depend on your equipment. I have even had friends of mine say they don't want to partake in these events because they don't have a "good bike", which is a real shame. I am sure they could enjoy the sport on an old bike, or even a city bike or hybrid.
In that case, it is up to you,
maartendc, to organize a cycling event for just you and your friends (who do not want to partake in those organized events, i.e., bike shows) to show them how enjoyable cycling could be among like-minded people, even with "lesser" equipment.