I will wade into this because the Original Post is obviously directed at me...

There was one thread some time ago that was started by someone who wanted to go to Africa. Some sound advice initially was given, and I stepped in and provided advice on bike choices and more so, the experience (however minimal) the OP should gain in riding before departing. This advice came from several years hiring bikes to people of all ages and experience, and running bicycle courses. The OP in that case preferred to go surfing instead of heeding that advice... and also preferred to listen to the "encouragement" from mostly male posters regarding her "adventure". In the end, the OP went with the advice of all the others, and it almost cost her her life.

Yes, people are free to do what they want. It's supposedly a free world. They're entitled to ignore all the sound advice in the world and take the advice they want to hear, which is what happened in this case. But that doesn't stop me from recognising the same sort of trend appearing with other posters, and I refer specifically to rock_ten and his planned adventure. Everyone oooh-ahhed about his secondhand bike purchase, but realistically... what would he know? I said -- and still maintain -- that he would be better off with a new bike for what he planned.

You see, Niles, it's also OK for everyone to chime in with their two-cents' worth. But when the targets of their advice fail in what ultimately are their misguided adventures, they do not only themselves serious damage, but the reputation and image of cycling suffers as well. Eventually, after a few more people are knocked off their bikes in an African adventure, and multi-thousands of dollars are spent by insurance companies repatriating them, the insurers will start to jack up the premiums... or provide no cover at all to anyone who dares mention bicycle on their application form. Just look at the travel insurance policies now! Even the rock_tens of this world might only end up in the ditch with hypothermia, but then media would see it another crackpot cyclist doing something insane. You might think this is OK... giving people advice without responsibilty. I don't.

All I want is for these people to succeed. Yes, strange as it might seem! To succeed! Hard concept to grasp, isn't it Niles. But you have to give them the tools -- and that means knowledge -- to at least have a fighting chance of succeeding. Glib "Do It, you'll have a great adventure" just doesn't cut it.

I put my points of view strongly. When someone posts a direct dismissal of what I (and others) post without stating a sound reason, there is scope to call into question that person's experience in all matters cycling... and posting. You, my friend, were a troll in the thread that obviously has initiated the angst because you were inflamatory in your dismissal, left the thread to simmer, then chimed in with another "I almost died" post.

There is a simple solution to your concerns... go set up your own cycling forum. Be the moderator, and that way you can control (a) what is said to ensure it agrees with what your whim might be; and (b) you will remove any remote expression of passion for what we do.