Originally posted by Fireman Phil
Mr. CANUK
Let me share the mission statement from a recreational club in my area, the ones I refer to as "BIKE SNOBS"
"Mission Statement "
To encourage all people to participate in bicycling without regard to age or expertise.
We promote all aspects of bicycling with special emphasis on bicycling safety, bicyclist's rights and responsibilities. We also seek to enhance communications among cyclists and to provide opportunities for bicycling and socializing with others.
The key words "ALL PEOPLE" , to me that means if you ride a x-mart brand or a high end bike. It has nothing to do if you think your super stud biker with an ego bigger than Texas or just a person out to enjoy the sport of cycling
Fine. So what exactly is the problem?. Are they kicking you out because of your bike? In what way are the serious riders "looking down" on you?
How is it that they are offending you? Do you feel they should come and pet you on the head?
I really doubt anyone there is openly intimidating you. I remember some years back in PE class I was the guy who couldn't beat anyone in anything, and couldn't afford the fancy shoes and clothes everyone else wore. Yeah, I got ignored like a loser, but so what? As long as no one openly disrespected me and accepted my presence I didn't complain.
Frankly I think the problem is more yours than the people you are referring to. I have ridden my share of department store bikes and brick heavy garage sale bikes, and I may not have been satisfied but I used it to its full potential.
No one here is saying that you are any less of a cylclist than anyone else. You just happen to be in a different field (refering to my previous analogy).