"Recreational Rider".........
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"Recreational Rider".........
Why do I find this term derogatory? I have found that it is what fits me, but for some reason, don't like being called one. I don't enjoy hammerfests, I do enjoy a decent pace, riding back roads, putting on some mileage, and taking in the scenery. And I don't think that's such a bad way to enjoy cycling. Anyone else found the term to carry a negative connotation? I know it shouldn't bug me, but it does!
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I've never thought of the term recreational rider as being derogatory. I consider myself a recreational rider and feel that puts me light years ahead of friends that are recreational couch potatoes!
I consider the hammerfest fans to be recreational riders also, just a different type.
I consider the hammerfest fans to be recreational riders also, just a different type.
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I've never thought the label was derogatory. I often refer to this type of riding as "Stop and smell the roses"
I do all types of riding from those slow rides to enjoy the scenery and the occasional hammer-fest to improve fitness. I think everyone should ride for the enjoyment.
I do all types of riding from those slow rides to enjoy the scenery and the occasional hammer-fest to improve fitness. I think everyone should ride for the enjoyment.
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Here's my take.
Anyone who rides a bike is a cyclist.
Cyclists fall into two basic groups, recreational and transportational.
Recreational riders are the vast majority, riding for fitness, sport or just for...recreation.
Transportational riders ride to get someplace for reasons other than recreation...work, errands, etc.
Many riders are both transportational AND recreational.
I commute to work, but even then I consider it as a mixture of my recreation for transportational purposes.
Now there are those who wish to separate cyclists into 'serious' and 'non serious', usually sport or 'advocate' riders who think their sport, speed, mileage, classes, etc. make them 'serious'...usually lumping recreational riders into the non-serious category. IMO it's basically just a way for them to feel superior to others and an indication of their own personality issues and insecurities.
So, no reason to get offended if someone calls you a recreational rider - if they think they are dissing you, they are only displaying their own ignorance and insecurity.
Anyone who rides a bike is a cyclist.
Cyclists fall into two basic groups, recreational and transportational.
Recreational riders are the vast majority, riding for fitness, sport or just for...recreation.
Transportational riders ride to get someplace for reasons other than recreation...work, errands, etc.
Many riders are both transportational AND recreational.
I commute to work, but even then I consider it as a mixture of my recreation for transportational purposes.
Now there are those who wish to separate cyclists into 'serious' and 'non serious', usually sport or 'advocate' riders who think their sport, speed, mileage, classes, etc. make them 'serious'...usually lumping recreational riders into the non-serious category. IMO it's basically just a way for them to feel superior to others and an indication of their own personality issues and insecurities.
So, no reason to get offended if someone calls you a recreational rider - if they think they are dissing you, they are only displaying their own ignorance and insecurity.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
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Welcome to the 50+ forum. Most of us are "recreational riders". More common sense and courtesy prevails here than in some of the other groups.
Here you are allowed to have a 6 speed bike with aero bars that you use to go to the pie shop on Sunday morning and we will think its cool.
Smiles per mile......................
Here you are allowed to have a 6 speed bike with aero bars that you use to go to the pie shop on Sunday morning and we will think its cool.
Smiles per mile......................
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What would you prefer; squid, Fred, poser, wannabee, bike nerd...? just kidding...
#7
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Originally Posted by freeranger
Why do I find this term derogatory? I have found that it is what fits me, but for some reason, don't like being called one. I don't enjoy hammerfests, I do enjoy a decent pace, riding back roads, putting on some mileage, and taking in the scenery. And I don't think that's such a bad way to enjoy cycling. Anyone else found the term to carry a negative connotation? I know it shouldn't bug me, but it does!
The term doesn't bother me as much as that attitude prevalent in other forums wherein if you don't ride like you're 22 you ain't ****. Now that gets my chamois in a twist, by golly.
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The term "sport rider" or "club rider" probably fits fast non-licensed hammerheads better.
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If you recreate yourself while riding, I guess you are a recreational cyclist. As Chipcom said, those who have a need to label everyone have a label for themselves probably.
Of course, Chip is a little sensitive because no one has been able to figure what kind of group he should belong too.
I mean, how many middle aged, slightly puggy, cigar smoking, playboy posing, supermodels can there be? (Please tell me no more than one...!)
Of course, Chip is a little sensitive because no one has been able to figure what kind of group he should belong too.
I mean, how many middle aged, slightly puggy, cigar smoking, playboy posing, supermodels can there be? (Please tell me no more than one...!)
#10
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Nothing wrong with being a recreational rider. Like Chipcom said, most of us are recreational riders and a few are transportational. I would add a category of professional or near professional racers. Most of the hammerheads who might look down on recreational riders would fall in the recreational category.
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If you count Rue Paul there are at least 2.
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We are all recreational riders, unless one of us happens to be in an actual race at the time.
There are a lot of "legends-in-their-own-mind" riders though. ;-)
There are a lot of "legends-in-their-own-mind" riders though. ;-)
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Originally Posted by crtreedude
If you recreate yourself while riding, I guess you are a recreational cyclist. As Chipcom said, those who have a need to label everyone have a label for themselves probably.
Of course, Chip is a little sensitive because no one has been able to figure what kind of group he should belong too.
I mean, how many middle aged, slightly puggy, cigar smoking, playboy posing, supermodels can there be? (Please tell me no more than one...!)
Of course, Chip is a little sensitive because no one has been able to figure what kind of group he should belong too.
I mean, how many middle aged, slightly puggy, cigar smoking, playboy posing, supermodels can there be? (Please tell me no more than one...!)
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#14
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I rarely get on a bike except when I want to go somewhere, so that makes me "transportational". However, I really enjoy it, so that makes me "recreational."
If I am at the shore, riding to the beach, am I "recreational" or "transportational?"
For that matter, isn't racing a form of recreation?
If "recreational" means "I enjoy it", then that's what I am, no apologies.
Is pie transportational or recreational? One can ride to get to it.
Paul
If I am at the shore, riding to the beach, am I "recreational" or "transportational?"
For that matter, isn't racing a form of recreation?
If "recreational" means "I enjoy it", then that's what I am, no apologies.
Is pie transportational or recreational? One can ride to get to it.
Paul
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Originally Posted by BluesDawg
Nothing wrong with being a recreational rider. Like Chipcom said, most of us are recreational riders and a few are transportational. I would add a category of professional or near professional racers. Most of the hammerheads who might look down on recreational riders would fall in the recreational category.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
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Originally Posted by PaulH
I rarely get on a bike except when I want to go somewhere, so that makes me "transportational". However, I really enjoy it, so that makes me "recreational."
If I am at the shore, riding to the beach, am I "recreational" or "transportational?"
For that matter, isn't racing a form of recreation?
If "recreational" means "I enjoy it", then that's what I am, no apologies.
Is pie transportational or recreational? One can ride to get to it.
Paul
If I am at the shore, riding to the beach, am I "recreational" or "transportational?"
For that matter, isn't racing a form of recreation?
If "recreational" means "I enjoy it", then that's what I am, no apologies.
Is pie transportational or recreational? One can ride to get to it.
Paul
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
No, pie is mathematical
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
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Originally Posted by chipcom
No, Pi is mathematical! I knew someone would take the bait!
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For the most part I don’t like arbitrary classifications. I think it speaks to a part of human nature that frustrates me to no end – the need to place things into categories so as to simplify what it takes for us to understand it. I find this true of descriptions of political leanings, kinds of music, kinds of bicyclist, etc. You get the point. Often these kind of classifications end up being hierarchical in nature which allows those with elitist leanings to revel in their “superiority”. See here’s the thing, I’ll never be a professional rider, and I’m OK with that. At the same time, I have much in my life at which I do excel. I try to use my “gifts” as modestly as possible, and never want to have others feel less because of me. I really do rile at the need some people have to place themselves in the “one-up” position over others. End of rant…..
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I'm a recreational cyclist -- it helps me re-create my childhood experience.
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
If the bait is pie, I will take it and mathematically cut it into 6 Pi_eces
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
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Originally Posted by chipcom
Here's my take.
Anyone who rides a bike is a cyclist.
Cyclists fall into two basic groups, recreational and transportational.
Anyone who rides a bike is a cyclist.
Cyclists fall into two basic groups, recreational and transportational.
never thought a label was an issue
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I am helping two guys to get going with biking. In that process, labels were used and helpful but not in a sense of derogatory.
Guy #1
I want to bike and stop smoking. I want to go to/from work on a paved trail 25 miles in under 1.5 hours. I also want to bike with guys like my father and keep up.
Me
You want to be a Performance biker. You need a light weight road-bike, full biking equipment and learn such things as cadence, nutrition, hydration, proper posture, bike adjustments, bike maintenance.
Guy #2
I am pedaling around on a hybrid and I do not like being dropped by every biker I meet. I am a competitive person who ran marathons until my hip needed to be replaced. I now want to be a Competitive biker.
Me
I gave him the same advise as above.
I am finding these terms useful: Recreational, performance and competitive do summarize the intend of that biker.
Guy #1
I want to bike and stop smoking. I want to go to/from work on a paved trail 25 miles in under 1.5 hours. I also want to bike with guys like my father and keep up.
Me
You want to be a Performance biker. You need a light weight road-bike, full biking equipment and learn such things as cadence, nutrition, hydration, proper posture, bike adjustments, bike maintenance.
Guy #2
I am pedaling around on a hybrid and I do not like being dropped by every biker I meet. I am a competitive person who ran marathons until my hip needed to be replaced. I now want to be a Competitive biker.
Me
I gave him the same advise as above.
I am finding these terms useful: Recreational, performance and competitive do summarize the intend of that biker.