I got "the look" today
#1
jaywbee3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southern New Hampshire
Posts: 64
Bikes: Surly LTH, Burley Duet, Trek 7300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got "the look" today
OK, so I am almost 60, mostly bald, trim, with white hair and beard. It was in the 80s today and I did a grocery run, the long way, so it was about 15 miles round trip. I was wearing cotton shorts, not Lycra and polypro top. As I am locking up my bike a lady who I would guess to be in her 70s or 80s walks by and I thought she was going to complement me on trying to keep in shape, etc. Instead she gives me a look that I can only interpret as "You are so f---ing stupid I wonder how you find your way home at night!" She went into the store and I did not see her again. I was downwind, wearing clean clothes, and trying to look presentable. I hope it was something that she had for breakfast that was giving her grief.
#2
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
It's an age thing. My m-in-law used to ask if I was tired and needed a nap when I came in from riding. She just never really understood when I told her I was hot but reinvigorated.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,260
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Who cares what those old ladies think?
I'm always thrilled to be able to run errands by bike and some snarling old biddie ain't gonna change that!
Actually, I've found that 99% of fellow shoppers are freindly and accomodating...if not darn right interested in trying it themselves.
I'm always thrilled to be able to run errands by bike and some snarling old biddie ain't gonna change that!
Actually, I've found that 99% of fellow shoppers are freindly and accomodating...if not darn right interested in trying it themselves.
#8
Legs; OK! Lungs; not!
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Posts: 2,096
Bikes: ''09 Motobecane Immortal Pro (Yellow), '02 Diamondback Hybrid, '09 Lamborghini Viaggio, ''11 Cervelo P2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
4 Posts
Who care what anyone thinks?
A year ago I thought the bikes with the skinny tires and seat up your but was stupid, not to mention those silly outfits. Now I find that everything in road and CX biking (and perhaps mtb) all have an important purpose in the sport (Speed, comfort, weight, aero, etc.) and those things I appreciate. Some things are done to keep up with the Jones' as it were, and those things I eschew.
I don't care that I ride a BD bike, have speedplays, wear a reflective vest in the dark, and any number of things that are frowned upon. While I realize shaving one's legs has a purpose, I suppose I'll have to learn that lesson my self.
I got out, ride hard, and enjoy myself. I adopt the things that make sense to me.
A year ago I thought the bikes with the skinny tires and seat up your but was stupid, not to mention those silly outfits. Now I find that everything in road and CX biking (and perhaps mtb) all have an important purpose in the sport (Speed, comfort, weight, aero, etc.) and those things I appreciate. Some things are done to keep up with the Jones' as it were, and those things I eschew.
I don't care that I ride a BD bike, have speedplays, wear a reflective vest in the dark, and any number of things that are frowned upon. While I realize shaving one's legs has a purpose, I suppose I'll have to learn that lesson my self.
I got out, ride hard, and enjoy myself. I adopt the things that make sense to me.
#9
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
A year or so ago I had a little old lady--think Sophia from Golden Girls--give me a completely different kind of look.
She was behind me in the checkout line at the grocery store. I was wearing lycra shorts since I'd stopped on my commute home, and she said to me, "I haven't seen a butt like that in 40 years!"
She was behind me in the checkout line at the grocery store. I was wearing lycra shorts since I'd stopped on my commute home, and she said to me, "I haven't seen a butt like that in 40 years!"
#10
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
#11
Wheezy Rider
My Dad had an old uncle who retired at age 65, sat down in his armchair by the fire and barely moved again until he died 17 years later. Because that was what old people were supposed to do.
Remember when Bing Crosby died just after finishing a round of golf? Apparently his last words were "That was a great game fellas". I was a teenager at the time and can remember thinking how, as and when my time came, I definitely wanted it to be while doing something I love. (I have a nagging fear that I'll breathe my last while on a conference call, or standing in line somewhere.)
However, my Dad's old uncle had a different opinion. His was "The stupid idiot, playing golf at his age. What was he thinking?" It just seems sad to me that some people think you shouldn't do something you love just because you're gettin' up there in years.
So back to the original post...as a wise man once said...
Your life, your ride, F*** anybody who doesn't like it!
#12
Artificial Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Cyberspace
Posts: 7,158
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6766 Post(s)
Liked 5,479 Times
in
3,223 Posts
Maybe that was her "cougar" look...
__________________
#13
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Post-partisan Paradise
Posts: 4,938
Bikes: GF Wahoo '05, Trek T1000 '04, Lemond Buenos Aires '07
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
2 Posts
Who care what anyone thinks?
A year ago I thought the bikes with the skinny tires and seat up your but was stupid, not to mention those silly outfits. Now I find that everything in road and CX biking (and perhaps mtb) all have an important purpose in the sport (Speed, comfort, weight, aero, etc.) and those things I appreciate. Some things are done to keep up with the Jones' as it were, and those things I eschew.
I don't care that I ride a BD bike, have speedplays, wear a reflective vest in the dark, and any number of things that are frowned upon. While I realize shaving one's legs has a purpose, I suppose I'll have to learn that lesson my self.
I got out, ride hard, and enjoy myself. I adopt the things that make sense to me.
A year ago I thought the bikes with the skinny tires and seat up your but was stupid, not to mention those silly outfits. Now I find that everything in road and CX biking (and perhaps mtb) all have an important purpose in the sport (Speed, comfort, weight, aero, etc.) and those things I appreciate. Some things are done to keep up with the Jones' as it were, and those things I eschew.
I don't care that I ride a BD bike, have speedplays, wear a reflective vest in the dark, and any number of things that are frowned upon. While I realize shaving one's legs has a purpose, I suppose I'll have to learn that lesson my self.
I got out, ride hard, and enjoy myself. I adopt the things that make sense to me.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A year or so ago I had a little old lady--think Sophia from Golden Girls--give me a completely different kind of look.
She was behind me in the checkout line at the grocery store. I was wearing lycra shorts since I'd stopped on my commute home, and she said to me, "I haven't seen a butt like that in 40 years!"
She was behind me in the checkout line at the grocery store. I was wearing lycra shorts since I'd stopped on my commute home, and she said to me, "I haven't seen a butt like that in 40 years!"
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2,712
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Not uncommon. The old saw that Misery Loves Company is as applicable here as in other places. People who are at least somewhat fit are threatening by their very presence to others who are not. At the same time cyclists, especially those of maturity are a minority, a very, small minority and so are targets for those who aren't comfortable with others not like themselves.
#19
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,788
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I just coughed fizzy beer out my nose, thankyouverymuch.
My Dad had an old uncle who retired at age 65, sat down in his armchair by the fire and barely moved again until he died 17 years later. Because that was what old people were supposed to do.
Remember when Bing Crosby died just after finishing a round of golf? Apparently his last words were "That was a great game fellas". I was a teenager at the time and can remember thinking how, as and when my time came, I definitely wanted it to be while doing something I love. (I have a nagging fear that I'll breathe my last while on a conference call, or standing in line somewhere.)
However, my Dad's old uncle had a different opinion. His was "The stupid idiot, playing golf at his age. What was he thinking?" It just seems sad to me that some people think you shouldn't do something you love just because you're gettin' up there in years.
So back to the original post...as a wise man once said...
My Dad had an old uncle who retired at age 65, sat down in his armchair by the fire and barely moved again until he died 17 years later. Because that was what old people were supposed to do.
Remember when Bing Crosby died just after finishing a round of golf? Apparently his last words were "That was a great game fellas". I was a teenager at the time and can remember thinking how, as and when my time came, I definitely wanted it to be while doing something I love. (I have a nagging fear that I'll breathe my last while on a conference call, or standing in line somewhere.)
However, my Dad's old uncle had a different opinion. His was "The stupid idiot, playing golf at his age. What was he thinking?" It just seems sad to me that some people think you shouldn't do something you love just because you're gettin' up there in years.
So back to the original post...as a wise man once said...
I deal with much the same attitude, though it shows itself only occasionally....
My extended family lives with me (sister's fam); b-in-l gets on the soapbox about something, toward someone, pretty much 2x/month, and it's all bull****. Once, he got on me about my riding -- griping at me because I ride in the cold, the rain, occasional snow, instead of going out and buying a car! I'm supposed to grow up, do the right thing, and get a car so I can take my daughter to the hospital (she's never been anywhere but a scheduled doc's appt. for the past seven years). He's 61, I'm 51, and he won't see 71. I intend on seeing 91, and the bike will enhance those chances!
Somebody here said something very profound -- "You don't slow down because you age, you age because you slow down." Not 100% true, but profound, just the same.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,067
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
56 Posts
You know you are old when you start thinking of 80yo as your contemporaries and caring what they think.
I think there is a certain homophobia towards cycling for whatever reasons. I think that is at the heart of some of the "issues" we deal with, that and in the US bicycles are looked upon as a children toys, something you are supposed to out grow.
I think there is a certain homophobia towards cycling for whatever reasons. I think that is at the heart of some of the "issues" we deal with, that and in the US bicycles are looked upon as a children toys, something you are supposed to out grow.
#21
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,788
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
You know you are old when you start thinking of 80yo as your contemporaries and caring what they think.
I think there is a certain homophobia towards cycling for whatever reasons. I think that is at the heart of some of the "issues" we deal with, that and in the US bicycles are looked upon as a children toys, something you are supposed to out grow.
I think there is a certain homophobia towards cycling for whatever reasons. I think that is at the heart of some of the "issues" we deal with, that and in the US bicycles are looked upon as a children toys, something you are supposed to out grow.
Gives me an idea for the clowns who holler "F*@@*T!" at me -- "You just lookin' for a boyfriend!"
#23
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Foley,Alabama
Posts: 38
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
yeah, you gotta watch out for old ladies - one buzzed me the other day and I could see her smiling as she did it. they have an evil side!