a couple of years ago I got my feelings hurt in the fixed gear ss forum. I was chastised because my writing wasn't good.I mentioned that I thought this was a bicyling forum not a english forum. Then I posted here and everyone welcomed me.I still can't write well and don't post much but I do read alot in all the forums. When I post its usually here thanks for being here.

Problem demonstrated.

This is particularly disrespectful from someone who has notched up... let's see... a mere 130 posts on BFs.

I think he had a point. I think people need to lighten up a bit. Take this for what it's worth as I only have a mere 800 something posts.

So why are you disrespecting the fellow based on post counts anyway? What does that have to do with the validity of a person's opinion or his or her perfect right to state it?

...

Put down that Starbucks and step away from the computer before someone gets hurt....

Life would be much simpler, I think, if we were all provided SuperSoakers, and whenever we took offense, we could step out into the street and douse each other down.

Dang, with that philosphy I could start my own political party, maybe my own religion.

Was that me?

I post in SS Fixed Gear and I've been known to encourage people to improve their grammer and expression. If that's the case I apologize for posting something pubically that hurt your feelings.

I'd join but you're a kinder, gentler person than I am. I've often said that, if I were President, I'd pass a law that everybody, on their birthday, was allowed break one nose with impunity.

Do you suppose if that were law VROD might pick me?

It's one way to get that all important post count right on up there.

Someone needs to turn the global sensitivity knob down a few notches.

What I like about the 50+ guys, and gals, is that we can freely admint that we weren't born knowing everything, question that have a obvious answer to us can be asked here, and be answered with real answers, not vitrual beating for not knowing what we already know. The only stupid question is the one not asked.
On the other side of the coin, at 50, you should be a little flame proof, so when you do get flamed for something you write or ask, turn the other cheek(is the kindest way I can put the sentiment).
We can also talk about other non bike related stuff, and know we are not alone, that others have experienced what we are going through, or about to go through. It's a great source of empathy.
So Thanks fellas, stick around, lets keep the party going.

It's quiet. Too quiet.

I'm heading over to the road forum.

Save my spot here, though. Usually one post from botto and I'm outta there......

I haven't figured out why some people get pleasure from trying to make somebody else feel badly. I suspect they may have so little self esteem and joy in their life that the only outlet for their pleasure is showing disrespect to someone else. I also suspect that many may lack courage and hide behind anonymity provided by the internet.

We also must be cognizant of the "herd mentality" where people tend to use others to validate their positions and then they become more vocal.

I don't have a large post count; so, you can discount my wisdom. I suppose that 61 years of life experience and world-wide travels to over 60 countries (and all 50 states) have less value than my post count.

Interesting reading . . . I've never had a problem with the tone, purpose or anyone's attitude (as expressed in posts) on the 50+ forum.

Obviously others have!

Maybe I'm thick-skinned or let negative comments roll off, but when (for example) I post one of my double century reports and others reply that I'm "crazy" or "nuts" or whatever, because I ride these events, it honestly doesn't bother me.

They're certainly entitled to their opinions, and have no real reason to agree with mine.

Same thing with my fixed gear riding, which others have commented on in a negative way. Maybe riding fixed doesn't work for them; that's fine with me and I'll continue to enjoy it regardless.

Regarding injuries, disease and other aspects of getting older, I usually don't comment unless I have something constructive to add. Note: This is not the same "ignore." Interesting to read, but usually not in my field of knowledge, hence no comments from me.

Rick / OCRR

I am totally impressed that you can ride a double century and are adept with a fixed gear bicycle. This should gives others ideas that they can stretch their targets although most can't equal your success.

Yeah, but there is that whole "they're right" thing.

And being one of those who have questioned your sanity I sure hope you accepted my comments in the manner they were intended, not as an expression to berate but rather as a lighthearted expression of amazement.

I have an automated script that posts "you're crazy" in every one of your double century reports -- so most of those comments are probably from me!

This morning I got passed by a guy on a FG on my way to work, going up a modest hill. We were coming to a screaming downhill, and he slowed down and pulled to the right, saying, "I know you're going to pass me going down the hill," at which point I told him about this crazy new invention called freewheels.

Yes BluesDawg,

And that was my point (I think?). That is to say: They think they're right and for them, I'm sure they are. I think I'm right, and for me, I am right.

Both exist and that's fine with me; no worries.

Rick / OCRR

Well, problem is that several threads in this forum aren't 50+special concern" threads. Many are new wheel, bike, component, tire etc, threads like in any other forum. So by going off topic, you set yourself up for comments posted in the style of any other forum. IMO, several here steer the forum aways from the whole 50+ special concerns theme.



Anytime I've ever called Rick crazy, it's been in a complimentary fashion. He knows what a sweet loving person I am in person so I know he knows it's all good!.

Wait Fred,

You mean the "Leaner, Meaner Beaner" is really a "Sweet Loving Person?" Or does that only mean that you love sweets? Are you 50 yet? Did I miss your birthday on facebook?

And when are you going to ride your first double?

We're riding GMR/GRR this Sat., 8:00AM if you'd like to join us!

It was sweet of you to bring cupcakes on my wife's birthday GMR ride (or was that Gina who brought the cupcakes?). Sweet of both of you!

Rick / OCRR

Note: I'm not calling him "A Fred" his first name is Fred . . . really.

That's cool BengeBoy,

No worries! Both Dante and I get "You're crazy!" replies to our double century reports. Not sure why Victor (Biker395) doesn't. Probably because his are so well written!

Regarding freewheels, yes, very over-rated! Though I'm not thinking that while riding a long descent on my fixed gear bike . . .

Rick / OCRR

Does posting a lot make ones opinion more valid?

But when you're a 50+ cyclist and have these concerns or questions, by definition they become special concerns of a 50+ cyclist. Sometimes I do post general questions/concerns in the road forum or training & nutrition, but often I do so here because I want the perspective & sensibilities of the 50+ crowd. I just don't buy that we're only allowed to talk about our prostates here.

Thank You! I am perplexed about being off topic on BikeForum.net when discussing bicycles. As a 50+ geezer, my bicycle and associated equipment are my special concerns. I like discussing bicycles with my contemporaries. I perceive that 50+ members have different perspectives about bicycles. I guess I should apologize for my low post count and my misunderstanding of the purpose of this section of the forum.