Purpose/Tone of 50+ Forum
06-18-10 | 05:31 PM
#101
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Bikes: 2011 Trek SOHO Deluxe, and 2010 Specialized Roubaix Expert
I like to ride a bike, and I like pie. Plus I'm only a few months shy of being 50 (Nov). This sub forum seemed like a perfect fit to me. I have many of the health problems that older people suffer from, and probably more than many older folks in this forum have. Personally I don't think I could care any less about what bikes the rest of you ride, or how fast you can go, or how many miles you put on a bike in any given time span, or what type of tire and wheels and so on; other than to be gracious, or polite, and give credit where credit is due. If you are out there enjoying yourself, I think it's fantastic...
I guess what I kind of envisioned the 50+ forum is being a gathering place for all bicycle riders/cyclist from all the other sub forums, gathering together in the 50+ forum, with the only thing they have in common is the fact that they are 50 or older, and discussing the issues/problems that come with that distinction. But, of course I'll be the first to admit that I wouldn't want it to just become a forum where people just talked about there health problems all the time either.
I had hoped that all the my dogs better than your dog stuff would be left in the other sub forums... Leave us face it; there are fewer and fewer older bicycle riders every day. The plain honest truth is, the older you get the harder it is to ride, and the more likely you are to have health problems arise, both from age and sometimes from the riding itself. I had hoped that this forum would be a good source of information as to how to overcome some of these obstacles, and a good data base on what kind of equipment might work for any given situation. Not just what gets you from point A. back to point A. as fast as you can go... If I want to only know about that, I'll lurk in the road forum.
So... I guess in conclusion I'll say that there are no easy answers for a sub forum this complex, but then again I like to post in about 5 other sub forums also... and at the end of the day... I just like to ride my bike, if this web site fell off the face of the earth, it wouldn't change that fact.
I guess what I kind of envisioned the 50+ forum is being a gathering place for all bicycle riders/cyclist from all the other sub forums, gathering together in the 50+ forum, with the only thing they have in common is the fact that they are 50 or older, and discussing the issues/problems that come with that distinction. But, of course I'll be the first to admit that I wouldn't want it to just become a forum where people just talked about there health problems all the time either.
I had hoped that all the my dogs better than your dog stuff would be left in the other sub forums... Leave us face it; there are fewer and fewer older bicycle riders every day. The plain honest truth is, the older you get the harder it is to ride, and the more likely you are to have health problems arise, both from age and sometimes from the riding itself. I had hoped that this forum would be a good source of information as to how to overcome some of these obstacles, and a good data base on what kind of equipment might work for any given situation. Not just what gets you from point A. back to point A. as fast as you can go... If I want to only know about that, I'll lurk in the road forum.
So... I guess in conclusion I'll say that there are no easy answers for a sub forum this complex, but then again I like to post in about 5 other sub forums also... and at the end of the day... I just like to ride my bike, if this web site fell off the face of the earth, it wouldn't change that fact.
I really enjoy hearing about people my age and older who can ride better than me. They give me inspiration to do better. Why should it bother you if we discuss our performance. If your not interested you can ignore.
You can also ignore threads about bicycles, which seems pertinent on a bicycle forum.
I am preparing for the HH 100. I was hoping I could get ideas from somebody my age, rather than a youthful cyclist.
06-18-10 | 08:15 PM
#102
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
So I should not post here because I am not infirmed.
I really enjoy hearing about people my age and older who can ride better than me. They give me inspiration to do better. Why should it bother you if we discuss our performance. If your not interested you can ignore.
You can also ignore threads about bicycles, which seems pertinent on a bicycle forum.
I am preparing for the HH 100. I was hoping I could get ideas from somebody my age, rather than a youthful cyclist.
I really enjoy hearing about people my age and older who can ride better than me. They give me inspiration to do better. Why should it bother you if we discuss our performance. If your not interested you can ignore.
You can also ignore threads about bicycles, which seems pertinent on a bicycle forum.
I am preparing for the HH 100. I was hoping I could get ideas from somebody my age, rather than a youthful cyclist.
It's pretty hard to control what other people do. One of the nicest things about being my age is that my kids aren't teenagers anymore. It's simple to control what you do. There's no rule that you have to read every post and, even if there was, guys like me would simply break it. If a thread title says it's going to be a race report, and you don't like to read race reports, don't open it. If a thread title uses the word "colonoscopy" and you don't like to read about colonoscopies, don't open it.
Now here's the interesting part: Why should anybody care what other people choose to read or not read? Live and let live I say.
06-18-10 | 08:44 PM
#104
ES&D
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 0
From: Roadieville, USA
Bikes: 3Rensho, Merlin XL, Melton custom, Michael Johnson tandem, Look 481SL, Pedal Force RS
06-18-10 | 08:50 PM
#105
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Warrenton, OR
Bikes: Specialized Roubiax Elite, Trek FX7300 hybrid, Trek 6500 mtb
06-18-10 | 09:08 PM
#106
Dan J
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
From: Iron Mountain, MI
Bikes: 1974 Stella 10 speed, 2006 Trek Pilot 1.2
06-19-10 | 06:29 AM
#107
No I'm Not a Pirate!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: The middle of somewhere in Indiana
06-19-10 | 06:45 AM
#108
No I'm Not a Pirate!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 694
Likes: 1
From: The middle of somewhere in Indiana
So I should not post here because I am not infirmed.
I really enjoy hearing about people my age and older who can ride better than me. They give me inspiration to do better. Why should it bother you if we discuss our performance. If your not interested you can ignore.
You can also ignore threads about bicycles, which seems pertinent on a bicycle forum.
I am preparing for the HH 100. I was hoping I could get ideas from somebody my age, rather than a youthful cyclist.
I really enjoy hearing about people my age and older who can ride better than me. They give me inspiration to do better. Why should it bother you if we discuss our performance. If your not interested you can ignore.
You can also ignore threads about bicycles, which seems pertinent on a bicycle forum.
I am preparing for the HH 100. I was hoping I could get ideas from somebody my age, rather than a youthful cyclist.
06-19-10 | 07:27 AM
#109
Artificial Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,162
Likes: 7,550
From: The Cloud
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
06-19-10 | 07:30 AM
#110
gone ride'n
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 2
From: Upstate NY
Bikes: Simoncini, Gary Fisher, Specialized Tarmac
06-19-10 | 07:41 AM
#112
Been Around Awhile
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,679
Likes: 1,989
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
06-19-10 | 01:04 PM
#114
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 2
From: Green Valley AZ
Bikes: Trice Q; Volae Century; TT 3.4
They qualify one as being a real rider as opposed to a figment of cycling imagination. This is, however, only true if you brew your own glue. Only posers use that store bought stuff.
(Does a post stiff move the counter if it is immediately deleted?)
(Does a post stiff move the counter if it is immediately deleted?)
06-19-10 | 06:04 PM
#115
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
There are others here whose opinions are highly regarded because of their extensive experience and, because they have been around here for a long time, any grouchiness they exhibit is part and parcel of their accepted on-line character. Retro Grouch is one that comes to mind.
I think your idea of a perfect right to state anything is a long way from stating something with politeness and having the ability to decide what is appropriate to say and what is not appropriate.
06-19-10 | 06:14 PM
#116
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
It does when that person has no idea of the history of the place he or she is in, and the people that make it work, and then makes comments like that one did.
In this particular instance, the post count really does indicate a lack of decorum. On the other hand, there is another new poster in the LD forum that is already well respected by posting good advice in a polite and intelligent way.
Your question goes to the heart of the conflict. There are many who come here with preconceived ideas about cycling that are open to debate. There are no absolutes to cycling but experience counts for a lot. When those new posters want to argue till they are figuratively red in the face because they cannot see fact, and then get personally abusive... well, that poster's credibility disappears.
The poster in question in this particular case made his second comment as a very personal one towards DnvrFox. Ergo, in my estimation, he's back to zero cred.
In this particular instance, the post count really does indicate a lack of decorum. On the other hand, there is another new poster in the LD forum that is already well respected by posting good advice in a polite and intelligent way.
Your question goes to the heart of the conflict. There are many who come here with preconceived ideas about cycling that are open to debate. There are no absolutes to cycling but experience counts for a lot. When those new posters want to argue till they are figuratively red in the face because they cannot see fact, and then get personally abusive... well, that poster's credibility disappears.
The poster in question in this particular case made his second comment as a very personal one towards DnvrFox. Ergo, in my estimation, he's back to zero cred.
06-19-10 | 06:42 PM
#117
Guest
Posts: n/a
I recently had a problem in Touring with someone who posted junk about what a horrible person I am because I believe in private property rights. I suspected the poster was a troll because he had a post count of ten, or some other low number. That might be your correspondent's reasoning in this case.
06-19-10 | 06:49 PM
#118
Guest
Posts: n/a
I wonder if the people who are so concerned about post count will withdraw the description "a disgrace to the touring community" they applied to me. After all, I had several thousand posts when they honored me with that title.
06-19-10 | 06:59 PM
#120
Dan J
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
From: Iron Mountain, MI
Bikes: 1974 Stella 10 speed, 2006 Trek Pilot 1.2
Inability to see "fact" (who determines fact?) is not the exclusive domain of the new poster. In my mind, that's the fallacy in your position. I agree when debate degenerates into personal abuse, the offending party, whether a new poster or veteran, loses credibility. Maybe I just missed it, but I don't think that's been a problem here. As I've said before, I do think people could stand to lighten up and not take themselves so seriously.
06-19-10 | 08:58 PM
#121
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Dunedin, FL
Bikes: 2014 Jamis Aurora
I didn't realize we weren't a big happy family. I lurk more then post but this forum is where I learn and The advice i've gotten here (dnvrfox, the weak link, cyclinfool and others) has been a great help to me.
06-21-10 | 08:19 AM
#123
invisible friend
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, Alabama
Bikes: Gary Fisher Tassajara hardtail mtb, '01 Rans Wave, '98 Raleigh R700, Mid-80's Takara Professional, '91 Bianchi Alfana
I read many posts in several different sub forums here, but the 50+ forum remains my favorite. I've learned a great deal about cycling that pertains to my specific needs and come to admire and respect the writings and opinions of quite a few people here(Some...not so much).
Today, for instance, even though my colon isn't due for for public viewing for several more months and my post count remains pathetic, I have learned I can say "ASS" here without resorting to clever ways to avoid the filters!
50+ ROCKS!
Today, for instance, even though my colon isn't due for for public viewing for several more months and my post count remains pathetic, I have learned I can say "ASS" here without resorting to clever ways to avoid the filters!
50+ ROCKS!
06-22-10 | 12:05 AM
#124
Don't mince words
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 5
From: Vacaville, CA
Bikes: '16 BH Quartz, 2017 Calfeecustom carbon tandem, Fuji D6 TT bike
I like that I can come here and post about my rides, my fears/accomplishments as a 50+ new racer, my aches and pains, and no one says HTFU without their tongue firmly planted in their cheek. Intelligent, inclusive, honest, that's the 50+ forum.
06-22-10 | 12:49 AM
#125
What happened?
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,918
Likes: 298
From: Around here somewhere
Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!
The 50+ forum was established with the following statement of purpose:
"Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling."
As it evolved, it became a very supportive group - especially in the areas of life where some of us find our bodies doing things we don't like or appreciate as we get older. Like it or not, our bodies do wear out. and discussing these issues and finding our way through them is in no way shameful or bad. Deny them as we like, they happen.
We have had folks successfully (and some not) battle cancer, and the 50+ group has been most supportive and caring. Some folks, such as me, have gone through various battles and skirmishes. In my case, Trigeminal Neuralgia, atrial fibrillation, and most recently, some severe excruciating pain caused by spondolythesis and a bulging disc.
Being able to discuss these concerns, and find other's solutions and support, in a kind, gentle and caring way, has been immensely valuable to me - and I hope others. I appeciate all the great feedback and positive attitude I have received, and it has been great being able to share these concerns as a sort of release.
The 50+ forum has not been characterized as an argumentative, "put down" type of forum. Sometimes we get folks reaching 50+ coming here from other forums or just joining who want to bring some of that antagonism and "got you" attitude here. They generally don't last long, or else they change a bit.
Have I been guilty of some of that attitude over the years? You betcha. But, each time I have, I regret it, and generally I apologize or try and change a bit.
We also have had some of the absolutely best and most clever writing I have ever read. I remember particularly the "Diegos" - a classic where someone - and I know who - built a whole character base of over 50 imaginary "Diegos" who were interacting with each other with remarkable characterization and appropriate differences in style. I am sorry the mods shut that down, but it was great while it lasted.
So, this is a plea for a kind and gentle forum. Life is too short, and we have too few years left, to spend our time in wasted effort arguing and showing off our (now diminishing) testosterone levels.
"Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling."
As it evolved, it became a very supportive group - especially in the areas of life where some of us find our bodies doing things we don't like or appreciate as we get older. Like it or not, our bodies do wear out. and discussing these issues and finding our way through them is in no way shameful or bad. Deny them as we like, they happen.
We have had folks successfully (and some not) battle cancer, and the 50+ group has been most supportive and caring. Some folks, such as me, have gone through various battles and skirmishes. In my case, Trigeminal Neuralgia, atrial fibrillation, and most recently, some severe excruciating pain caused by spondolythesis and a bulging disc.
Being able to discuss these concerns, and find other's solutions and support, in a kind, gentle and caring way, has been immensely valuable to me - and I hope others. I appeciate all the great feedback and positive attitude I have received, and it has been great being able to share these concerns as a sort of release.
The 50+ forum has not been characterized as an argumentative, "put down" type of forum. Sometimes we get folks reaching 50+ coming here from other forums or just joining who want to bring some of that antagonism and "got you" attitude here. They generally don't last long, or else they change a bit.
Have I been guilty of some of that attitude over the years? You betcha. But, each time I have, I regret it, and generally I apologize or try and change a bit.
We also have had some of the absolutely best and most clever writing I have ever read. I remember particularly the "Diegos" - a classic where someone - and I know who - built a whole character base of over 50 imaginary "Diegos" who were interacting with each other with remarkable characterization and appropriate differences in style. I am sorry the mods shut that down, but it was great while it lasted.
So, this is a plea for a kind and gentle forum. Life is too short, and we have too few years left, to spend our time in wasted effort arguing and showing off our (now diminishing) testosterone levels.
Things weird out occasionally in any forum. Take care, as usual and I'll see you around.
PS Only the Rollfast is 50+ but I have only 6 years as of this Saturday
On the other hand I read bad habits can add 12 years to your age, so I'm 56.
(I was waiting for that)
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