What defines a 'Cyclist'
01-27-09, 08:52 PM
#51
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01-27-09, 10:12 PM
#52
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01-27-09, 10:17 PM
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01-27-09, 10:22 PM
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If you own a camera and snap a few pics, are you a photographer?
If you have a baseball glove and play 'catch" with your kid, are you a baseball player?
If you own a guitar and can play a few chords, are you a guitarist?
I still maintain that there is a big difference between owning a bike - and even riding a bit - and being a cyclist.
If you have a baseball glove and play 'catch" with your kid, are you a baseball player?
If you own a guitar and can play a few chords, are you a guitarist?
I still maintain that there is a big difference between owning a bike - and even riding a bit - and being a cyclist.
01-27-09, 10:42 PM
#61
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You are a cyclist when other people start telling you that you're crazy
01-27-09, 11:36 PM
#64
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I think you do have to get beyond the shorts to the bibs to really be a cyclist.
01-27-09, 11:38 PM
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01-27-09, 11:40 PM
#66
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01-28-09, 12:11 AM
#68
Uber Goober
"If you own a camera and snap a few pics, are you a photographer?"
I've actually seen that debated on photography forums. Ditto with the term "artist". You also get arguments about what "professional" means. The problem is that a lot of people don't like to acknowledge that bad art is art, so they want to say that bad photographers are not photographers. And thus here, that bad cyclists are not cyclists. But by definition, a bad "X" must be an "X". If us regular joes that ride bicycles are not "cyclists", then there's no such thing as an inexperienced cyclist, or unskilled cyclist, etc., yet those terms seem to be in common use as well.
The dog just came into the room. He's not Lassie, so I'm not sure if he's a "real dog" or not.
I've actually seen that debated on photography forums. Ditto with the term "artist". You also get arguments about what "professional" means. The problem is that a lot of people don't like to acknowledge that bad art is art, so they want to say that bad photographers are not photographers. And thus here, that bad cyclists are not cyclists. But by definition, a bad "X" must be an "X". If us regular joes that ride bicycles are not "cyclists", then there's no such thing as an inexperienced cyclist, or unskilled cyclist, etc., yet those terms seem to be in common use as well.
The dog just came into the room. He's not Lassie, so I'm not sure if he's a "real dog" or not.
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01-28-09, 12:25 AM
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I would argue that there are a few qualifications, "racing" not being one of them. You need to have a passion for riding your bicycle that transcends practicality. The bike must not simply be a means to an end, but an end in itself. Riding because it's your only option does not make you a cyclist. Riding on a consistent basis, regardless of varying weather patterns, with a genuine love for the scenery and physical/mental challenges posed by the sport, makes you a true cyclist.
01-28-09, 12:52 AM
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01-28-09, 12:57 AM
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I think finding a spot for riding in your life on a regular basis. Daydreaming about riding when you are in your car. Also, I think a true "cyclist" (read: Roadie) should have a respect and admiration for the history of the sport, its heroes, villains, famous climbs etc. There is something that speaks to me in a person who takes the time to get interested in the history of his/her sport.
01-28-09, 01:00 AM
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"If you own a camera and snap a few pics, are you a photographer?"
I've actually seen that debated on photography forums. Ditto with the term "artist". You also get arguments about what "professional" means. The problem is that a lot of people don't like to acknowledge that bad art is art, so they want to say that bad photographers are not photographers. And thus here, that bad cyclists are not cyclists. But by definition, a bad "X" must be an "X". If us regular joes that ride bicycles are not "cyclists", then there's no such thing as an inexperienced cyclist, or unskilled cyclist, etc., yet those terms seem to be in common use as well.
The dog just came into the room. He's not Lassie, so I'm not sure if he's a "real dog" or not.
I've actually seen that debated on photography forums. Ditto with the term "artist". You also get arguments about what "professional" means. The problem is that a lot of people don't like to acknowledge that bad art is art, so they want to say that bad photographers are not photographers. And thus here, that bad cyclists are not cyclists. But by definition, a bad "X" must be an "X". If us regular joes that ride bicycles are not "cyclists", then there's no such thing as an inexperienced cyclist, or unskilled cyclist, etc., yet those terms seem to be in common use as well.
The dog just came into the room. He's not Lassie, so I'm not sure if he's a "real dog" or not.
I guess these criteria could be put to artist, cyclist, or whatever. I mean, I can balance my checkbook but I am no accountant (does that even work?)
01-28-09, 01:57 AM
#73
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01-28-09, 05:39 AM
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If you own a camera and snap a few pics, are you a photographer?
If you have a baseball glove and play 'catch" with your kid, are you a baseball player?
If you own a guitar and can play a few chords, are you a guitarist?
I still maintain that there is a big difference between owning a bike - and even riding a bit - and being a cyclist.
If you have a baseball glove and play 'catch" with your kid, are you a baseball player?
If you own a guitar and can play a few chords, are you a guitarist?
I still maintain that there is a big difference between owning a bike - and even riding a bit - and being a cyclist.
no, you are a catcher
yes
Last edited by kwrides; 01-28-09 at 07:05 AM.
01-28-09, 06:03 AM
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If you own a camera and snap a few pics, are you a photographer?
If you have a baseball glove and play 'catch" with your kid, are you a baseball player?
If you own a guitar and can play a few chords, are you a guitarist?
I still maintain that there is a big difference between owning a bike - and even riding a bit - and being a cyclist.
If you have a baseball glove and play 'catch" with your kid, are you a baseball player?
If you own a guitar and can play a few chords, are you a guitarist?
I still maintain that there is a big difference between owning a bike - and even riding a bit - and being a cyclist.
The big difference concerns adjectives...which apparently is a concept that many here don't grasp. Thus, while one who is snapping pictures may be a photographer, they are not necessarily a professional photographer. A cyclist is anyone engaging in the act of riding a bicycle...but that does not make them a professional cyclist, an avid cyclist, or the ever popular serious cyclist.
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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