So I joined a women's riders group..

[nhbubba]

+1
















I would go Road King instead.

Street Glide?! Yech..

[golden chicken]

XR1200?

[dontpanic]

'82 Sturgis, please.

[mzdagrl]

The entire concept of a "true rider" kind of annoys me.

Same here, especially because as mentioned, the definition is always by exclusion. It irks me when girls get bikes just to look pretty on them and never actually go further than a few miles from home, never go anywhere without the boyfriend in tow, and spend more on looking cute on the bike than being safe. But, that doesn't mean they don't bring anything to the table...

[AEG]

... But, that doesn't mean they don't bring anything to the table...

...besides the chips and beer?

[gadget]

Being a "Rider" is a state of mind and has nothing to do with the type of vehicle you own.

If you get on it, in it, behind the wheel, on the stick, or anyway else, for no reason other than going for a ride, you are a Rider.

[Jaynnus]

Same here, especially because as mentioned, the definition is always by exclusion. It irks me when girls get bikes just to look pretty on them and never actually go further than a few miles from home, never go anywhere without the boyfriend in tow, and spend more on looking cute on the bike than being safe. But, that doesn't mean they don't bring anything to the table...

Just curious, why would that irk you? They are not taking anything away from me, they don't impede my ability to ride what when and how I want and if it makes them happy so be it. I don't get why anyone is bothered or judges the mindset of another.

Live and let ride!

[mzdagrl]

Just curious, why would that irk you?

it irks me because that is what people think of when they hear of a girl getting/having/riding a bike. it irks me because the gear market responds to these women more than it responds to you or me (I can't even tell you how many places I had to look to find a jacket that fit correctly, offered protection and wasn't pink...I ended up getting light blue because it stood out more than the pavement gray color of the same jacket but would have preferred something to match my bike). it irks me because if i want to find a photo of a bike online, I have to wade through pages of soft core pron because women are not seen by the community at large as riders, but rather seat-candy. and it irks me because, since i work in the motorcycle industry, i have to deal with people who think i am a secretary, despite answering their questions. i firmly believe that women and men should be treated equally in all occupations and all hobbies, and we are not. and it is our responsibility as women riders, to not only act against those stereotypes, but also to be offended by them, just as men should be offended by certain stereotypes as well (i.e. my husband does most of the cooking in my house and is dang good at it).

so, maybe it isn't those girls in particular, but rather the stereotype that they are perpetuating. it isn't stopping me from riding the way i want to, but it would be nice to not be questioned all the time.

[Jaynnus]

Good answer Keira.

But that is like telling someone they cannot wear a watch unless they need to know what time it is and use the watch to do so each and every time and not any other source vs wearing it because they like it and treat it as part of their daily fashion.

Kinda like saying only athletes can wear sneakers and if you only walk and not run you can't wear the running style. Wearing the high end running sneaker and not running is taking away from the value of those who do.

I hear you that you want to be taken more seriously by your men counter parts and that you want to find gear that is more suitable to your needs, but I don't think that means that those who want to wear pink and or ride only to the donut shop or on Sundays shouldn't.

Personally, if I want to be taken seriously, then I think that is up to me and not up to the general public.

On a side note, I really don't give a shit if some random guy thinks I am a basic idiot girl, passenger only, poser, ride a scooter, etc etc etc.

I too work in the motorcycle industry and I almost never get the stereotype attitude.

[mzdagrl]

Good answer Keira.

But that is like telling someone they cannot wear a watch unless they need to know what time it is and use the watch to do so each and every time and not any other source vs wearing it because they like it and treat it as part of their daily fashion.

Kinda like saying only athletes can wear sneakers and if you only walk and not run you can't wear the running style. Wearing the high end running sneaker and not running is taking away from the value of those who do.

I hear you that you want to be taken more seriously by your men counter parts and that you want to find gear that is more suitable to your needs, but I don't think that means that those who want to wear pink and or ride only to the donut shop or on Sundays shouldn't.

Personally, if I want to be taken seriously, then I think that is up to me and not up to the general public.

On a side note, I really don't give a shit if some random guy thinks I am a basic idiot girl, passenger only, poser, ride a scooter, etc etc etc.

I too work in the motorcycle industry and I almost never get the stereotype attitude.

I never said they couldn't do it. Just that it irks me that the general view of female riders in many circles is just that. I am not running over and telling them that they aren't true riders because of their booty shorts, Icon boots, Hello Kitty helmet and pink jacket with no armor, and brand new slammed, stretched 'busa with 75 miles on it. I just wish we had more choices and less "stigma" as female riders. I for one ride only a few times a month now. I could be one of those girls, to a lot of people. The point was that there is more than one type of lady who rides, just as there is more than one type of man who rides, and it would be nice if the industry/community as a whole recognized that in the same way. (yes I am knowingly exaggerating stereotypes to prove a point)

[OreoGaborio]

Will you two shut up & make out already? We're waiting!

[Jaynnus]

Bite me Pete!

Beyond your personal belief, this is not an argument but a discussion of differing view points.

[mzdagrl]

Bite me Pete!

Beyond your personal belief, this is not an argument but a discussion of differing view points.

Exactly.

ETA:
You had one line in your last post that if you want to be taken seriously, that is up to you and not the public at large. I suppose my response in general is to say that we shouldn't have to prove that we are to be taken seriously, when someone who is not female can be taken seriously without earning it, or with less effort. It is certainly easier in certain places, and for certain people without a doubt.

[OreoGaborio]

Bite me Pete!

I'm just fuckin with ya guys.

Discuss away!!!

[Doc]

Did I hear Mzdagrl and Jaynnus are gonna make out?