[ETC-Discussion] Helpful Friendly Cyclists (or not)

[michaelcorn at comcast.net]

The phenomenon of comment, reaction and counter-reaction on lists, forums and emails is an interesting one. Regrettably, I've occasionally found myself trapped in them (on both sides), not quite knowing how to extricate myself.  It's just something that can happen to any of us without malice aforethought, but most interestingly it probably would not occur in face to face interactions because in most cases it would quickly be humanized and then diffused.  Misunderstandings would be clarified automatically.

Given that our riding is indoors these days, I guess I am looking for other kinds of diversions, which is why I here.

By the way, when I am on the road, I sometimes offer to help bikes (tandems and half-bikes) with breakdowns and sometimes I don't.  I try to make an assessment as to whether everything seems to be under control.  If it looks like it is, I usually ride by rationalizing to myself that the mechanic in charge doesn't need a distraction or editorial comment from me.

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day.  My broken wing partner (Cathy) and I have been riding our trainer while watching the Giro.
  

Michael A. Corn 
Seattle, Washington

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Coglon" <coglont at verizon.net>
To: "Stephen Crawford" <swc7916 at yahoo.com>, Discussion-list at evergreentandemclub.org, "Jay and Sara" <sidlee2r1 at comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:28:33 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Re: [ETC-Discussion] Helpful Friendly Cyclists (or not)

Steve... I agree with you, unfortunately there are cyclists (Tandem, single,
racers, Etc) who are biased towards their own mode of transportation. We
have always felt that it was just plain good manners when we are riding to
ask someone that appears to be having trouble if they need help, whether
they
were cyclists or walking or what ever.... Tim

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-list-bounces at evergreentandemclub.org
[mailto:discussion-list-bounces at evergreentandemclub.org] On Behalf Of
Stephen Crawford
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 8:19 AM
To: Discussion-list at evergreentandemclub.org; Jay and Sara
Subject: Re: [ETC-Discussion] Helpful Friendly Cyclists (or not)


Whoa here.  You're reading way too much into this.  This was our experience
on this particular day and I thought that this was unusual enough to post.
Until this, we have found tandemists to be especially friendly; they tend to
be the same demographic (older married couples) and are curious to meet
other tandem teams that they see on the road.  I thought that it was unusual
and surprising that the only bikes that passed us at that time that didn't
at least slow down and say something happened to be the only tandems that we
saw that whole day.  I've seen the lead tandem before and although I don't
know the team, their photo is in one of the club's events albums wearing
club jerseys so I assume that they are members.

I'm sorry that I posted this.  I didn't expect it to be misinterpreted so
badly and I am particulary offended by the "Clearly a case of blatant
stereotyping" comment.  

Steve Crawford



--- On Mon, 5/25/09, Jay and Sara <sidlee2r1 at comcast.net> wrote:

> From: Jay and Sara <sidlee2r1 at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [ETC-Discussion] Helpful Friendly Cyclists (or not)
> To: "Stephen Crawford" <swc7916 at yahoo.com>,
Discussion-list at evergreentandemclub.org
> Date: Monday, May 25, 2009, 4:21 PM
> Beware...so  ALL tandem riders
> are not helpful and ALL single bike riders are? Perhaps in
> this instance.
> 
> I think not. Sorry you had that experience, but I'm afraid
> I beg to differ if you are trying to imply something here.
> 
> I think some of the nicest people you will EVER meet ride
> tandems, and singles, and triples for that matter.
> 
> Again, your experience is your experience, and maybe tandem
> riders must take note. Clearly a case of blatant
> stereotyping IMHO.
> 
> j.
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen Crawford"
> <swc7916 at yahoo.com>
> To: <Discussion-list at evergreentandemclub.org>
> Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:46 AM
> Subject: [ETC-Discussion] Helpful Friendly Cyclists (or
> not)
> 
> 
> > 
> > On Saturday Karen and I did a loop out to Carnation
> where we got a flat (rear tire, of course) and then found
> that the rear wheel was wobbly due to a loose spoke.  I
> had the tools to fix it, so it wasn't a big problem although
> it took a while to get it taken care of.  Every cyclist
> who passed us slowed down to see if we needed help. 
> All of the SINGLE bikes, that is.   The only
> cyclists who didn't say anything to us were two tandem teams
> riding together; they passed right by without even saying
> hi.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
> > Discussion-list mailing list
> > Discussion-list at evergreentandemclub.org
> >
http://evergreentandemclub.org/mailman/listinfo/discussion-list_evergreentan
demclub.org
> 
> 
> 


      

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