SilentShifter

I have always viewed roadbiking (for the most part) as a relatively small and unique community. With that being said, you would think there is some level of civility and respect amongst one another for belonging to the same group and promoting the same cause.

Yet for some reason, I notice all these hateful messages coming from members here (and on the road). There are many here who denounce other riders because they don't have D-Ace or Record, or because they aren't riding CF/Al/Steel/Ti bikes. It really sickens me. I mean really, who gives a rats a$$ what someone elses uses or rides.

I would like to believe that these people here at bf.net are just cowards hiding behind the computer, when in actuality they are either jealous, or not skilled as others . Yet, I find the same people on the road (they don't wave, smile, talk, etc.). Almost like they are pro level; however, if they were truly pro material, they would not be on a local road or municipal trail. They would probably be in France, Spain or Italy. I don't care who you are, if you aren't racing you can at least say 'hi'. Hell, even the pro racers chat it up when they are racing!!

I guess what this rant is all about is are 'we' really a group of a-holes or are there some genuinely friendly people out there? I always make it a point to smile, wave, or chat when I see someone else on the road - its civility. If it turns into a friendly competition, then great, we are better for it.

Just want to see if I am not the only one who feels this way. As for those 'trolls' or 'eliteists' why do you act this way?

Anways, I'm done. Thanks for the time.

-J

timmhaan

i think it's just a reflection of the forum growing and attracting more and more people. any forum that gets big enough will have plenty of posters who don't add any quality to the forum. and if they post often enough it really drags everything down. don't let them bother you. there are still plenty of good people on this board and out on the road.

TheKillerPenguin

What tim said.


And it's winter, so the ones that can't ride in the cold are cranky.

Mr_Super_Socks

+1. It's easy enough to ignore the BS here.

blandin

Check out my thread from last week. There are plenty of great people on BF.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=173118

cuda2k

+1 In very group there are those who take some pleasure in making themselves feel bigger by making others feel smaller. Unfortunately they are often more visable than those just trying to help out when and where they can. 99% of the people here are very helpful I'd say. It's just that the other 1% can lay their dirty hand prints on a lot of threads.

SilentShifter

Yeah, I hear what you are saying. Its just aggravating and sad that people have to live like that.

I have met plenty good ones here and on the road.

Just had to rant about it for a while and call them out of their holes.

bigskymacadam

i've met many very nice people here and out on the road. haven't run into an a-hole yet.

Hipcycler

are 'we' really a group of a-holes

.....hmmmm, I guess I'd need to know more about what exactly this a-hole is that you refer to???


The short answer: NO

I'm not one.
I've been here a long time and would like to think that I've built a reputation here as a nice guy with a sense of humor who loves cycling....plain and simple.

And there are lots more where I came from too.

When I see something negative or imature on the BF site I just click off of it and move on to other stuff that actually interests me....speaking of which, Rad...is that Tete done yet?

Mariner Fan

Road cycling covers a large area of uses. I understand your point about those who like to judge and make comments about others, but I believe it's a small minority. We're all here because of our love of cycling (plus it's winter!). Maybe the downtime is making us all grumpy. I know I can't wait for the weather to break so I can get out and ride!

SilentShifter

*Breathes* Glad to know you all are out there !

Thanks

GuitarWizard

People who need to feel superior by degrading what others have do not have any sort of a clue in life. Then there are the others who simply do not have the mental capacity to care one way or another about anything or anyone besides themselves.

derath

Pick a forum, count the a-holes.

Pretty much a standard practice for ANY internet bulletin board.

On the road however I must be lucky because I always meet nice cyclists.

-D

Hipcycler

Hey Penguin....did you get buried in the snow?
Had my former co-worker from the radio station here in Milwaukee Cheri Preston, who is now with ABC Radio in NY, on with me on my show yesterday talking about the big snow!

(Sorry for the hijack thread but a penguin and big snow just jumped out at me there!)

bluecd

typically in life a-holes are attention *****s so they tend to make the most noise.

iamtim

I don't think there's an overabundance of a-holes, I just think the a-holes spout off more than everyone else.

TheKillerPenguin

Yup, we got 6 inches. Made for some crazy riding on the back streets, since I only have 23C slicks!

Hipcycler

Yup, we got 6 inches. Made for some crazy riding on the back streets, since I only have 23C slicks!

You da MAN!

jhota

because it's the intarweb. people who would normally be too timid to say boo in the meatworld can hide behind a constructed persona and release their inner jerk.

i, however, am a cranky, acerbic jerk in the meatworld - so any ill-will i may express here is really me.

my suggestion would be to use the "ignore" function when you encounter one of the trolls or jerks that frequent the forums.

they're only words, you know.

rufvelo

...not really - they're secretly doing deals for next season

DocRay

<---b-hole

air king

Why are there so many A-holes here?

It seems the anonymity afforded by a crytpic user name and the fact that one cannot really be held accountable for their remarks brings out the internal d0uchebag in some folks.

I like the label one user on another fourm came up with...AWP (Anonymous Weasel Poster). I think this can be used to describe a few folks here as well.

SpongeDad

Could you provide an example of someone seriously "denounc[ing]" someone else for not having an expensive ride?

GuitarWizard

I think we ended up with around 16-18" here.....although Bradley Airport recorded a record at 30".

Just when the roads were starting to get the sand fairly cleared off

Back on topic.....I do have a sarcastic sense of humor, which those in real life can attest to, and can take it as well give it. After all, if you can't laugh at yourself, your ******* is sewn way too tight. I guess not taking myself seriously helps, too.

webist

I find it interesting the level of importance placed on this type of issue. Perhaps it is because it's winter.

[Incidentally, I guess we must be tougher here in southern Arizona than elsewhere. We just keep riding right through the winter no matter how severe the weather.]

Back to the question. I don't consider myself to be part of an affinity group when I ride. Thus I am unconcerned with whether others are inclusive. I do wave or nod or greet folks while riding. Come to think of it, I do that for everyone I encounter, whether they are on a bike or not. I don't do so out of some sense of affiliation or common cause, nor because I am included in some kind of movement or organization. And, I am certainly not offended by those who don't react to me.

There are lots of little jestures in life which I make with no notice of reciprocity. I hold a door for someone behind me. I smile a folks with babies. I nod when someone makes eye contact. I say thank you when I am thankful. I'll wish a blessing on you when you sneeze. Yep, I'll wave at a cyclist too when encountering one on the road.

Generally, I'll avoid rude or argumentative posts also, or entire sub-forums on topics of little interest to me. It's really easy to do.