Okay, I'm back in action with my TGIF posts ... I kinda flaked out last week with a little too much going on all at one time. This is going to be a bit of a rant, I believe, so hold on tight.
First, can I just say that the sheer amount of negative energy out there is astounding? Everyone has something to b*tch about, and the anonymity of the internet/email gives people an outlet without consequence. I don't mean this just b/c of the anonymous replies to my last post - I welcome CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, commentary, jokes (even at my expense) and suggestions. I do not welcome people who want to take shots and belittle someone else's opinion or perspective. Come on, people: you wouldn't say these things in this way if you had to do it to someone's face. You know why ? Because you know it's not how you should treat others. It's mean and nothing good comes of it. The only reason you feel comfy doing it is because you think there is no consequence.
This is kinda like the guy who flips you off in traffic, or throws something at you as you're riding your bike on the shoulder. Kind of like the idiot in front of you that brake-tests you. They can do it from the safety of their vehicles and will likely never see you again. That doesn't mean it's right, it just means that they are showing their true nature - absent all controls, this is the person they would be. The thought that this is the nature of so many people is scary.
So DC Velo announced the DC Crit yesterday. My inbox is full, I have stopped checking emails right now. Some are supportive of the event and asking how they can be a part of it. THANK YOU for positive karma !! Some are asking genuinely honest questions - I am doing my best to answer them as well as I can. Some are just plain crappy. Accusing me (and sometimes my squad) of not supporting womens racing. Um ... excuse me ... have we met ? I am no Evelyn, but I have done plenty to support racing in general and, specifically, womens racing - number 1, I actually SHOW UP TO RACE when promoters have womens fields. Heck, I even sometimes show up to race when they dont ! Most of those that are chastising me and my team are those that I haven't seen at races more than a handful of times all year. Seriously ? How can you preach that everyone should hold a field for you when you don't show up ? Is it just in case you decide to show up ?
I am excited about the DC Crit. This is going to be a race on a grand scale - the first in downtown DC and on the level with CSC, which, unfortunately, is not going to happen again (so I'm told). Bike racing is going to be on the national stage. The sheer amount of goodwill, positive publicity and exposure that this event will garner is GOOD for anyone who rides a bike ! Look at the big-picture - if this does positive things for the sport in general, aren't we all winners ? The promoters and sponsors want to grow this into a marquee event - that means a big-girl race is in the future !! Isn't it worth getting something off the ground, however imperfect, in order to give us a bigger, better venue in the future ? Is it so bad to have a little patience that you'd rather torpedo the whole event - and all that it can do for the greater good - just because it can't happen immediately ?
My vote is to be a part of the solution. So I can either race with the boys or help with the race in general. You'll see me and my team helping out with the race - we'll be there to make sure they know that women's racing is alive and well, and we support the clubs that put time, energy, effort and money to try to expand bicycle racing in the region. Given the paltry schedule of 2008, perhaps instead of trying to tank one of the new and exciting events, maybe we should concentrate on some of those clubs that haven't bothered to support the sport by throwing a race of their own - much less one on this scale.
I just can't deal with so much negativity. I realize we all have our opinions and we all have a right to them - thank goodness we live in such a place where we can express them openly. But please, for crying out loud, can't we try to be positive ? Can't we have intelligent and educated discourse instead of devolving into childish name-calling ? We have so much good stuff to offer - each of us - if we just try to be a part of the solution.
That's all I've got for today - let the anonymous comments and criticisms ensue. See you at the races.
3 comments:
I would help out with your race but it happens to conflict with the C3 race so I can't. Maybe next year!
An Anonymous Chicken
Might I add that the co-sponsor of this crit, CycleLife, has already proven its commitment to and support of women by SPONSORING a womens team in 08 before even opening for business!! -Not-so-anonymous Badger
I have to admit I was confused to see the CycleLife USA sponsor but no women's race. But I am a lowly Cat 4 who has had outside forces conflict with cycling for the past 2 months, so I am not complaining.
I will however offer my support, while you may not be Evelyn, you helped put together a fabulous womens team that did race pretty much every weekend. I wish I had an ounce of your drive and determination!
Post a Comment