Put off biking.

[wizzzadora]

Hello all, long time reader first time poster.

I've recently been toying with the idea of fulfilling a lifes ambition of mine and that is to learn to ride a motorcycle. I have looked into all the laws and requirements and have even put a deposit down on a little 125.

While searching for more information on riding I came across a bikers website that was both busy and had loads of information I could use.

Now the problem is I am absolutely appalled by the level of misogyny that appears to run through the biking community. One post really brought that home to me....

www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=3853062&highlight=#3853062
(I hope it's ok to link it here).

This quickly led to what can only be described as a vile torrent of abuse aimed at a woman that did nothing more than make a sensible comment. Suffice to say she was driven off the site quite quickly....

www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=287211
I know it sounds weak but I'm now very much put off going to bike meets or runs because of the obvious hatred so many seem to harbour be it overtly or secretly.

[wizzzadora]

www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=275751&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=1825

Well, I didn't think it could get any worse, but that thread is on internet dating and they ridicule and mock and bay like wild animals. They even post private messages from women who have contacted them. I don't know if it's specifically a biker thing or any large group of men but I genuinely am shocked at their behaviour as I stupidly thought we had moved a long way from this kind of childish mentality. what's worth remembering is that bike forum is the biggest in the uk

[AnyFucker]

I have a female friend who was heavily into biking for a while. She simply steered clear of any of those forums and found that (just like with anything else) the people she came across were mostly respectful. Don't let it put you off if you really want to do it.

[meditrina]

You can get unpleasant websites on just about any subject.

You can get a handful of unrepresentative threads on an otherwise pretty normal website (look at the reaction MN sometimes gets in the press from selective quoting).

I wouldn't want to generalise about all bikers, in the same way I try not to generalise about all of any other group.

If you think what they are publishing on the website is extreme enough to break the law, then report to the police. But if not at actionable level, then there isn't much you can do other than seek information from other sites.

[AnyFucker]

I agree though, there is a culture of mysogyny.

[wizzzadora]

Thank you for your reply.

You are right of course, I probably should just stay away from such places but there's something in me that says I have every right to use them and to do so without being made to feel like that.

[AnyFucker]

You do have that right, I agree. Some people are just not worth it though.

[SignoraStronza]

I've found the opposite, although never been on forums. Every time I've ever been in a bike shop (hunting for gifts for dh or buying helmet/gear for pillion riding) the staff have been really keen to encourage me to do my test and get into biking. One even let me try out his bike for size when I lamented that I'd never find one to fit my short arsed stature. They have all seemed really positive about getting more women into biking - the same goes for the stands at WSB and BSB races I've been to.

I will one day - once breeding is over and done with and all kids are at school. I plan to ride off into the sunset with dh in our old age - and I don't mean to do that on the back of a Honda Goldwing!

[wizzzadora]

www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=3853062&highlight=#3853062
www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=287211


www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=275751&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=1825


And my apologies all, I've reposted working links. Sorry I'm new to this

I am so pleased to hear of someone with some good experiences to share about the biking community. I very much hope you do follow your dreams and end up on a bike of your very own riding into the sunset.

I think I posted originally hoping that someone would have a read of the posts and tell me I wasn't being too easily offended by what was said.

[AnyFucker]

OK, will have a look now you have posted clickable links

[AnyFucker]

The first one refers to a previous incident which I haven't read and is only the flounce post. Tbh (sorry) it reads like someone who comes on Mumsnet and tries to tell us all how we are doing it wrong. Yep, the people on that forum (and this one) possibly are doing it wrong, but I do sign up to "if you don't like, then you have an off button" in that respect.

[AnyFucker]

The second one is the one referred to ? Yep, looks like good ole fashioned common or garden sexism, to be found anywhere and everywhere.

[AnyFucker]

Have I helped, or not ?

I hope you enjoy your biking and don't let a minority of twats put you off.

[MrTumblesBavarianFanbase]

Avoid that forum rather than biking - I've had my bike licence for 13 years and currently have a BMW F650GS (lots of women ride them as you can get a low seat and the tank position makes them feel much lighter than they are, and thus easier to manage at low speed/ push/ move backwards, and they are a good first bigger bike). I used to use a very friendly small forum which was certainly no more sexist than any predominantly male gathering, and went to meets - "in the flesh" everyone was friendly, accepting and respectful.

There are also all female forums - I used Curveyriders for a while - women only - when I was getting back into biking after a long break during which I had my 3 children. I liked it and found it useful, but I am outside the UK and all the meet ups are in the UK, which is part of the reason I haven't bothered with any biking forum for a while.

[AnyFucker]

"CurveyRiders" eh ?

Hmm

[wizzzadora]

Thank you so much for taking the time to look for me. You have been a great help

I think I suffer from doubting myself too much. I don't want to appear kneejerk when things get said yet I don't want to stand around and not do anything when it's so blatant.

I suppose I really should just live my life for me and stop thinking how others will view me.

[AnyFucker]

I suppose I really should just live my life for me and stop thinking how others will view me.

Yup.

[MrTumblesBavarianFanbase]

Anyfucker I know, I know - but it is a women run, women only biker site that is actually busy and where people know what they are talking about and give good biking advice - so the name is un-PC, I have no idea what the thinking behind it was except to show in an internet address that it is a biking site for women bikers - others exist but many I tried were very quiet indeed, so not much actual use...

[MrTumblesBavarianFanbase]

//www.curvyriders.co.uk

[AnyFucker]

Fair enough, MrT. I think the name does reflect the historical sexism running through an activity like biking like the words through Blackpool rock. It's no different to lots of things however ("Mumsnet", anyone ?) but if it is a good and supportive place then that is great.

Why not suggest a rebranding of the site and see what people think ?

[DoctorTwo]

Sometimes you have to say bollocks to the trolls. Go and get your CBT and buy a 125. Then channel Jenny Tinmouth (fastest woman round the TT course, first woman in the BSB) and Ana Carrasco (only woman currently riding in MotoGP) and get out there. You can do it. :)

[warmleatherette]

You're not being too easily offended but this is not specific to biker culture: this is just male culture. This is rape culture. This is misogyny. This is, sad to say, normal.

Don't let it stop you doing what you want to do.

[Bifauxnen]

Grow some balls
Before you go may I recommend the thread on cool girl feminism?

[sleeplessbunny]

I would avoid the forums but don't take that as the way all bikers or groups of bikers behave. My experience as a female biker has generally been positive and I would encourage you to go for it. Yes there are some misogynists, just as there are pretty much everywhere, but it was never a problem for me. Most are fine and respectful IME, I've made some great friends, male and female, through biking. It is a naturally competitive culture I find (at least in sports bikes) so there can be a fair few not wanting to be "beaten by a girl" which winds me up but that's about the worst I've experienced in RL from male bikers.