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Original poster

Put off biking.

157 replies

wizzzadora · 25/03/2014 11:46

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.

OP posts:
SignoraStronza · 25/03/2014 12:30

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!

AnyFucker · 25/03/2014 12:28

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

Original poster
wizzzadora · 25/03/2014 12:27

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.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 25/03/2014 12:26

I agree though, there is a culture of mysogyny.

meditrina · 25/03/2014 12:24

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 · 25/03/2014 12:21

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.

Original poster
wizzzadora · 25/03/2014 12:14

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 Sad

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