40 Yr Old Virgin is a bike riding loser...

[wilmar13]

Not sure of the title of the movie in English, but I just saw a pretty funny movie with a title "40 year old virgin" and one of the things used to develop the charachter as a childlike loser was the fact that he rode a bike to work (and it was mentioned several times). I must admit, I liked the movie, but that aspect upset me a little bit. Not that the movie portrays cyclists in a negative light, but more of a reality check that is the way cyclists are viewed by the general public (at least in the US). I ride bikes too and I am very well socially adjusted (my mom told me so)! I wish cycling could be seen as a healthy, fun, and environmentally responsible activity rather than something for kids and losers.

 

[EoinC]

Not sure of the title of the movie in English, but I just saw a pretty funny movie with a title "40 year old virgin" and one of the things used to develop the charachter as a childlike loser was the fact that he rode a bike to work (and it was mentioned several times). I must admit, I liked the movie, but that aspect upset me a little bit. Not that the movie portrays cyclists in a negative light, but more of a reality check that is the way cyclists are viewed by the general public (at least in the US). I ride bikes too and I am very well socially adjusted (my mom told me so)! I wish cycling could be seen as a healthy, fun, and environmentally responsible activity rather than something for kids and losers.

We losers need to stick together, just like trainspotters

 

[huhenio]

I agree with Wilmar on the "40 year old virgin" negative stereotype that is creating.

Some cretin in the movie industry portrayed a cyclist as a looser for some odd reason.

One of the reasons why I did not watch the movie is that the bike "prop" was being used as a symbol of goofy - looserness.

... yes, we cycling commuters ARE an interest group. We are not only physically vulnerable on the road, now we are also culturally targeted by some idiot that thinks that is quite cool play a stereotype like that.

To all seriousness, the 40 year old virgin could have been driving a non descriptive sedan, or rollerskating to work or something.

 

[wilmar13]

I agree with Wilmar on the "40 year old virgin" negative stereotype that is creating.

Some cretin in the movie industry portrayed a cyclist as a looser for some odd reason.

One of the reasons why I did not watch the movie is that the bike "prop" was being used as a symbol of goofy - looserness.

I disagree with you a little bit here. The movie uses the bike to paint him as a loser, rather than showing a loser using a bike to paint cyclists as losers. It is a subtle difference but if you think about it, you will see the movie is simply using an association everyone already has to develop his character, rather than creating or reinforcing the association. The movie did not create the association, merely highlights what people already think of cyclists unfortunately (anyone remember Pee-Wee Herman?)... of course those of us that use high-level road racing bikes and are always in "serious cyclist kit" are probably somewhat removed but the geek factor in terms of public perception is still there I am afraid.

Either way go see the movie as it is very funny.

 

[huhenio]

The serious racers are removed all right, but what happens with people like me?

More commuter bashing!!

Maybe I am a little oversensitive due my last 2 brushes with death on the road, both on the weekend.

 

[dgregory57]

... of course those of us that use high-level road racing bikes and are always in "serious cyclist kit" are probably somewhat removed but the geek factor in terms of public perception is still there I am afraid.

I can't help it...

I don't think you are proposing that it is the case, but...

I am afraid that the thought that the non-cycling public sees any of us as anything but dorks is out of touch (at least in the US)...

Have you considered that grown men (women too, but I usually see men) riding around wearing their super-hero outfits and riding a toy that is used by their hero is a positive image to most of the public? Heck, I'm a budding cyclist and I think some are juvenile. I know you aren't necessarily talking about a team kit (which is the portion I see as somewhat juvenile), but when people outside the sport sees anything cycling specific (like spandex shorts or a jersey), I strongly suspect that it is seen in the same way. They have no way to differentiate between the two, nor do they care to learn.

And as far as equipment... Do you think that most people see any real difference between a $4,000 bike and a *mart special??? If they give it any thought at all, what in the world would make you think that it is anything except "Why spend $1,000 on a bike when this $150 bike has all the same parts? Heck this one even has a kickstand." Don't think that telling someone your bike is worth more than their car will make them see you as anything but stupid.

I would hypothesize that in many areas of the US where "racers" are seen as old fashioned and full-suspension mountain bikes are ridden on the streets by people who wouldn't typically ride off road, that people assume that the 18 pound road bike that you are riding is old fashioned, and wonder why you don't upgrade to get the advantages of a suspenion. You are likely to be seen as less by the general public than the guy in 40 Year Old Virgin... but the good news is....

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THE PUBLIC THINKS, WE ARE STILL HAVING A BLAST!!!

 

[MountainPro]

Picked up a car magazine lately?

scantily clad females draped over exotic Italian autos...with thier bazookas out on page 13-25

cycling isnt seen as sexy...and sex = cool

you'll never see some cute babe in the front of cyclesport etc...

after all you cant pick up chicks on fast road bikes....carbon frame or no.

 

[wilmar13]

I can't help it...

I don't think you are proposing that it is the case, but...

I am afraid that the thought that the non-cycling public sees any of us as anything but dorks is out of touch (at least in the US)...

Have you considered that grown men (women too, but I usually see men) riding around wearing their super-hero outfits and riding a toy that is used by their hero is a positive image to most of the public? Heck, I'm a budding cyclist and I think some are juvenile. I know you aren't necessarily talking about a team kit (which is the portion I see as somewhat juvenile), but when people outside the sport sees anything cycling specific (like spandex shorts or a jersey), I strongly suspect that it is seen in the same way. They have no way to differentiate between the two, nor do they care to learn.

And as far as equipment... Do you think that most people see any real difference between a $4,000 bike and a *mart special??? If they give it any thought at all, what in the world would make you think that it is anything except "Why spend $1,000 on a bike when this $150 bike has all the same parts? Heck this one even has a kickstand." Don't think that telling someone your bike is worth more than their car will make them see you as anything but stupid.

I would hypothesize that in many areas of the US where "racers" are seen as old fashioned and full-suspension mountain bikes are ridden on the streets by people who wouldn't typically ride off road, that people assume that the 18 pound road bike that you are riding is old fashioned, and wonder why you don't upgrade to get the advantages of a suspenion. You are likely to be seen as less by the general public than the guy in 40 Year Old Virgin... but the good news is....

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THE PUBLIC THINKS, WE ARE STILL HAVING A BLAST!!!

Yeah I think here we need to get into the gritty nuances of geek, dork, nerd, and loser to accurately describe the various perceptions of differing types of cyclists by the general public... I have no illusion that if you are old enough to have a drivers license and you still ride a bicycle on the road you are seen in one of these categories though. I do wonder if this perception is somewhat limited to the US however. I know here in Brazil I get A LOT more attention from the ladies than I ever got in the US when riding my bikes, which is anecdotal evidence it is not seen as geeky, but there are a fair number of socioeconomic factors that complicate the comparison with respect to geek factor.

 

[huhenio]

A winner with the ladies is always recognized regardless of disguise ... GO GET THEM WIL!!

 

[mattjf]

It also paints 40 year old virgins as losers. Why aren't you complaining about that? Maybe we should get rid of everything in film and literature that might offend anyone.


"For it is a mad world and it will get madder if we allow the minorities, be they dwarf or giant, orangutan or dolphin, nuclear-head or water-conversationalist, pro-computerologist or Neo-Luddite, simpleton or sage, to interfere with aesthetics. The real world is the playing ground for each and every group, to make or unmake laws. But the tip of the nose of my book or stories or poems is where their rights and my territorial imperatives begin, run and rule. If Mormons do not like my plays, let them write their own. If the Irish hate my Dublin stories, let them rent typewriters."
-Ray Bradbury

Go see the film and enjoy it for what it is. A funny comedy. There are more important things to worry about in the world.

-Matt

 

[wilmar13]

It also paints 40 year old virgins as losers. Why aren't you complaining about that? Maybe we should get rid of everything in film and literature that might offend anyone.

Maybe I should complain about people with reading comprehension issues instead? As I already stated the film has nothing to do with the poor perception of cycling in general as an activity for dorks, which was my “complaint” . The film merely triggered a reality check.

 

[dgregory57]

I know here in Brazil I get A LOT more attention from the ladies than I ever got in the US when riding my bikes, which is anecdotal evidence it is not seen as geeky, but there are a fair number of socioeconomic factors that complicate the comparison with respect to geek factor.

This is exactly why I limited my observations to US. A country where if it weren't an American favored to win Le Tour de France, most people wouldn't have known it existed this year.

Even at that, the only substantial coverage of the race was on a fairly obscure cable channel... And as far as I can tell, that channel ignores the rest of the races during the season. I heard more about the Giro during the coverage of the Tour than when it was being raced.

I assumed that in other countries where cycling is more prominent, my observations here would be different than others would see in their areas.

I actually think that it is not even every area of the US, but I think a mentality that sees cycling in a positive light is fairly limited geographically. I think the image where I lived in California was far more positive than in Pennsylvania where I now live... But it still did not have the positive image I would expect to find in other areas of the world... Almost ANY other area of the world.

 

[artmichalek]

Picked up a car magazine lately?

scantily clad females draped over exotic Italian autos...with thier bazookas out on page 13-25

cycling isnt seen as sexy...and sex = cool

you'll never see some cute babe in the front of cyclesport etc...

after all you cant pick up chicks on fast road bikes....carbon frame or no.

Says you.

http://www.campyonly.com/images/modbikes/2004/cl.jpg
http://www.campagnolo.com/pics/adv1999_2.jpg
http://www.campagnolo.com/pics/adv1998_2.jpg

 

[artmichalek]

Maybe I am a little oversensitive due my last 2 brushes with death on the road, both on the weekend.

It's not you. I almost got brushed by a passing cop car yesterday.

 

[wilmar13]

I assumed that in other countries where cycling is more prominent, my observations here would be different than others would see in their areas.

I actually think that it is not even every area of the US, but I think a mentality that sees cycling in a positive light is fairly limited geographically. I think the image where I lived in California was far more positive than in Pennsylvania where I now live... But it still did not have the positive image I would expect to find in other areas of the world... Almost ANY other area of the world.

I imagine in poorer parts of the world cycling is more accepted because it is a viable means of transportation and everyone does it (but that doesn't mean it is safer). Of course in Europe the bike is also more of an accepted lifestyle not because of poverty but for cultural reasons.

Pennsylvania is a mixed bag as it has some of the best riding I have ever experienced (the boonies of Central PA has so many miles of perfect pavement through mountains with no traffic), but the redneck factor is pretty high as well. Its kind of funny, during the summers I worked as a machinist and CNC programmer at a couple of machine shops, and without fail people assumed I must have had a DUI when I rode my bike to work... after all why else would I be using a bicycle when I had a car???

 

[Rocket^]

Maybe now that we in the U.S. are starting to experience the crunch of higher gas prices, alternate forms of transportation will become more appealing. The problem in alot of areas in the U.S. is the lack of bike lanes, or suitable shoulders on the roads. Some states are better than others, but overall we are very lacking.

I lived in Europe for three years and was amazed at all the different transportation options. I could ride my bike 20 miles to work and never have to leave a very nice and well maintained bike path. I could walk to my local train station and be in the big city in less time than it would take me to drive. Not once in the whole time that I lived there did I drive to the airport. Why put up with the hassle when you can jump on a train that takes you right to the airport basement? Try doing that here in the U.S.

In a lot of ways I hope the gas prices stay high so more emhpasis will be placed on alternate forms of transportation. I won't be selling my vehicles, but would certaintly choose other forms of transportation if they were available.

In the U.S. I don't think drivers put much thought into a rider on the side of the road regardless of the kit they are wearing, or the bike they are riding. The only thought that I believe goes thru most of their minds is the anger they feel at possibly having to slow down in order move into the other lane. Thats if, they choose to slow down. Some choose to roll the dice with your life and pass you with the mirror only inches away. I'm amazed evertime this occurs. I can't believe some people would risk harming, or even killing another human being instead of taking fifteen seconds out of their day to simply slow down and move over.

 

[dgregory57]

Pennsylvania is a mixed bag as it has some of the best riding I have ever experienced (the boonies of Central PA has so many miles of perfect pavement through mountains with no traffic), but the redneck factor is pretty high as well. Its kind of funny, during the summers I worked as a machinist and CNC programmer at a couple of machine shops, and without fail people assumed I must have had a DUI when I rode my bike to work... after all why else would I be using a bicycle when I had a car???

I have a mixed bag where I am in NE PA as well. A few very nice roads, but a lot that suck for cycling due to narrow lanes or too many cars moving too quickly.

My favorite rides have nice relatively smooth pavement (including the shoulder where I like to ride when it is safe to do so) and otherwise have fairly low speed limits. Of course there are those for whom the speed limit doesn't seem to apply, and also the redneck factor that you mention. I did have a run-in with one a couple of months ago.

Of course what can I expect when most cyclists I see are riding cheap full suspension bikes on the sidewalks... actually most of the time I see them I see them pushing them up the sidewalks on hills that are easy to climb. Of course, the majority of those bikes also have no seat post showing... I think that most of the riders have upgraded from the BMX bikes of their younger days, and simply don't understand how to set a bike up for real riding...

 

[MountainPro]

Holy ****!

i stand corrected.

Says you.

http://www.campyonly.com/images/modbikes/2004/cl.jpg
http://www.campagnolo.com/pics/adv1999_2.jpg
http://www.campagnolo.com/pics/adv1998_2.jpg

 

[dgregory57]

Not once in the whole time that I lived there did I drive to the airport. Why put up with the hassle when you can jump on a train that takes you right to the airport basement? Try doing that here in the U.S.

A few years ago, I took a business trip from California to Washington DC and both sides of the trip were strictly mass transit.

In the SF Bay Area, the local mass transit system (BART) has always gone close the the Oakland Airport, and there have been shuttles from the station to the terminal for about $2. BART now goes directly to SFO (even though not many use it). I believe that the San Jose airport also has mass transit accessibility.

The Metro in the DC area goes right to National Airport (now I guess it is Ronald Reagan Airport) and you can get virtually anywhere in DC on the Metro system.

It is still a rare thing, but I hope we don't keep making the same mistakes we always have in this country.

 

[Induray]

Welcome to America! Where the car is king.....We have become a culture of cars ....big cars!Our infrastructure has evolved around cars for about a century. People feel empowered by draining their bank accounts so they could drive brand spanking new behemoths. Baby boomer generation is going through a collective mid-life crisis! They ride extremely noisy motorcycles (Harleys anyone?) around neighborhoods to , like little children, grab your attention. Their overweight, can not even run a flight of stairs,they need viagra or weight pills, but their shiny cars and noisy motorcycles makes the virile macho men and women! Newer generations are following suit too. It is easier to pick a 0 downpayment loan and pick up a new brand status statement vehicle than earning bragging rights through hard training and winning.
It is going to be very hard for us as a nation to break away fm this culture.
By the way I am not a liberal by any means and I believe that you should do what passions you...as long as you do not overstep my boundaries.
I am a b boomer myself!