Slow-Speed Injuries Hurt Too

B. Sanders said:

I wish I had more time to ride trails, so I could get used to them. There are still quite a few
sections that I won't ride (washed-out, deeply rutted babyhead creek crossings; cliff-edge
singletrack that is eroded to nothing, etc) Hard core riders think I'm a wimp. I don't care. I
have insurance; but don't feel like bleeding for my sport. I respect the more skilled riders. I
just wish they'd respect me for choosing not to be reckless.

-Barry

In all seriousness, riders do what: call you names, point and laugh? One of the beauties of this
sport is that there isn't a "right" level of difficulty, it's whatever feels appropriate for you.
Granted as I've ridden more, I WANT to try harder stuff but if I choose to ride doubletrack for the
rest of my life, it's no body's business but my own.

Penny

p.s. sorry about the wife.

"Penny S." <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

B. Sanders said:

I wish I had more time to ride trails, so I could get used to them. There are still quite a few
sections that I won't ride (washed-out, deeply rutted babyhead creek crossings; cliff-edge
singletrack that is eroded to nothing, etc) Hard core riders think I'm a wimp. I don't care. I
have insurance; but don't feel like bleeding for my sport. I respect the more skilled riders. I
just wish they'd respect me for choosing not to be reckless.

-Barry

In all seriousness, riders do what: call you names, point and laugh?

Something like that.

Quoted message said:

One of the beauties of this sport is that there isn't a "right" level of difficulty, it's whatever
feels appropriate for you.

For guys it may be a little different. I feel a great deal of pressure to "go for it" when I'm with
groups of testosterone-pumped males on the trails. That's why I avoid those situations almost
completely and try to ride solo as much as possible (even though it's less safe).

Quoted message said:

Granted as I've ridden more, I WANT to try harder stuff but if I choose to ride doubletrack for

the

Quoted message said:

rest of my life, it's no body's business but my own.

Again, in an ideal world, perhaps. That's *exactly* what I mean about respect: The male riders I
know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how extreme they are, and
haven't a shred of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails. It's none of
their business; but they make it their business. Maybe it's different for women. I hope so.

Thanks for the reply, Penny. I appreciate your respectful attitude, and wish I could meet people
like you on the trails.

-Barry

PS: My wife still rides with me on the easy singletrack - just not on technical trails.

B. Sanders said:

"Penny S." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

B. Sanders said:

I wish I had more time to ride trails, so I could get used to them. There are still quite a few
sections that I won't ride (washed-out, deeply rutted babyhead creek crossings; cliff-edge
singletrack that is eroded to nothing, etc) Hard core riders think I'm a wimp. I don't care. I
have insurance; but don't feel like bleeding for my sport. I respect the more skilled riders. I
just wish they'd respect me for choosing not to be reckless.

-Barry

In all seriousness, riders do what: call you names, point and laugh?

Something like that.

Quoted message said:

One of the beauties of this sport is that there isn't a "right" level of difficulty, it's
whatever feels appropriate for you.

For guys it may be a little different. I feel a great deal of pressure to "go for it" when I'm
with groups of testosterone-pumped males on the trails. That's why I avoid those situations almost
completely and try to ride solo as much as possible (even though it's less safe).

Quoted message said:

Granted as I've ridden more, I WANT to try harder stuff but if I choose to ride doubletrack for
the rest of my life, it's no body's business but my own.

Again, in an ideal world, perhaps. That's *exactly* what I mean about respect: The male riders I
know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how extreme they are,
and haven't a shred of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails. It's none
of their business; but they make it their business. Maybe it's different for women. I hope so.

Thanks for the reply, Penny. I appreciate your respectful attitude, and wish I could meet people
like you on the trails.

-Barry

PS: My wife still rides with me on the easy singletrack - just not on technical trails.

harumpph, sounds like you need new riding pals.

penny

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:ep_pa.629739$S_4.681233@rwcrnsc53...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Again, in an ideal world, perhaps. That's *exactly* what I mean about

respect: The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag
about how extreme they are, and haven't a

shred

Quoted message said:

of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails. It's none of their business;
but they make it their business. Maybe it's different for women. I hope so.

I've gone riding with guys who have a lot of attitude. When they start talking smack I always
just laugh at them and say I'm not trying to impress anyone. Most of the time they don't know
how to react.

Gary in VA

Penny S. said:

harumpph, sounds like you need new riding pals.

"Hey, I didn't get a harumpph from that guy"

"Harumpph!"

"Better."

If you've ridden a number of years, you get comfortable with the fact that people have different
skill levels and don't feel the need to belittle others. We all had a point where the obstacles made
us nervous. Some still make me nervous!

--
-BB- To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least)

Stephen Baker said:

Quoted message said:

The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how
extreme they are, and haven't a shred of respect for anybody who shys away from the most
difficult trails.

That sounds like a dictionary definition of "A$$hole". The ones that make the most noise are
prob-babbly the biggest Barneys of the bunch. Drop 'em, do what you want to do, and don't
look back.

If that's the way things truly are then I agree, but I think it may well be different and our friend
here has gossamer-like skin.

Firstly, if they're your mates, then you should realise that they're going to give you stick if you
don't ride stuff. Friends often have a better idea of your strengths anyway, and banter amongst
friends is par for the course. Friends egging on each other is a very good way of progressing too,
and people are often surprised by their own abilities. Quite frankly, having someone of a similar
ability who complained that "it's too hard" every time we got to a technical bit of trail would get
right on my [censored].

I think it's a good idea that people are aware of their limits, but what about people who don't even
get close to their limits and then complain about their friends encouraging them?

--
a.m-b FAQ: t-online.deambfaq.htmOpen ↗

b.bmx FAQ: t-online.debmx faq.htmOpen ↗

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Stephen Baker said:

Quoted message said:

The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how
extreme they are, and haven't a

shred

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails.

That sounds like a dictionary definition of "A$$hole". The ones that

make the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

most noise are prob-babbly the biggest Barneys of the bunch. Drop 'em, do what you want to do,
and don't look back.

If that's the way things truly are then I agree, but I think it may well be different and our
friend here has gossamer-like skin.

Firstly, if they're your mates, then you should realise that they're going to give you stick if
you don't ride stuff. Friends often have a better idea of your strengths anyway, and banter
amongst friends is par for the course. Friends egging on each other is a very good way of
progressing too, and people are often surprised by their own abilities. Quite frankly, having
someone of a similar ability who complained that "it's too hard" every time we got to a technical
bit of trail would get right on my [censored].

I think it's a good idea that people are aware of their limits, but what about people who don't
even get close to their limits and then complain about their friends encouraging them?

--
a.m-b FAQ: t-online.deambfaq.htmOpen ↗

a.bmx FAQ: t-online.debmx faq.htmOpen ↗

I had a mate like that when we were in our early twenties. Had bought himself a Honda CBR600 and
wouldn't even go near the red line on the rev counter. "Didn't like hearing the engine" is what he
said. He might as well have bought himself a nifty fifty for all he ever did with it. It was almost
embarrassing in some funny way, because he was cabable of riding it better (he used to ride his
Suzuki GN250 harder). We were always waiting for him to catch up. A waste of a bike in some other
ways... I still can't figure out what the problem was even now.
--
Westie

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<ATXpa.628501$S_4.680653@rwcrnsc53>...

<Tales of woe snipped>

First off, get some new riding buddies with mental capacities that would at least match those of a
16 year old. I've ridden with a lot of different people with skill levels all over the map and
although some may push me to try new, difficult things harder than others, none have ever
disrespected me for declining the challenge. That's unacceptable and NOT common.

It sounds like you both need a little more confidence on technical trails. Usually, we get that
confidence by rider with people who are better than us and courteous enough show us a thing or two.
since you don't have those people around you, I would suggest you both take a beginner mountain
biking class. The local advocacy group in my area (www.nemba.org) hold several, and I've tought a
few. They cover very basic mountain biking skills like obstacle clearing, downhill riding, and the
importance of basic balance skills. It usually takes a couple of hours and you'll learn a TON. I
guarantee you'll feel more confident after a similar class. If your local club doesn't offer this,
try to find a decent, skilled rider who will go over the basics with you.

I've seen plenty of people in these classes who were on the verge of quiting the sport after a few
too many episodes like yours. After learning the basics they looked at mtbing with a lot more
enthusiasm.

[email hidden]

(Stephen Baker) said:

Barry says:

Quoted message said:

The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how
extreme they are, and haven't a shred of respect for anybody who shys away from the most
difficult trails.

That sounds like a dictionary definition of "A$$hole". The ones that make the most noise are
prob-babbly the biggest Barneys of the bunch. Drop 'em, do what you want to do, and don't
look back.

A lot of riders will ride one particular difficult trail almost exclusively and then judge everyone
else by their ability to ride that particular trail. They become one-trick ponies, and normally get
dropped like yesterday's newspaper if they ride anywhere else.

Now where's the fun in that?

Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles habcycles.comhabcycles.comOpen ↗ Home of the $695 ti frame

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I wish I had more time to ride trails, so I could get used to them. There are still quite a
few sections that I won't ride (washed-out, deeply rutted babyhead creek crossings; cliff-edge
singletrack that is eroded to nothing, etc) Hard core riders think I'm a wimp. I don't care. I
have insurance; but don't feel like bleeding for my sport. I respect the more skilled riders.
I just wish they'd respect me for choosing not to be reckless.

-Barry

One of the beauties of this sport is that there isn't a "right" level of difficulty, it's
whatever feels appropriate for you.

For guys it may be a little different. I feel a great deal of pressure to "go for it" when I'm
with groups of testosterone-pumped males on the trails. That's why I avoid those situations almost
completely and try to ride solo as much as possible (even though it's less safe).

I'm not certain that I buy this, I don't recall any group rides where people have pressured me to
push myself beyond my limits. About the only pressure I do feel is when I am slowing a group up.
When I have passed on technical sections noone bothers me.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Granted as I've ridden more, I WANT to try harder stuff but if I choose to ride doubletrack for
the rest of my life, it's no body's business but my own.

-=(Go Penny ! )=-

Quoted message said:

Again, in an ideal world, perhaps. That's *exactly* what I mean about respect: The male riders I
know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how extreme they are,
and haven't a shred of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails. It's none
of their business; but they make it their business. Maybe it's different for women. I hope so.

Again I just don't get this kind of attitude. Perhaps you are just riding with a bunch of Cool
Mountain Dewds. Try hooking up with a mountain biking club or ride group in your area rather than
your normal buds and you will probably see an entirely different attitude.

The other possibility is as bomba suggested. Perhaps you just aren't pushing your limits. If you
don't push your limits you will never improve.

-- The Ogre ogrehut.comogrehut.comOpen ↗

"Tom Walker" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<ATXpa.628501$S_4.680653@rwcrnsc53>...

Quoted message said:

<Tales of woe snipped>

First off, get some new riding buddies with mental capacities that would at least match those of a
16 year old. I've ridden with a lot of different people with skill levels all over the map and
although some may push me to try new, difficult things harder than others, none have ever
disrespected me for declining the challenge. That's unacceptable and NOT common.

Here in Illinois, I think many of the riders use attitude to prove to themselves that they're the
equal of the hardcore riders they read about in the magazines. This is not mountain country. There
aren't many trails. These guys haven't been humbled by epic lung-busting climbs and insanely twisty
super-fast downhills. They're racer boy wannabe's, and they need desperately to pound their chests.

Knuckledraggers are pathetic; but around here, they are in abundance.

Quoted message said:

It sounds like you both need a little more confidence on technical trails.

That comes with experience, which I hope to get more of.

Quoted message said:

Usually, we get that confidence by rider with people who are better than us and courteous enough
show us a thing or two. since you don't have those people around you, I would suggest you both
take a beginner mountain biking class. The local advocacy group in my area (www.nemba.org) hold
several, and I've tought a few. They cover very basic mountain biking skills like obstacle
clearing, downhill riding, and the importance of basic balance skills. It usually takes a couple
of hours and you'll learn a TON. I guarantee you'll feel more confident after a similar class. If
your local club doesn't offer this, try to find a decent, skilled rider who will go over the
basics with you.

Thank you for the excellent suggestion. I'm sure it would help a lot. I'm not such a klutz, y'know.
Good balance, decades of riding experience. I just have very little desire to "go extreme". I have
nothing to prove, and I wish others would respect that. Sure, I'd like to progress; but not for any
particular purpose (such as racing).

Quoted message said:

I've seen plenty of people in these classes who were on the verge of quiting the sport after a few
too many episodes like yours. After learning the basics they looked at mtbing with a lot more
enthusiasm.

What I need is a respectful peer group. My cycling club friends - who are very respectful and
helpful - are completely intimidated by offroad biking. They've done it enough to know they'll never
try it again. "I almost killed myself" and "I fell 5 times and almost broke my collar bone" are the
kind of comments I get from them.

I didn't post this to whine. I posted it to offer a new perspective that isn't common on this NG: A
non-beginner with moderate skills who feels disrespect for not wanting to be "extreme." I'll bet I'm
not the only guy who has had this experience.

-Barry

[email hidden] (Tom Walker) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<ATXpa.628501$S_4.680653@rwcrnsc53>...

<Tales of woe snipped>

First off, get some new riding buddies with mental capacities that would at least match those of a
16 year old. I've ridden with a lot of different people with skill levels all over the map and
although some may push me to try new, difficult things harder than others, none have ever
disrespected me for declining the challenge. That's unacceptable and NOT common.

It sounds like you both need a little more confidence on technical trails. Usually, we get that
confidence by rider with people who are better than us and courteous enough show us a thing or
two. since you don't have those people around you, I would suggest you both take a beginner
mountain biking class. The local advocacy group in my area (www.nemba.org) hold several, and I've
tought a few. They cover very basic mountain biking skills like obstacle clearing, downhill
riding, and the importance of basic balance skills. It usually takes a couple of hours and you'll
learn a TON. I guarantee you'll feel more confident after a similar class. If your local club
doesn't offer this, try to find a decent, skilled rider who will go over the basics with you.

I've seen plenty of people in these classes who were on the verge of quiting the sport after a few
too many episodes like yours. After learning the basics they looked at mtbing with a lot more
enthusiasm.

Agreed.

A gentle razzing is no big deal. Laying on the insults and catcalls is just [censored].

But "MTB-Camp" would be cool. Heck I've learned a ton by watching others ride. I say to myself "that
didn't look too bad - I'll try
it." Next thing you know, I'm unconscious and bleeding...ooops, I meant to say, clearing the
obstacle I thought was insurmountable. But then again, I'm not gonzo, but quite cautious in my
riding. Too cautious, sometimes. Sometimes you have to "go for it" to clear it. But the guys the
OP is talking about don't sound like they are looking to encourage skills. 🙁

Spider

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<ep_pa.629739$S_4.681233@rwcrnsc53>...

Quoted message said:

"Penny S." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

B. Sanders said:

I wish I had more time to ride trails, so I could get used to them. There are still quite a
few sections that I won't ride (washed-out, deeply rutted babyhead creek crossings; cliff-edge
singletrack that is eroded to nothing, etc) Hard core riders think I'm a wimp. I don't care. I
have insurance; but don't feel like bleeding for my sport. I respect the more skilled riders.
I just wish they'd respect me for choosing not to be reckless.

-Barry

-Barry

PS: My wife still rides with me on the easy singletrack - just not on technical trails.

Buddy, you need to find some new riding pals. The guys you describe, even if only half of what you
say is true, are jerks. Why don't you recruit your existing friends into the sport, so that your
friendship will be the focus, not some macho, who's got the biggest unit contest?

Paladin

"Westie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Stephen Baker said:

>The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about
>how extreme they are, and haven't a

shred

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails.

That sounds like a dictionary definition of "A$$hole". The ones that

make the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

most noise are prob-babbly the biggest Barneys of the bunch. Drop 'em, do what you want to do,
and don't look back.

If that's the way things truly are then I agree, but I think it may well be different and our
friend here has gossamer-like skin.

Meaning what, exactly?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Firstly, if they're your mates, then you should realise that they're going to give you stick if
you don't ride stuff. Friends often have a better idea of your strengths anyway, and banter
amongst friends is par for the course. Friends egging on each other is a very good way of
progressing too, and people are often surprised by their own abilities.

I agree. Respectful banter can be good. Teaching skills to your friends is even better (much
better). Maybe if I was 19 instead of 41, I'd have more tolerance for that kind of pushiness. Maybe
I'd have more of an invincibility syndrome that would allow me to "go for it." Things change as you
age. (Anybody here over 30?)

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quite frankly, having someone of a similar ability who complained that "it's too hard" every
time we got to a technical bit of trail would get right on my [censored].

Ok, fair enough. Why do you ride with other people if they get on your nerves?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I think it's a good idea that people are aware of their limits, but what about people who don't
even get close to their limits and then complain about their friends encouraging them?

What about them? They like companionship; but don't like to be pushed. Is that wrong? It's difficult
to find male friends who aren't pushy and competitive, often to recklessness. That's exactly what
I'm trying to say.

Quoted message said:

I had a mate like that when we were in our early twenties. Had bought himself a Honda CBR600 and
wouldn't even go near the red line on the rev counter. "Didn't like hearing the engine" is what he
said. He might as well have bought himself a nifty fifty for all he ever did with it.

That's his choice, and you should respect that.

Quoted message said:

It was almost embarrassing in some funny way, because he was cabable of riding it better (he used
to ride his Suzuki GN250 harder). We were always waiting for him to catch up. A waste of a bike in
some other ways... I still

can't

Quoted message said:

figure out what the problem was even now.

And so for you, life is a race, is that right? If you're not racing, then you're not having fun?
"Pushing it harder" isn't the ultimate life goal for many people (even though that ethos is very
popular nowadays, according to the media.)

You and I are from different planets. I respect your views and skills; but do not share them.

-Barry

"Paladin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<ep_pa.629739$S_4.681233@rwcrnsc53>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"Penny S." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

B. Sanders wrote:
>
> I wish I had more time to ride trails, so I could get used to them. There are still quite a
> few sections that I won't ride (washed-out, deeply rutted babyhead creek crossings;
> cliff-edge singletrack that is eroded to nothing, etc) Hard core riders think I'm a wimp. I
> don't care. I have insurance; but don't feel like bleeding for my sport. I respect the more
> skilled riders. I just wish they'd respect me for choosing not to be reckless.
>
> -Barry

-Barry

PS: My wife still rides with me on the easy singletrack - just not on technical trails.

Buddy, you need to find some new riding pals. The guys you describe, even if only half of what you
say is true, are jerks. Why don't you recruit your existing friends into the sport, so that your
friendship will be the focus, not some macho, who's got the biggest unit contest?

Great advice, Palidin.

Thanks to everybody who replied. I'm encouraged by all of your supportive responses.

-Barry

B. Sanders said:

I agree. Respectful banter can be good. Teaching skills to your friends is even better (much
better). Maybe if I was 19 instead of 41, I'd have more tolerance for that kind of pushiness.
Maybe I'd have more of an invincibility syndrome that would allow me to "go for
it." Things change as you age. (Anybody here over 30?)

most of us I think.

penny

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about how
extreme they are, and haven't a shred of respect for anybody who shys away from the most
difficult trails. It's none of their business; but they make it their business.

Jeez. Just quit riding with Fagerlin...

CC

"Spider" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (Tom Walker) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<ATXpa.628501$S_4.680653@rwcrnsc53>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

<Tales of woe snipped>

First off, get some new riding buddies with mental capacities that would at least match those of
a 16 year old. I've ridden with a lot of different people with skill levels all over the map and
although some may push me to try new, difficult things harder than others, none have ever
disrespected me for declining the challenge. That's unacceptable and NOT common.

It sounds like you both need a little more confidence on technical trails. Usually, we get that
confidence by rider with people who are better than us and courteous enough show us a thing or
two. since you don't have those people around you, I would suggest you both take a beginner
mountain biking class. The local advocacy group in my area (www.nemba.org) hold several, and
I've tought a few. They cover very basic mountain biking skills like obstacle clearing,
downhill riding, and the importance of basic balance skills. It usually takes a couple of hours
and you'll learn a TON. I guarantee you'll feel more confident after a similar class. If your
local club doesn't offer this, try to find a decent, skilled rider who will go over the basics
with you.

I've seen plenty of people in these classes who were on the verge of quiting the sport after a
few too many episodes like yours. After learning the basics they looked at mtbing with a lot
more enthusiasm.

Agreed.

A gentle razzing is no big deal. Laying on the insults and catcalls is just [censored].

But "MTB-Camp" would be cool. Heck I've learned a ton by watching others ride. I say to myself
"that didn't look too bad - I'll try
it." Next thing you know, I'm unconscious and bleeding...ooops, I meant to say, clearing the
obstacle I thought was insurmountable. But then again, I'm not gonzo, but quite cautious in my
riding. Too cautious, sometimes. Sometimes you have to "go for it" to clear it. But the guys
the OP is talking about don't sound like they are looking to encourage skills. 🙁

Spider

Yeah, a camp'd be cool. I think that I'd really enjoy going over some of the "basics" and some of
the "no so basics" I've enquired in the past and there isn't too much around my area unfortunately.
--
Westie

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:tGeqa.343288$OV.370895@rwcrnsc54...

Quoted message said:

"Westie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Stephen Baker wrote:

>>The male riders I know are all about showing off and being hardcore. They love to brag about
>>how extreme they are, and haven't

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

shred

Quoted message said:

>>of respect for anybody who shys away from the most difficult trails.
>
>
> That sounds like a dictionary definition of "A$$hole". The ones

that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

make the

Quoted message said:

> most noise are prob-babbly the biggest Barneys of the bunch. Drop 'em, do what you want to
> do, and don't look back.

If that's the way things truly are then I agree, but I think it may

well

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

be different and our friend here has gossamer-like skin.

Meaning what, exactly?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Firstly, if they're your mates, then you should realise that they're going to give you stick
if you don't ride stuff. Friends often have a better idea of your strengths anyway, and banter
amongst friends is

par

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for the course. Friends egging on each other is a very good way of progressing too, and people
are often surprised by their own

abilities.

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I agree. Respectful banter can be good. Teaching skills to your friends

is

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even better (much better). Maybe if I was 19 instead of 41, I'd have more tolerance for that kind
of pushiness. Maybe I'd have more of an invincibility syndrome that would allow me to "go for it."
Things change

as

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you age. (Anybody here over 30?)

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Quite frankly, having someone of a similar ability who complained

that

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"it's too hard" every time we got to a technical bit of trail would

get

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right on my [censored].

Ok, fair enough. Why do you ride with other people if they get on your nerves?

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I think it's a good idea that people are aware of their limits, but

what

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about people who don't even get close to their limits and then

complain

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about their friends encouraging them?

What about them? They like companionship; but don't like to be pushed.

Is

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that wrong? It's difficult to find male friends who aren't pushy and competitive, often to
recklessness. That's exactly what I'm trying to

say.

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I had a mate like that when we were in our early twenties. Had bought himself a Honda CBR600 and
wouldn't even go near the red line on the rev counter. "Didn't like hearing the engine" is what
he said. He might as well have bought himself a nifty fifty for all he ever did with it.

That's his choice, and you should respect that.

And while I never really understood it, Yes, I did respect it. You will notice that later in
the post I mention that we always had to wait for him, but not once did we not invite him
because of that...

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It was almost embarrassing in some funny way, because he was cabable of riding

it

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better (he used to ride his Suzuki GN250 harder). We were always

waiting

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for him to catch up. A waste of a bike in some other ways... I still

can't

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figure out what the problem was even now.

And so for you, life is a race, is that right? If you're not racing, then you're not having fun?
"Pushing it harder" isn't the ultimate life goal

for

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many people (even though that ethos is very popular nowadays, according to the media.)

I don't particularly push the boundaries on my bike/s either - be they motor or mountain bikes -
never have. Life a race? I don't consider myself highly competitive and never have. But having said
that, if my friends didn't push me sometimes, and if I didn't push myself, then I might as well just
pack up and go home because mountainbiking is just _too_ hard for lil' ol' me.

I'll give a friend a push and a ribbing if needed ( isn't that one of the things friends are for?)
but I would never push someone beyond their skill level just to prove something. And if they don't
appreciate the pushing after a couple of times, you, as a friend, learn to lay off it. One should,
equally, be able to take some pushing. There are levels of abuse and I'm not sure that your friends
are being insensitive. You shouldn't be surprised if your friends push you to take risks. It's a
risky sport. Just getting on a bike is dangerous for some (when was the last time you fell off on
the way home from the Pub, Shaun?). Likewise, if you're a boxer don't complain if people are
surprised when you refuse to take _any_ punches. Tell your friends to lay off and leave you to ride
the way you want to. You can always go for help when they break their necks.
--
Westie

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You and I are from different planets. I respect your views and skills; but do not share them.