They are doing the Josie Johnson Ride again this Saturday. I won't be riding this year. I support the cause, but don't feel comfortable riding with a lot of people that ride. I often end up feeling out of place because I don't have the roadie appearance, and unfortunately, that is mostly what shows up to the event. The event itself is a great idea, too bad the representation of the people who ride the streets the most day to day, the commuters, is not represented. I am tired of being one of five 'commuter' types of these people that show up and then feel uncomfortable riding the entire time. Maybe I sound like a real ass, in not going to support the greater cause, but their are other causes to ride for on a bicycle. If anyone else desires to ride this ride, by all means ride it. I am sitting this one out.
photo credit: google images.
Zed, please go. I am (was) a good friend of Josie's and my husband is a communter-type who will be riding. If you haven't made other plans, please go. I can relate to your feelings because I cannot ride a bike (I have spine problems from being run over by a car when I was a toddler that result in nerve problems in my legs and arms, etc.) _and_ when I go to this ride, I am surrounded by people who never knew her. It is hard to be a part of a group event when one easily-identifiable group dominates the scene, but if you don't go (and if my husband and I didn't go) then the roadies would continue to be the dominant group. We _all_ belong at this ride and if we can recruit enough commuters and family riders, we can turn this into a true community event! :) Maybe we could arrange to meet, somehow?
ReplyDeleteI work on Saturday, however it is good to read the words you provide and makes me feel a bit better about the entire event. Maybe I will be able to next year and feel a little better about the whole thing by then? I never knew Josie, but I often try to go to any event of such a nature that presents bicycle awareness and safety.
ReplyDeleteMemorial rides are a great idea but you must remember what you are there for! It is not about your comfort with strangers or "roadies". It is about remembering what happened and showing your support. So you commute, so what! You ride, so just be happy with honoring a fallen rider. You've got to get over yourself. Jeez!
ReplyDeleteBTW: Fortunately, most road riders who show up for this event remember what they are there for! Too bad you do not.
If you are upset about fallen riders, then by all means ride. Keep tossing this rhetoric of conform and join for the singular cause, and no one outside of spandex will ride. No matter the event people want to feel they belong. All your commentary does is further individuals like me from the event and any association with it.
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