JustWilliams alerted me to the existence of Cycle Social, a sort of Facebook (gearbook?) for cyclists. I joined, partly because I was momentarily startled by the existence of an actual member in the area – people aren’t very wired around here as a rule. Looking at it more closely, I can see that it could become just another online discussion forum for cyclists, and a place for people to gather behind their screens and reinforce their prejudices and point and laugh at other people who are, in some way, doing it wrong. But then again, it could also become something much more interesting than that – a place where people who cycle could find out about other people who cycle and even – you know, if they wanted to – go and meet up with them. Go on a bike ride even. Out there in the real world.
So if the thought doesn’t bring you out in hives, why not join up? They’re in the middle of discussing how best to improve the site and make it more of a social thing, rather than just a cycling thing, so now’s your chance to shape it into something you might like. And it seems to me it might just be a good central point for anyone who’s interested in promoting cycling – fast, slow, and all speeds in between – to get together with others and feed their obsession, sorry that should say healthy and wholesome hobby.
Or it might just turn out to be another talking shop, in which case it will be a pity, but it will have been worth a try all the same. I’ll be there to see how it turns out, so if you see me, give me a wave (you’ll know me, because I’m the one dressed as a penguin).
You never know, it might turn out to be fun
November 17, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
Hi, I’ve been a member of cycle social for a while haven’t met anyone face-to-face yet, but I have just suggested that they establish a “very slow bicycle movement” section and there seem to be a few takers…so some of them/us are probably ok’ish.
November 17, 2009 at 10:16 pm |
Oh right – was that you? I feel my various internet worlds colliding
November 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
Yes, it’s a very small e-world, I’m the yellow cruiser bike. Incidentally I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a Brooks saddle, how long do you think they take to break-in and when do you think you’ll know when they are ?
November 17, 2009 at 10:47 pm |
I’m the penguin.
Re saddles, mine turned out to be pretty much rideable from the start, but I may have been lucky.
November 18, 2009 at 2:33 pm |
What a super post! Agree with every word. I do hope that Cycle Social really does bring cyclists together in their own home areas – especially new cyclists and those who consider themselves slow (or very slow). Another “talking shop” we do not need.
As for Brooks saddles, mine was not too bad from the start and after tightening a little it has been no problem at all. More info for Paul on Brooks website which can be found (of course) via Google.
November 18, 2009 at 5:43 pm |
In my part of the world we have social biking clubs. They ride weekly up and down the hills in the area and frequently plan ride in which fast and slow riders can do the same ride. On my birthday, 17 of us rode on a one way trip of 50 miles. The bus (yes, we have two, a big one and a small one) let people off at various points so they could ride only what they wanted. Then we all ended at a bar for lunch, hopped on the bus and were driven happily home. This April twenty people are traveling to Texas for a week long biking extravaganza. It is a great group of people and I feel lucky to participate.
November 18, 2009 at 6:21 pm |
Mary – that sounds just the thing.
JW – well, we’ll see how it pans out