Re: [CR] Nobody helps anybody (WAS: BRITISH BIKES)

(Example: Racing:Wayne Stetina)

In-Reply-To: <mailman.20980.1265774210.565.classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References:
From: "Jon Spangler" <jonswriter@att.net>
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:50:23 -0800
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] Nobody helps anybody (WAS: BRITISH BIKES)


Phil,

I'm sorry to hear that you have not seen good examples of helpful and welcoming cyclists recently. There are definitely many self-centered riders out on the roads who do not socialize with or support their fellow cyclists.

But I am pleased to say that there are some significant "keepers of the (social) flame" among current bike organizations that I have seen.

Both the Team in Training and AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) are national/ international groups that welcome newbie riders and provide superb support, encouragement, and skills training on their bike rides. And ALC's training rides are open to all comers. (I was an ALC Training Ride Leader for two years.)

And, of course, the local bay Area CR rides are great examples of the "old-style" (pre-1983? :-) cameraderie.

More locally, Alameda Bicycle's "no drop" family fun rides are another great example of bringing new and rusty riders along in a supportive atmosphere. And I cannot imagine that none of the many Bay Area cycling clubs are any good at bringing along inexperienced or unskilled riders, especially on their slower rides and beginner-level outings.

East Bay Bicycle Coalition and BikeAlameda Valet Bike Parking usually offers friendly and supportive educational and mechanical support, too. Not technically a bike ride, but definitely a club-like function and service in the traditional style. (They sure like my on-topic Peugeot when I park it with them, in any case... :-)

Jon Spangler who is optimistic as well as nostalgic in Alameda, CA USA

On Feb 9, 2010, at 7:56 PM, Phil Brown wrote:
> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 17:29:59 -0800
> From: Phil Brown <philcycles@sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: Re: [CR] British Bikes
> To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Message-ID: <56d3014aceff37aa12d8492e60a39489@sbcglobal.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"; format=flowed
>
>
> On Feb 9, 2010, at 4:33 PM, Colin Laing wrote:
>
>> So, all I can say, in our neck of the woods anyway, there was no
>> snobbery at all and all the riders were extremely kind to newbies
>>
>> Colin Laing Chandler Arizona.
>>
>>
>
>
> Sadly the current American scene is nothing like this. Nobody helps
> anybody and snobbery rules. When I started riding with the San
> Francisco Wheelmen and later the Berkeley Wheelmen it was much like
> Colin describes but not today.
> It's sad.
> Phil Brown
> A nostalgic tear in Oakland, Calif.
>
>

Jon Spangler Writer/editor Linda Hudson Writing

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