Editorial Direction II

[thanita]

Hey out there:
This is a bit of a follow up to the question that Jeff posed on the hang out forum. I know that, for the most part, all bikers share the same array of interests - which bikes, which trails, which brands, which . . . whatever - is for me? I'm digging here, and would like some input more specifically for the women - is there a topic you would be interested in reading that is not in DR?

Try not think of big mags (including DR) when you consider this question, b/c I think they tend to obscure potential topics because of their relatively narrow focus. Like I do when I encounter a menu that just has too much stuff on it (but the reverse, in this case), I look away from the menu and think "what taste do I want in my mouth right now?" I narrow it down, then head to that part of the menu. Here, the menu is a bit lacking - look away and think: "what do I want to read about/know about riding"? Maybe there is no topic that's of particular interest to women and we're beating a dead horse, but seeing how small our female subscriber base is, we MUST not be covering something, right? Not trying to divide, but attempting to provide.
:rolleyes:
To the ride,
T

[Cyclenaut]

Ok...

How 'bout interviews/profiles of more women racers/innovators/women with a unique story? One woman that comes to mind is the woman who started Terry (sorry I can't remember her name, at the moment). Along the current events line: The US Olympic MTB team only has one slot left that Allison Dunlap was hoping would turn out to be two, increasing her odds of making the team despite her injury last year. Her early season races are going to be pivotal. She will pretty much need to podium in all of them in order to make the team. A "journal" type story that follows her progress might be noteworthy (here she is, a World Champion struggling to come back from a serious injury in order to make the Olympic team).

Let's see, what else...reader stories from women about how they got into the sport? Ways to handle the boyfriend/spouse who tries to take the joy out of it? Here's one that's close to my heart: female wrenches and winning against "Mr. Fix It" (the idea being that men don't trust a woman's mechanical ability until she takes a pedal wrench to his arse).

[catzilla]

I've got to go the opposite route as Cyclenaut on this one. I'm never usually entertained by interviews/profiles, but that's just me. I don't really get inspired by personal accounts of how someone great got into the sport. I'd rather read a really well written article by some Jane Shmoe who is actually just getting into the sport - even if they haven't accomplished anything great yet.

I dig on articles that teach me something new, especially in the skills department. Yeah, I know, there are only so many "How to bunny hop" articles than can be written, but I find myself reading them each time.

Short stories and interesting editorials always catch my fancy as well. I like to hear...err...read people talking about the sport as though they are drenched in the love for it. I like to feel the authors personality and quirkyness in their written perspective on whatever nuance of the sport or culture they are talking about. I like to giggle and think, "Hey, I know that feeling".

I know this ain't exactly an answer to a question you asked, but I'm getting it out there anyway.

Personal pet peeve on articles targeted towards the women-folk?

Where's the frickin' humor??? Where's the personality? I feel like these articles are always trying to accomplish something serious. It's not that I dislike reading about how some spandex clad rider was the first woman to accomplish something or other. It's just that, sometimes, I relate a little more to that spandex clad rider who spent an eternity pulling down those damned glued on spandex for an emergency "trail bathroom break"...only to find herself giving the full moon to a group of passing fellas. Those glued on spandex don't come up any faster than they go down.

Okay, maybe there's a definitive reason I relate to that last bit...

Either way, when I think about what it is like to be a female rider in a male dominated sport, I don't think about triumps and gender related obstacles. I think about the difficulties of taking a leak on the trail, the squirly look the girl-doc give's ya' even though you swear your boyfriend treats you well, the pride in feeling comfortable with your bruised calves in a short skirt, and that moment when you realize your female body is an asset to becoming a better rider, not an obstacle.

[thanita]

Good, good, keep it coming, keep it coming.
Thanks!
T

[Kim D]

I agree...skills, skills, skills. When I'm out riding w/" the boys" (spouse, friends, dad) I have a hard time relating sometimes when they are trying to teach me, show me, heckle...whatever. It took me forever to be brave enough to do log ramps and big water bars. Why? Sometimes I still hesitate on more harrowing technical stuff. Perhaps it's my lack of testosterone. Logically, I know I can handle it, but the little voice inside me (wait, maybe it's my mom) says, "don't you want children someday?" or "how many concussions does one really need?" Didn't mean to rant, but you got me thinking. I like to read about improving my skills, fitness, and riding the best I can...And if it's written by someone who is female, even better.

[thanita]

Some great ideas rolling in . . . brainstorming is good.
Kim: funny 'bout the offspring aspect, as I suspect guys are more liable to permanently damage the reproductive goods by a well (or poorly, depending on pt. of view) placed whack.

Anything that comes to mind, out with it! Thanks for helping make DR a better place . . .
T

Skills, huh?

[catzilla]

Originally posted by Kim D
I have a hard time relating sometimes when they are trying to teach me, show me, heckle...whatever.

I've learned something funny during the regular and all women's skills clinics I've taught. I also run a monthy all-women's ride, so I've had a lot of observation time with female riders.

There is an assumption that seems to hold a lot of women back. It's the assumption that men do tricks/skills differently due to their increased upper body strength.

The wheelie is the most apparent example. I have this thing where I want to teach every woman I meet how to wheelie. Yeah, wheeling is great and all, but there is a greater concept to be learned.

Nearly every single woman starts off by saying, "I just don't have the arm strength". It's at that point where I let them know that folks are capable of doing no-handed and one-handed wheelies - your hands and arms are merely guides. Wheelies aren't about strength, they are about finesse (and proper gearing).

Anyway, the average time it takes me to get the first wheelie lift out of a rider is 5 minutes. The look they get afterwards is frickin' phenominal.

See - women sometimes assume that doing something is more difficult because they have a woman's body. These assumptions keep them from trying to acheive the skill through alternative means (i.e. maybe they should pedal harder instead of yanking the bar harder).

Also, I've found that lady folk like to be prepared for everything. They want to know what the drop will feel like, not just that they need to hit it fast. Comparing a new and intimidating obstacle to one that the rider is already familiar with really boosts their confidence.

In my experience, I've found that women tend to have an amazing amount of persistance. When you can combine that persistance with a little confidence, you get an awesome rider.

[Lwac]

I don't want to read a "Readers Digest" type story, but I haven't seen anyone do a focus on folks (men or women) to whom mountain biking was a lifesaver, or at least a quality of lifesaver.

I kept riding during radiation treatments and still ride after breaking my leg, which sports a very attractive metal plate now. I may not have the strength or skills a lot people think neccessary to get out on the trails, but I plan to keep at. Seeing a nice piece now and then about someone overcoming odds would be an interesting addition to the magazine.

Oh, I'll be 49 next month. Even us old people like Dirt Rag.


:D

[wooglin-at-home]

Originally posted by Cyclenaut
the woman who started Terry (sorry I can't remember her name, at the moment) Tsk, tsk, tsk.... Georgina ;)

[thanita]

Now, W-A-H, you've got to have something other than a tsk to share, haven't you?:rolleyes:
T

[wooglin-at-home]

Originally posted by thanita
Now, W-A-H, you've got to have something other than a tsk to share, haven't you?:rolleyes:
T I'll have you know I shared three tsks. All of them delivered from the perspective of what my mother would like to think of as a liberated male.....

I actually read this thread with interest. I think Catzilla should write a piece. In fact, I think you, Thanita, should go down there and meet her. She's beyond cool.

[Divscotty]

I would enjoy a catzilla class. Finesse would be nice. Sometimes I just survive. Being the best gear shifter I know helps me make it sometimes. I shift constantly.

I think Florida is a bit far though.

Divscotty

[thanita]

Now, I'm not just being nice, but - I've thought of weasels, duct-taped kitties and, having a beer, thank you - heh. Funny it melds here.
T

[Divscotty]

Yes this is an interesting forum...

I enjoy it. It can be stimulating, a person can get interact with other riders of all levels, give and receive a kind word or a growl when one is needed.

Yep, quite the mix of individuals. However, I think some might be posers (at best) or they wouldn't try to suck-up to Maurice so much, it contradicts their statements. Big independent thinkers one minute then a total whining puppy looking for verification in the next sentence. Something doesn't ring true there.

I believe most people are good, some could write a novel. Not that anybody would read through the lengthy, egotiscal, mirror driven, drivel. But they could write one.

I hope the DR readership stays up so Maurice can continue to balance his checkbook.

Divscotty

[FlowerSniffer]

I like the idea of a test between women specific & 'normal' bikes- I trust Dirt Rag but I'm not altogether convinced that the slacker womens' geometry is the way to go. Doesn't that make for a less aggressive singletrack carver e.t.c. ? It would be interesting to read comparisons from testers.

Aside from that : I most enjoy reading the soul stuff , descriptive pieces of writing that inspire . I like Bill Ketzlers' stuff & Ferrintino's always been one of my heroes - stuff like this written by women would be cool.

I realise that the percentage of women that ride is much smaller than the percentage of guys so although women specific articles are always good , it wouldn't stop me subscribing if weren't any . I just love to ride & love to read about riding .

[polly]

Hi Thanita...

One thing I enjoy reading is when you test ride a bike... as we are about the same size and weight, it gives me a real insight into what that bike would feel like...

I really liked the winning story in the last issue... put me in mind of "to kill a mockingbird" - I wished it was a whole novel, it kept me engrossed whilst having my highlights done, even though the hairdresser was a little perturbed when i refused her copy of cosmo...:D

Catzilla... I wish you could teach me to wheely... can you send me a video lesson?

I like the mix in dirtrag - it has a pick up, flick through and read in any order, feel about it; I haven't read it thinking there were women's articles missing as such.

I'm off to the Forest of Dean for a women's beginners/improvers weekend at the end of April... perhaps I'll write down how we all got on...

Cheers

Polly

[RacerK]

You know, there are women's weekends around here too... I went to one at Slatyfork, WV awhile back with Elaine and some other riding gals from the 'Burgh and it was fabulous. Maybe we could cover such a thing as we would other events...?

Any guys reading this, if you have special lady friends you'd like to draw into the sport, is there anything we could cover that would help? For instance advice about taking someone (gender neutral) on their first ride?

[thanita]

We did do some coverage in DR a while back about a "Girl's Day" in NY, with Kathy Burns as speaker. It was pretty cool, just one ambulance trip . . . Unfortunately, as I recall, we didn't get much feedback. Hm.

T

[tachyon]

Women's 'teams' are popping up all over the place. Charlotte has Dirt Divas at www.dirtdivas.net

It's not exactly a racing team, but a vehicle to introduce and interest women in the sport and pasttime of mountain biking.

I'm sure that there are several other cities with similar groups. A writeup on them and possibly how to organize their own 'testosterone free' zones for cycling would be useful to some of the women who read Dirt Rag.

tachyon

[zzyxzz]

Now this might be difficult to do, so bear with me here...

What about a piece about getting into the sport. Find a woman who is interested in starting mtbing and run a few short articles covering her indoctrination into the sport. Start with her bike buying experiences and the various "help" she receives as she receives advice, rides a trail, takes a beginner's course, tries to upgrade parts, 1st race, etc.

If you really want to go the distance you could contrast the piece with a guy doing the same thing.

[thanita]

Hm. Eeenteresstink.
Thanks for the input.
T

[catzilla]

Originally posted by tachyon
I'm sure that there are several other cities with similar groups. A writeup on them and possibly how to organize their own 'testosterone free' zones for cycling would be useful to some of the women who read Dirt Rag.

Shoot - even after having put together one of these groups myself, I'd LOVE to see the advice and perspectives from others with similar experiences. We probably all have different pieces of information, and I've never really seen anything like a How To on creating a testosterone free ride before.

Originally posted by zzyxzz
What about a piece about getting into the sport. Find a woman who is interested in starting mtbing and run a few short articles covering her indoctrination into the sport. Start with her bike buying experiences and the various "help" she receives as she receives advice, rides a trail, takes a beginner's course, tries to upgrade parts, 1st race, etc.

Both of these ideas are damned cool! At least I would definitely be interested in each of these articles.

zzyxzz's idea seems the most interesting, especially if it is taken beyond just a woman getting into the sport. I'd really like to see the stories of some out of shape college student, and older person, someone from the suit and tie crowd, a roadie trying out the dark side, and even a family getting into this sport.

[redline935]

See my post on BMX. I saw in Mtn Bike Action that only a small percentage of subscribers were women. It seems like women don't like action sports that much - or it's not presented to them the right way. I am not athletically incline - I'm not fast and only somewhat strong. But I have fun with mtn biking and BMX. If you can figure out how to get more women involved, please let me know.