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CNF2002 wrote:

I'm not saying all men are not helpful, but when you make it a "girls thing", it levels the playing field for ladies, especially the new ones. The experienced ladies make a good example for the newbs.

I completely understand this position. I do think its a little offensive to women, that they need a special day to be shielded from men. I grew up around strong women who did anything and everything they set their mind to, with no extra 'protection'.

That said, legally they should be required to allow men and women to participate in a demo day for $100, even if it is not on the same day or they reserve other space for a ladies only area. Finances have nothing to do with making ladies comfortable, men are just as poor as women and may/may not have the opportunity to try track-day riding just the same. But 21st century sexism is a discussion for the soap box I just wanted to steer us away from photoshopped V-pics in taudry poses.

I was giving Verm the explanation why there are 'woman's days'. The same reason why "Curves" gym is so popular with ladies. (Personally, I hate Curves, I'd rather workout in a icky non-ac garage with old free weights.)

I agree, there shouldn't be conflict, but there is. Taking perceived barriers (emotional, mental, and/or physical) or barriers to action out of an activity encourages participation. Kinda like when you're trying to motivate person to exercise, you gotta put to rest any fears, concerns or misconceptions so they quit making excuses and start participating. You have to make the activity as enticing as possible so there can be a start. Once there is a start, you start building the confidence and skill, then self-efficacy. Until a person feels they are confident in that skill or activity, they won't be motivated to do it. But from that point, that activity will be a norm.

Its just classic behavior change theories and models at work. I won't go into detail, but if you want to read up, Google.

PS, I am a woman, I don't think it's offensive. I think it sounds like fun. Maybe there are woman who are offended...but lots of women jump at the chance to have fun with 'the girls'. Same goes for guys too.

Kal wrote:Don't get me started on the sexism inherient in the system...

I thought it was violence that was inherent the system???




Come and see the violence inherent in the system. Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

Kal wrote:That'll be because you've not been in an English 'Family Court'

Family court here isn't any better. It is a system created to "supposedly" help the children while making the parents feel about as worthy as a slug.

Don't let it get you down....one day it will all be over.

The problem with the family court system is 1) the govt believes it has more right to decide what is in the best interest of a child than his/her own parents do, and 2) the court automatically attach the child to the woman. In a perfect world, #2 would still benefit the child...unfortunately the law doesn't account for the fact that most people are dishonest when it comes to getting what they want. This leads to false accusation of criminal activity to win custody, artificially inflated child support that supports the mother instead, zero penalties for violating visitation rights of noncustodial parents, and lack of secure distribution of those funds to ensure that the money goes to the child (and excess goes to savings, college, and other future funds for the child) not a plasma TV for mommy's new boyfriend.

Shorts, I'm not saying there can't be a 'ladies only' area, day, section, whatever...but if one gym is women only and costs $10/mo and the gym next to it is men&women and $50/mo with the same equipment, thats discrimination IMO. If the gym wants to set a flat rate and section off a place for ladies and men, so be it. I would also be against an all-male gym. Discrimination and segregation are wrong, no matter how you divide the groups by sex or race. It may be PC to discriminate against men, but that doesn't make it right (or lawful).

Although you do have a valid point, CNF2002, there are reasons why there are separate places for women to go to workout.

Now, I'm not saying ALL men ogle and leer, but when I used to do to an exercise facility, there were always men who were trolling. It was as much a pick up place as a nightclub sometimes.
When a woman who is a little insecure or unsure of herself or is a few pounds overweight and trying to do something about it, it can be very intimidating to have the men looking you over to see if you're "worthy", of their shallow intentions.

I used to see a certain male instructor lounging around the equipment "chatting up" the "hot babes". They weren't exercising...just chatting.

And sometimes a few guys would just walk around "just looking".

The last thing a woman needs is to feel like she is being judged...yet again....by her appearance.
Hence, gyms for women.
Having a track or demo day just for women provides a sense of security.

Until you have been on the receiving end of being told what to do and how you should do this and you're doing this wrong., etc., etc., I wouldn't expect you to understand how intimidating it can be to be in a testosterone charged environment and being made to feel like you can't do something or you shouldn't be doing something.

The organizers of this event have obviously done their homework and recognized a need and have done something to encourage women to come out and have some fun and excitement in a safe and supportive environment.

As for it only being a $100. We women pay dearly for most everything else compared to men. Haircuts cost triple, dry cleaning costs more, etc., etc.,

It's only once a year for crying out loud, so let them have their fun for $100.

It hardly qualifies as discrimination. It's more like good marketing.

OK, I'll get off my soap box now.

Try working out in a college campus gym. It swings both ways. Young women oogle all the young men working out, and the girls are hardly there to work out themselves (unless walking on a treadmill for 5 minutes and then sitting on the bench to talk on the phone and stare at people is a workout )...I exaggerate, but the point is that the men don't seem bothered by it. It makes them work harder, so a friend told me once.

All I'm saying is, the only barriers that exist are the ones that you make for yourself. Attacking a symptom is not a solution to the problem.

OK, I'll get off my soap box now.

We'll probably get this thread banished to someplace at this point