Let's clear up a few things. For those saying 'you're being too sensitive'. This is not one comment, one time. It's constant and shouldn't happen in the first place to anyone. It also reinforces woman who 'taking it the wrong way' are at fault, not the person who said the unwanted / inappropriate comment. If you still don't think this is the case, listen to the women in the comments who have had these exact experiences, regularly! As a UA-camr I brush off comments every single day. I deleted some of the worst comments but wish I hadn't now because just take two minutes to read some of the sexist, ignorant comments below. It just proves my point . The comments don't bother me now but when I first got into cycling it really did knock my confidence. So I'm talking about it now because I don't want anyone to be put off from cycling. I now think 'mansplaining' isn't a great term - it's not all men by any means, it's a small group of idiots so maybe it should be idiotsplaining. One thing I've taken from this though is how many awesome, supportive and kind people there are out there who understand this is an issue and agree that we should all be able to ride bikes, and just have positive and encouraging interactions.
Agree; "mansplaining" is patronising to the 99.99% of men who don't do this. "prattsplaining" is better. Re: The video, I think it's often easy to misinterpret what people say (though the lengthy comments you describe are more obvious). The hands-on issue though? Definitely not on.
Yes..... perfect word 'idiotsplaining'. A lot of it Katie is from people who see their own weaknesses reflected back at them by people who ride or run. Stay strong, it can be a jungle out there🦁🐅🐘💪💪👍🚴
Thank you for putting this out there. I’d like to highlight a lot of the backlash coming from MALE commenters, go figure...saying someone is overly sensitive is dismissive and akin to gaslighting someone for having an emotional reaction to something that hurt them. NOT OKAY. And to the NOT ALL MEN commentary, it serves to derail the fact that an overwhelming amount of men are in fact in the wrong. It is called mansplaining for a reason and will continue to do so until men on a whole do better. Call out your fellow men for making you look bad as a whole, don’t stay silent. Do not apologize for standing up for the women who are often experiencing these issues daily.
Happy Sunday. I hope it is sunny and warm. You spoke your truth on your channel. Having 'knowitall', 'mansplainer', 'bitofadick', on my resume, it's a bit of a downer to learn you're 'not helping', but alas, I was harming. Thanks for having the courage to set us straight. Fortunately, I have a wife and two college educated daughters, and I now have an advanced degree in listening.
I was vacationing (I'm male) and cycling a climb for first time. A young woman cycled up behind me, and said in friendly voice "wow, I never see anyone cycling here" We climbed together for a bit, chatting, I explained I was on vacation and wasn't familiar with the climb. I realized she was a stronger cyclist, so told her not to let me slow her down. She said, "it's OK", and continued to climb with me. Near the top, she pulled away a little, but then waited at the top for me. Very encouraging, not a hint of condescension from her. How it should be. Improved my state of mind for the rest of the vaca.
@@pennywise146 Precisely not, because of the friendly and humble way she interacted, which I contrast to the kind of interaction described by Katie, which I think is common. That's the point.
@@truwth Touching is not ok....but ‘some’ people can be over sensitive to a friendly word of advice which can be taken out of context. I’m someone approaching retirement age but still do a lot of hillwalking...I often have interactions of this nature but always view it as well intended (as I’m sure it is)....probably as I’m secure enough in my own abilities to conquer tasks I take on....just my opinion.
Reference the original comment, this is not sexism. I am a bloke, and I've had comments as I've passed people on climbs saying 'it's a long way to the top mate', as if they don't think I can hold the pace to the top, this is life in general. Blokes make stupid comments to blokes too, I assure you.
I've had this as well, and comments about my gears I've got on my bike. TBH, it's just someone who thinks they're being humorous, but they're not. Hay-ho, I just carry on.
A person of female origin shouted to me on Wednesday “ that climb is hard work and the wind is at you” ... As a man I was offended ! Said no one ever. Shameful vlog.
I think it is only sexism if the person in question who made the comment would only make such comment to a woman. If the person makes the same comment to each person who passes, no matter the gender, I agree it is not sexism. But comparing a similar situation that a man experienced and a woman experienced from different people in different locations doesn't invalidate the fact that it might have been sexism in one case. But it's true, we don't know, unless we collect more data. But it's fair to say that it has happened to a lot of women, and even if the man is maybe trying to be nice by offering some advice, it's seen as condescending as it's seems like the man does not believe Katie would have been capable of making the climb. And if that assessment is based on her gender, well yes, then it's sexism. And this is what's annoying. Just because a rider is female doesn't make that rider less capable. Experience may make someone less capable, but not the gender.
I'm a heavy dude. Was doing a climb, people will give me the looks "this fat dude is slow" or kept on asking my much I weights. I don't care. I hit my target and that's important.
The funny thing is that many of these rude people are living in that belief that whenever they tell you such a thing, they have successfully put you down in front of others and they came across as a confident, great person who really knows his/her job. But it's the exact opposite, after that during a coffe stop they will sit right in the middle of the café on their own and everyone else in a circle right next to the wall to stay away from them. :D
I think we may be overly sensitive on occasion. People are actually quite nice and willing to be friendly and helpful, and they may not intend to offend. I also have had an unsolicited hand in the small of my back while struggling up a mountain. I appreciated the help. And I've also received some unsolicited, helpful advise on gearing. At the same time, some people can be a bit much. Just be nice to each other and give them the benefit of their likely good intentions.
i respectfully disagree. Katie is a superbly fit cyclist.... all you need to do is look at her form to know. and even then it would not matter. She was there, we were not.
Best comment imho. Thing is, the difference between us will only get bigger if 99% of all comments and actions are seen as sexism or whatever. It is a dangerous trend imho. Does mean I agree with being cautious when pushing/touching someone, especially a woman. That’s common sense though.
I'm a male cyclist and I've had men and women cyclists advise me that a climb is long and/or steep as I start it. Also advice that I'm nearly at the top. I'll do the same as I see it as a friendly gesture. I've never taken it as condescending even though I'm old enough to be the dad or grandad of most who give me this advice.
First of all, I've never heard of mansplaining, let alone knowing what it means, so I learned something. Secondly, being an older cyclist and having been trained as a cycling instructor, I find that I still have to strike a fine balance between offering advice in a training environment and not doing so unless asked out on the road. This applies also to whoever I meet out on the road. I'm not a particularly great reader of people, (borderline Asperger's) but if out on the road and I see anyone with a mechanical or puncture etc, I will offer to stop and help. I have had all sorts of responses from "It's ok, I've got it sorted" to "I don't need any man to fix my bike, f**k off". Sometimes I just end up undecided and cycle past. Best thing is not to take it personally. I have had to work on my approach to offering help because I have been told in the past that I had (unintentionally) a condescending tone. I'm always happy to help but sometimes inability to read others can leave me looking stand offish or rude. However, all that being said, I will not touch another person or other person's bike in any situation unless I have their permission to do so. That's obvious to me.
Asking if someone needs help is (should be) part of the camaraderie of cycling. I ask anyone who looks like they've got a mechanical they've got everything they need or need any help. Most people say they're fine, but I've helped plenty of people with their bikes. Just riding past is shitty behaviour. But it is of course all in the delivery of the offer for help; ask, don't assume. And don't touch anything without in invitation or positive response to a question
I find "you Ok ?" works with any cyclist at the side of the road . I will be conversing with other cyclists regardless of whether they have a penis , vagina , or a flippin cloaca . If they want to take it the wrong way , it's their issue . PLEASE don't drag cycling into this sexual political psyco drama that is being played out in the western world in general . Cycling is a great leveller . Hard Knott is hard and flats are flat . Touching someone elses cycle mid ride is a massive no no for me . No excuses for that. I love KK's content and she has documented how she struggles and I can sympathise with that having had experience of an anxious partner. It's tough when the mind focuses like that to break the anxiety cycle .
Agree with all the replies here and your comment. It does appear that in this "modern age" you have to be very careful, especially if you are a white middle aged heterosexual male. My advice would be get fit & hammer them, but then again I'm old school.
Keep offering your help if thats what you like doing ! 👍 . A professional psychologist will tell u how people react to your question is out of your control , if they do not like it its their own issue not yours . As long as your not offensive ofcourse and ofcourse not demanding people appreciate your help as again that can lead to dissapointment 🤣👍 😀
"I don't need any man to fix my bike f**k off." Well that's sexist as f**k. I really like that in England so many people offer me help in case of a puncture, even sometimes drivers and perhaps the only negative side of that is by answering to everyone "No, thanks, I am fine." a 10-15 minute inner tube change becomes a 30 minute one, but really the only thing I can do is to laugh at it and thank everyone the offer.
I'm a 62 year old man. Last summer I was riding up Leith Hill and when I reached the top 2 women cyclists in their 20s saw me and one said, look at him hasn't he done well. And the other replied, and he's going so fast. The main problem for me is that cycling is such a poesy and snobby sport.
Also people are amazingly unfit ! So don't understand how fit a person can become regardless of age or size ! . That was probably your chance to get chatting with them 🤣
I had something similar whilst riding out with my partner last weekend. We approached 3 guys and we were going faster so after a while we overtook them but I had a friendly chat with an older guy at the back first. My husband went round them first but then when I went round the front two, one of them hit the pedal hard to keep up with us and he left his two mates behind.... way behind. He just didn’t like a woman passing him and I wasn’t really trying that hard. After a while he stopped at the side, having proved his fitness level he then waited for his mates! 10 minutes later we were going up a hill and we were checking out a squeak on husbands bike so going slowly. The 3 blokes caught us up and as they went by one of them said to me ‘ go on, you can do it’. Now you could say he was being encouraging but it really annoyed me. It was a little hill and I was just chilling going up there. I knew I could bloody do it!! It was said to me, not my husband who was also chilling some way behind me, we had nothing to prove. I think most women know the difference between being patronised and someone being friendly.... after years of it happening, we just know 🥴
Men hate to be passed by women on bikes. I sometimes pass groups of club cyclists and they never disappoint - always kill themselves pedaling to catch up and pass me again. One time, a guy in the back turned round and said "we can't help it - we're guys!" I had to laugh! But, in all seriousness, my response to many of the issues that Katie encountered would be to tell the guy to f-off. I have zero tolerance for that crap!
I was going up a climb with a friend of mine, and a lady passed us, probably going about 25% faster than us. My friend IMMEDIATELY sped up, before realising after about 20 seconds that it was probably not possible. There was no comment, no attempt to pass her out. - I must admit, I found it to be hilarious, and rib him regularly about it
As a bloke I took 4 months off work for each of my 2 kids when they were very young babies so that my wife could return to work and so that I could get the experience of enjoying my kids as babies. If you think Mansplaining is bad.......try Womansplaining. Yes, I can deal with most things that comes out of a baby and pretty much everything that needs to go in. I can shop, clean, iron, cook, make beds, do the washing and all of it one handed while holding a baby if needed...but wow...the amount of patronising advice was.....well...what you would expect. Most of it is that people are socially awkward and tend to blurt something out...and most times it's just they are trying to be social and get flustered by something they didn't expect. Often people just want to initiate a conversation as they like the look of you! So let's agree to call it humansplaining.....most of us have been guilty of doing it.....as well as receiving it...from all genders. Forgiveness and a cheeky/lighthearted comment in return with a smile
I have to say that a few years ago on a group ride, I was nothing but grateful for a guy to give me a push up a climb. I was the only woman in the group and was with my husband also. As I knew the guy I didn’t mind at all. I didn’t find it patronising or insulting. I was praised for completing the whole ride (at the same time as they guys) which was fast but I did struggle a bit on this particular hill. At least it kept us all together on the ride. I do also think there are a lot of male cyclists that can’t bear a woman being faster than them and they are the ones who can be insulting but I’ve only had a positive experience when riding with men.
I’m not wishing to challenge how you felt about the comment, but I would offer a different perspective. It was a nice spring weekend here and lots of people were getting out on their bikes. While walking my dog I commented to more than one cyclist that it was great weather to be out cycling. That was just polite conversation. I wasn’t suggesting they were incapable of noticing the climatic conditions, or that they were too daft to watch the weather forecast before they started, or that they were wearing too many sweaters for the warm weather. Some people are just friendly and enjoy exchanging a passing comment with passers by without having some hidden agenda.
« Hello lovely day for a ride isn’t it? » is not the same as « You ok love? Might want to take it easy in this heat. You know you need to drink at least a bidon an hour? Maybe put your saddle up whilst your at it ».
You're making some huge assumptions regarding men's intentions or motives just because of a single comment. Thanks to social media, everyone seems to be looking for a reason to be offended these days. A comment is just a comment and easily ignored unless it's obviously derogatory, racist, sexist etc. Intentionally touching someone else without consent however is an entirely different situation and the offender should always be called out immediately.
Oh get out of here Katie! People just talk like that to anyone to be friendly regardless of gender. I'm a bloke and often when hillwalking or cycling, people-men and women -will say things like..'You've got a fair way to go yet!!' and things like that. Talk about taking offence at the drop of a hat!
@@andyh9068 How can you possibly discern meaning in someone's tone? The guy could be a bluff but friendly character who just talks in a dour matter of fact way. Do you have to talk like Graham Norton to be considered friendly?
@@blackdogwildtrails3123 so you have never realised someone was angry by the tone in their voice or even upset. Tone plays a huge part in how we perceive what is being said. I never said I knew what they meant but their tone can be a massive indication.
With all respect Katie. I definitely think you're over-reacting regarding 'Mansplaining'..... I'm a 13 stone bloke and I get comments like that too, bit sexist to say it's just because you're a woman. I do Shaley Brow nr Wigan all the time and it's a common thing to hear...."it's a tough climb this mate" or "take your time on this" etc etc. Yeah, it's a bit annoying when you know the climb well...but the comments are irrelevant, just get on with your ride. Just saying 👍
Um, do you not see the issue with telling a woman that they’re over-reacting about mansplaining? You do realise that you’re mansplaining about mansplaining?
As a woman we get this day in day out, with everything. At work, by random strangers on the street, online, criticising all aspects of our lives. There’s a different dynamic when men offer women unsolicited advice because men are already in the position of power in so many ways. After recent events in the press, and Katie being confident enough to come out with this video and call out mansplaining, why do you feel the need to make it about yourself and your intentions? Why don’t you just listen to women and realise we are sick of this and we don’t want unsolicited advice from men and we don’t want to be told how to feel?
@@ConnorFrench Get over yourself, don't turn this trivia into a political debate. My point was... it's a cycling thing. When you've had morons trying to knock you off the bike etc, then someone shouting a stupid quip really does pale into insignificance. She she just ignore it and carry on riding.
I spent 20 years working as a nurse. Male nurses are not as common as they should be, and virtually everything that I learnt about nursing was from women. One effect of that time that still persists, is that I see women as being entirely capable of doing anything and tend to be surprised when they cannot do everything that I can do. That is usually only due to me being six foot six, 18 stone and therefore stronger and taller than most people of both genders. I am even surprised when shorter people ask me to get things for them from high shelves, again that's only because i am taller than the vast majority of people of any gender. Women are as capable as men, the only significant differences are size, strength, stamina and the ability to bear children. Most of the women cyclists that I see, are seen from behind as they whizz past me. I returned to cycling last year, after 23 years off the bike, am losing weight slowly (thank you for your inspiration with that) and gradually getting fitter and a little faster. I often cycle with a gentle cycling group, with my partner, Jane, which has a number of female cyclists. Yes, I may have more mechanical knowledge than some them, yes, I may be faster than some of them, but I am not surprised when they are faster than me, better mechanics than me, or just better than me. As a male nurse, I experienced sexism aimed against men and some aimed against women. I experienced sexual harrassment from women (and men). Did I have as much to put with as the average woman? I very much doubt it. Whatever your gender, sexuality, size, shape or colour, you deserve to live without prejudice, harrassment or discrimination of any kind. The sooner people realise that anyone can need a hand at times and anyone can be better, faster or stronger, the sooner the world can just get on with having fun. I want to have fun and to help anyone that needs help. Who needs help? It could be anyone.
I think the “ long way to go up the hill” is just a usual comment from anyone as I’ve had it and I’m male and thought nothing of it. You can be over sensitive sometimes and get the wrong end of the stick. The pushing on your back is 100% not on and not called for and something I would never ever do.
It has never happened to me cycling but once while going to work I opened the door for a lady. Her answer was: I can open my own doors! Since then, I wont offer anything until Im asked period.
It isn't mansplaining, it's just some people think they know better and it doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman they think they need to impart their words of wisdom whether it's wanted or not.
I know it’s probably not a fair comparison but as a senior male rider , I get the same attitude from some younger riders. Its the main reason I avoid group rides. So many big brains🙄. Anyway, we love ya.✌️
Men give unwanted advice to other men also. It's not necessarily a gender thing, but it's definitely ego. To tell someone else is to boost themselves above you, men and women alike. However, touching is crossing line! TBH, I find unwanted advice annoying too but then that's my ego 🤔. What people say is a reflection of themselves. Smile, feel sorry them and pass on by, don't get suckered into their ego game as you'll have already lost! x
I agree. I'd just say "Thanks, I've been riding this hill a lot, cheers." and move on with life. Nothing has meaning unless you give it meaning. But yes, the guys touching is totally uncalled for...
Oh man..how do you ever go through life? Must be tough! All those guys saying things that bother you! Insecure weirdos aren't just a recent thing..get back your testosterone bud
1) I am 100% in agreement with you that no one should should touch you without your explicit consent. I would never even think of doing that to another cyclist and I would have the same reaction as you if someone did it to me, 2) I don’t know about the UK, but in the US what you described about receiving unsolicited “advice” is extremely common whether you are male or female. I started cycling over 40 years ago and I still routinely receive “cycling advice” from complete strangers about equipment, hydration, route features, trail conditions, road hazards, etc. I have never felt the need to call it “woman-splaining” on those occasions when a female cyclist offered me unsolicited advice.
I'm a fat dude on a single speed. I've had people putting there noses up, other cyclists not acknowledge me on the road, uneducated people who look at me giving it all up a hill, bike mechanics over price me. Sure, what you mentioned is people being condescending but it happens to literally everyone. Who here has has someone go past on a bike costing thousands and chuckle to themselves when they see your cheaper bike? I think everyone has had that experience. Anyone been berated by someone because you don't have this and that "Essential cycling kit" or don't have the latest jersey or whatever? I think most people have had that. Cycling is a very elitist sport and everyone will get stuff like this. It's not Men Vs Women, It's Us Vs Them. The good people verses the arseholes. Good people don't have a specific race, colour, belief, gender. Bad people don't have a specific race, colour, belief, gender. Instead of blaming Men, Blame the arseholes because simply stating Men drags everyone down.
I don't wear the right kind of sunglasses or kit it seems, some of the pinarello/rapha types won't even give you a nod back if you aren't in the latest season kit.... Actually things have moved on now and even Rapha is beneath them, find the latest Italian/French/Outer Mongolia brand no one has heard of if you want to be in the "cool gang"... 😂
In all honesty if that puts you off cycling or anything in life, you're not going to make it. I really think certain people need to be a lot mentally stronger.
I’ve heard other guys commenting on my wife as she sped past them on a climb. They weren’t too happy when I told them what I thought of them :). As for condescending remarks on gender or equipment, seen it a lot in fishing and shooting too.
Just discovered your channel and I’m so very glad I’ did. I have been flipped off, run off the road, called filthy names, honked at and stalked by men while cycling.It was so bad at one point I almost gave it up. I live in the southern u.s.a. where cyclist in general are barely tolerated and often targeted. I have avoided joining the local club for this very reason and because I would be the only women and I know at my age and ability I would not be able to keep up. I know my limits and respect theirs. The nature of my business and the other outdoor activities I am passionate about place me in “man land” as I like to refer to it on a daily basis. I am a cyclist who loves the sport just as everyone else who participates, not a female cyclist.
I came to comment that it's not just women this happens to, I've had it loads too off cyclists of both genders, I do enjoy your vids Katie but I feel you have probably rubbed up a lot of your subscribers by tarring all men with the same brush, which I see you've amended now, I also find it a little coincidental that you have uploaded this video after all the recent demonstrations by women, which I have no issues with, but have you done it just for views ?? Either way I found it very offensive to men in general .
Heard that comment at the start of climbs plenty enough, its just one of them comments people make { its hardly mansplaing } its like when you get a huge meal put in front of you and some one might say { you won't be able to eat all of that } . Its called general chit chat. Love your videos and your dedication to cycling but i think this last year has put alot of us under stress/scrutiny/etc.
Katie, I’m a huge fan of you and what you stand for but I think you have got this one slightly wrong. Please don’t allow the social media male bashing that is currently going on influence your thoughts, I genuinely don’t think this is a gender thing. I am a male and have had the same twat comments that you have had and the same hand on my back ... this is a bad human issue rather than a male patronising female issue.
@@KatieKookaburra it does but I don’t believe this happens to you because you are a female which is the point you suggest in the vlog. I think these things happen because there are a lot of arseholes out there who are ignorant to their own ignorance
I recently paused to ask two young ladies if they needed help when they were at a junction looking at their phones. I thought they were checking directions and was willing to help them out. They both looked at me with horror. Such a shame this world has got so unfriendly. I wouldn’t have minded a “no thanks, we’re ok”. But assumptions were made and I was made out to be condescending or sexist.
The other side of the coin, is a man was trying to be helpful thinking you may not know it’s a tough climb. That is not mansplaining. Next time, respond “thanks, I’ve done the ride 30 times before and it’s a toughie.”
Spot on. People can be super condescending in general. When it's based on race, gender or se.other assumption it'd get pretty old, but I reckon it's fair game to shut them down to their face rather than whine about it and expect some sort of social movement to do the heavy lifting. I wish modern society didn't have such an aversion to being more honest and confrontational. It's possible to be so without being aggressive and we'd all benefit.
@@Millistration In real life, I've seen many more men acting condescending to women than vice versa. Too often the response to the women speaking up is aggression. In my 15-yrs in retail, I've had to distract a few guys in public who were telling the "stupid women she didn't know what the hell she was talking about". In the cases when it was a couple, I just hope it didn't escalate in private.
Why is the assumption to the side of ignorance though? Anyone turning up kitted and committed you'd think the assumption would be that they knew where they were and what they were doing.
I'm surprised how many guys are apparently unaware of how common mansplaining is. Guys, please! Are you kidding? There's a huge difference between a guy getting a well meaning but, ultimately, condescending comment on the odd occasion vs. every single week. This is systemic. Years and years of psychological programming gives rise to actions which are unconsciously biased. I am not perfect and I'm sure I've been guilty of mansplaining many times but I'm consciously trying to deprogram myself and check myself before making unsolicited comments. Just engage your brain guys. Before you open your mouth, just ask yourself whether you would be making the comment if the person was a man or based on an assumption of women being less or weaker than men. If the answer is no, then don't say it. End of. As a father of 3 girls, it saddens me how many gender biased comments they still get. Comments from relatives describing them in terms of their looks instead of their accomplishments just for a start. Rant over. Back to watching Katie smash Ven-top!
Yes, angry insecure feminists and female cyclist( I am a 21 girl) if Katie was confident about cycling she wouldn’t care, if she was happy with herself she wouldn’t care and would be honest with herself
@@berfinberfi5457 words can still hurt no matter how confident one is, and everyone should be able to do things they enjoy without having to pass some sort of fortitude test. I’m pretty confident in my ‘identity’ cycling but abuse from fellow cyclists or white van men can still be painful.
@@defnoz Omg, you too!? Cyclists are snobs for the most part. Toughen up, ffs and do what you do. People are people and snobs are gonna snob. Geez, not everybody gets a participation medal.
The guy on the mountain bike I think was just trying to give advice I don't think gender was a factor, the other issues are fucked up and shouldn't be tolerated.
'That's a tough climb*" is not advice. At heart it's a clumsy conversation attempt. Like telling someone the water's cold when they are about to dive in.
Reminds me of something that happened many years ago. I used to cycle commute 30 miles a day, so I had good strong legs with fitness to match. It was a weekend and I was cycling to see my girlfriend. I was in casual clothes and thought nothing about passing two cyclists, I was in a world of my own. They caught up with me and said "I suppose you think you're being clever going passed us like that". I said dont know what you're on about. They then went passed, but the second one, swung in very close to my front wheel, I thought he tried to hit it. I noticed they had some club jerseys on. I've never liked confrontations and have never been quick with come back remarks. But I do know how to ride a bike. I caught them back up and sailed straight passed them and never looked back and never saw them again. I think if you can come back with something witty then do so. Other than that I would just ignore the comments. Touching is another thing though, they need to be told and put straight that it is not acceptable. Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy your rides.
Every single time I've passed club riders in their matching jerseys one of them has sped up and overtaken me then immediately eased up. Don't understand the mentality.
Rode past two guys last summer who were on road bikes, I was on my MTB. They were going slow and chatting away I just approached them carrying my same speed. Moments later one did exactly the same, swinging in and just missing my front wheel. Ironic thing is that had I been on my road bike, that incident wouldn't have happened. I'd not do it to another person, irrespective of being male, female or their choice of bike... Sad really.
I often watch your videos and you have a natural way of talking to the camera but I was really quite cross about this as you have used half a dozen words that someone said as part of a greeting to you to make a video about mansplaining. People (male and female) say awkward or stupid or patronising or trite things all the time, perhaps more so in the current climate.
As a club ride lead I push people back into groups if they are lagging, slightly different scenario and this is for both genders, people do get arsey about it but we have to slow the group or kick them out otherwise. I don’t think the bloke here was man-splaining as I don’t think it’s a comment specific to women, he’d have probably said it to Tom Pidcock if he was at the bottom, it’s just the usual cyclist banter I think.
Ady... club rides were my instance of help, also to get me back on... in KK's cases though it is hard for us to judge as we did not hear the actual comment... but given that she seems a level headed lass, and it has somewhat riled her, I expect there was a bit if tone in his comment.
I might have misunderstood Katie’s story, but I don’t think this person was in her group, but rather just a stranger. I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to give me a push, let alone a stranger, simply because I’m there to ride up, not to be pushed up, even if I’m slow. I would voluntarily kick myself out of a group where I’m lagging all the time (maybe that’s why I don’t like big group rides).
I’m a male and had both of those things done to me. It didn’t really bother me people saying about the hill but I didn’t like the push I was once given. Mainly because I wasn’t expecting it and it made me jump and nearly crash. The other day I had a guy overtake me and he said I could shelter on his wheel knowing full well I wouldn’t be able to keep up with him 🤷🏻♂️
Hi Katie, one of the biggest bugbears our female club members have to deal with is male cyclists being overtaken by them who then take it as an affront to their masculinity and then sprint to overtake back or cycle alongside for a chat.
I was in a group ride in Tenerife with about 8 male cyclists and another female cyclist. Most were going a bit too slow on the climb for my liking so I passed a few of them. But then they came racing behind me and passed me again, saying "machismo" in a joking manner. They basically confessed that they can't let a female rider pass them on a climb. I found it so silly. I just wanted to climb at my own pace (which happened to be faster than their preferred pace), who gives a crap which gender we are and feel insecure when a female rider passes them? I find this ridiculous.
As a man I get this from other men and women at times. Recently was ascending a very steep local ride and a man told me I was going to struggle to get to the top as I was going slow. We'd done around 4,000 feet and were enjoying ourselves. I know "helpful" club cyclists (both men and women) who give unwanted advice which puts folks off. Timely reminder for us all to engage our brains first.
it's not easy knowing what to say or do when coming across a fellow cyclist, male or female, so I just say "good morning" and ride on. the only time I say more is when someone has stopped for mechanical issues and then I only say, " you ok? do you have everything you need?" it's sad really 😢😢😢
@@waynepearce415 There's a comedy video here on YT of a northerner who gets arrested in London for saying "hello." It's funny because it hovers very low over the truth.
Yep. Some people are clearly offended by everything. I have had other men say this kind of thing all the time… it’s generally considered small talk or banter, but clearly some women think that everything is targeted at them because they are women.
Alright the touching of a woman is a big F'ing no no and I absolutely agree with you on this. The comments are normal comments though, you read the talking down to women into it yourself, I Get those comments and I am a 6'5" male and I give those comments to my mates/men I see riding ' come on pick a gear any gear' . This is so far away from it being a man talking down to women thing. What your video does is basically scare men off of interacting with women in the same way we would to men, so it actually has the complete opposite effect we start being guarded and watching what we say which is basically being sexist. I will never ever touch a woman I don't know or even ones that I do unless it is warranted/welcomed but I won't ever stop having a laugh and treating women with the same respect I would a man just because some may read more into it than was ever intended.
I had another female cyclist tell me in a group ride that it was okay if I wanted to turn back and not continue with the ride. This was a no drop ride with a sweeper in which I was keeping the advertised minimum pace. It was a discouraging and hurtful comment to me as a newish rider that I’ll never forget.
I think you are making this bigger than it really is. Some people (including women) can say, do or behave annoying. They might even have good intentions. The world is filled with idiots. Don’t let them get to you, because if you do it will make you bitter and angry. Its not worth it. Focus on other positive things instead. We all need happy vibes these days. Cheers from Switzerland.
i honestly think the guy wasn't annoying. I would have appreciated the advice, said "thanks but i think i can handle it!", wish him a good day and keep going. The other dude touching her is another story.
Or you could accept the opinion of someone who clearly is done with this shit and take Katie seriously. It's not a matter of laughing it away anymore, this behaviour just needs to stop. You're part of the problem with an attitude like this
Must admit I like riding solo, or with very select friends and family. In the past I’ve never liked riding with strangers as I’ve often been made to feel inferior. Cycling is wonderful and I know there’s a ton of great people in it but it’s a bit of a strange world at times.
Yea totally agree I ride solo most of the time or with just one other person. I find with clubs/groups there’s just too much “I’m the leader follow me!” Or “you need to change that bike to be like mine!” Or that stem is too short” “that stem is too long” etc. I think it’s serial English club bellends.
@@the_fast_lifeyea you’re probably right there and cycling clubs seem to be full of them....only trouble is my legs aren’t that great I only ride on for pure enjoyment so it’s just easier to ride on my own. 😁
@@steveindorset pure enjoyment you say thats what you ride for, I challenge you to become really fit and then your pure enjoyment of riding your bike will triple
Agree with this the first incident in this video seems so innocent. Get that a lot from male riders too usually older men its not meant anything bad by it at all its normally just being friendly. The rest is out of order though nobody should be touching you.
You make some valid points -- namely that unwanted touching is never proper and it is inexcusable. But this a cycling channel and if you want to address this issue, may I suggest that you make a video on proper cycling etiquette. YT can drive you nuts if you make the channel about you or your personal life. There will always be someone to criticize you. I think if you made a video that did not show you exclusively talking into the lens, but showed more scenes on the road and how to conduct yourself, it would be much better appreciated. Emma Pooley once did this (and how to irritate your competitor!) and it was great.
Well said. There are a pile of us men who are patronizing “girls” by making those comments. The touching / pushing is flat out always wrong. I’d bet there is a slight sexual thing to that. Kinda “ooh I touched her backside “ mentality to it. I have two 20 something year old daughters and would be pissed at such a thing. There’s such a double standard still.
I've done my fair share of sportives and on every climb someone, male or female will tell me something about the climb I'm starting or already on whether it be how long I have left or how long or steep it gets round the next bend. It not people being condescending or because you're a woman it's just people offering you advice they think might help you. I for one feel better on a climb when someone tells me it finishes round the next bend, it gives me a boost to get round the next bend when my legs are telling me to quit. I was climbing up the Stwlan Dam in wales when some bloke walking up it shouted 'It gets steeper and steeper' as we went past. I could see it gets steeper and steeper myself but I never once thought he was being condescending. We actually spoke to him when he got to the top and he was a really nice bloke and he told us all about the climb as he was a local. I guess what I'm saying is don't take people's comments the wrong way unless they've obviously said something nasty as some people are just trying to be nice and helpful. I don't agree with touching someone though, that is wrong!
These days you just have to stay quiet, not make any comment, make no eye contact as clearly everything seems to offend everyone these days. It's just sad actually that people view things through such a distorted lens, although i do agree that touching someone without being asked is not acceptable.
Not at all. Its just more women feel empowered to speak out about their experience. Social media has enabled more and more people to see that their experience has happened to other people and to speak out. To say that undermining other people is not okay. On what level do you think that the experiences she shared was perfectly okay? Please do share. Its interesting to know how someone could support this.
@@AllIsWellaus I'm not supporting anything but to turn what, through another lens, could be viewed as just an innocent comment suddenly becomes offensive. Bringing gender into it just adds to the skewed perspective. We bang on about celebrating diversity but the reality is that now all people want is for everyone to comply with their own perspective. My wife is an ultra runner...I have no issues respecting her as an athlete nor do I judge anyone by gender, age, size or colour...I have been passed by enough people of all types in races to have understood that a long time ago. Trying to make conversation at the bottom of a hill has turned into being something apparently offensive. It's sad.
Wow, some of these comments have really riled me. To the men who seem to not understand why these incidents are infuriating and sometimes upsetting: They are small micro-aggressions that are sign of a conscious or unconscious bias (women are weak, women are never experienced or skilled riders). Katie sharing her experience is an opportunity for you to have a think if you’ve acted in a similar way towards women based on assumptions you’ve made in the split second that you’ve seen them (you’ve seen a women on a bike so they must be weak/inexperienced and need help). This isn’t an opportunity for you to tell Katie she’s wrong or has reacted incorrectly to situations she’s been in. That’s just being defensive when you’ve started to realise you have some challenging behaviours. Real-life example: I ride either alone or with strong male riders that I’ve ridden with for years. I’m used to other men giving a full out effort to try and overtake me on a ride. This is their unconscious/conscious bias telling them that as I’m a female rider I must be weak so they must also be weak if they can’t pass me. Because they’re doing a hard effort to pass, they often pass dangerously/riding in an almost desperate fashion. The men that I ride with have commented that this almost never happens when they’re not riding with me. Whey they ride with me, it happens constantly. It happens so often that I can’t let myself get angry about it on a ride because it would ruin every ride. But men are trying to tell me through their actions daily that I’m weak, and that really p*sses me off.
Hit 3:45 and totally agree - unless it's asked for then don't give any help. It's 2021 after all so even when a woman asks for help, the guy should get it in writing, video evidence with a number of independent witnesses because he can never underestimate what he'll be accused of.
The exact same thing happened to me riding out of Kildale up onto the Cleveland Way last Sunday by a woman. I laughed it off politely and thought nothing of it.
I totally agree with you on all points. I also am waiting for the day that men will protest against gf's and wife's constantly nagging men literally to death in some cases.....as a source of control and emotional manipulation to keep a man or husband under the thumb. There is so much mental and emotional abuse to men these days...…and women just get away with it and its all the mans fault. If a women hits a man or psychologically abuses him its seen by society as funny and taken not seriously. This is terrible and needs to be addressed in society. One day we will look back and this will be recognised.
I'm an asian rider but male and love climbing. And get similar condescending comments all the time. I just ride next to them on the next long climb and keep jabbering away to annoy them 😂
This is exactly why I support and follow every decision my daughter makes in bicycling (she followed me into it, now we ride together). She just hammers out miles and hills, leaving the smarmy behind. This is also the reason that I am sad at the end of the day; because I am stereotyped. I like meeting bicycle people, because I like to bicycle and be with people who can, but, I am never allowed to make a bicycle friend. WTF? This is also why my favorite rides are between 100 and 200 miles with no one. Just me and every vehicle that wants me dead.
Hey Kate, can you tell me why cycling ladies don't wave hello back? 5 years riding and they always keep me hanging. In other things I heard once some guy telling her girl partner riding "follow that cow"(meaning me) while climbing. You see, it's not a boy vs girl thing, get over it yourself. People in general are jerks. And I most said I played every sport in the books with exception of ice hockey. And I will said cyclists are one of the most crude when it comes to judgments.
Please don’t call this message “a rant”, or apologise for it, it speaks volumes and needs to be heard! As a female cyclist I have experienced similar situations, from being pushed up hills without permission, to having my brakes changed for me during a pit stop, or even just told to slow down... Thank you for sharing!
HMMMMM... Good but also difficult topic. Consider this: Not all men are idiots. Not all men are sexists. I know that some of us are, but some of us ARE gentlemen and it actually hurts when we get the sexist/insensitive/stupid stamp put on us.... I like to think that MOST men are gentlemen and does have the ability and will to treat other genders as equal. Maybe a small portion of what comes across as bad behavior is actually the result of bad communication.. As an example: A guys wants to help you change an inner tube as he saw you look really frustrated at the side of the road. His fresh opener "Want me to help you? A man is much better with tools than women" Really annoying comment if you don't realize that he is joking, right? Just wanted to say that not everything is black or white and that ignorant, rude, sexist people are all over the place. Thankfully there are many, many, many more gentle, intelligent and good people in the world than the opposite.
No problem with any of the examples given, but I would say that there has always been a degree of camaraderie between cyclists harking back to the days when there weren't many of us and we had to look out for one another. Hence why it's traditional to ask anyone stricken at the side of the road if they need any help. I think that's a great thing and hope we wouldn't ever be put off from doing that for fear that it might be misconstrued in some way. I had three punctures on a recent ride, and while the inquiries were kindly rebuffed for the first couple, when I'd run out of tubes they were very much appreciated. Cyclists are generally a great and supportive community so I really hope we maintain that as the sport becomes more popular.
First ride out with a club in Ireland local club ,older guy was far to forthcoming with advise that i needed to lose the rack from my bike and the rear guard if i wanted to keep up with the group , rather than welcome me as a new rider , consequently last time i rode with that club !
I once had someone say to me at the finish line of Manchester to Blackpool you’ve chose the wrong bike to do this on. I was on a mtb but still made it. I was on a high from finishing the ride amd didn’t react, if I seen him now I would put him right in his place. 6 years and it still angers me. I’d only just started riding and failed on my first big ride but completed this and was elated with my effort. Let’s all just keep being positive no matter the sex, weight, colour ect we all enjoy the ride
@@marick791 didn't really register at the time. Once I got a pint and relaxed it did. Wanted to go find him and give him some of my thoughts. I always try to encourage people into cycling as ive got so much from it
There are too many know it all bike snobs about. My mate did the London to Brighton on a Boris bike just to prove that you don’t need a two thousand pound bike to have fun (and after all that’s why most of us get on a bike). As you obviously know, there’s no such thing as “the wrong bike”.
I'm stuck with a mtb and all my road bikes in another location, just can't get back to get one of them. Anticipating with dread the remarks I'm going to hear at an event later this year about my choice of bikes. Don't care, just gonna enjoy the event.
@@scottbert9556 Good for you mate, that’s the way to go. When I was a kid I had one bike, it was my road bike, my bmx, my mtb, my gravel bike and my track bike rolled into one. Weirdly it didn’t cost a lot, £5 second hand. I will never forget the fun I had, and no one ever said it wasn’t good enough.
Katie, I have watched your videos for the past year and half and found them to be hugely inspiring and look forward to watching more. As a 60 year old male, I have seen many changes for the better and having been raised by a very strong mother and fortunate to have 3 sisters who are all equally strong and driven in their own fields, I like to think, even at 60, I am very open-minded and keen to see further changes so that regardless of gender, we are all treated equally. What does concern me though is that in the process of this necessary change, all men are being tarnished, even those who are very open-minded and while it is right that you highlight issues, I worry that at some point, there maybe a unwarranted backlash. I now think before I approach anyone to assist that may need help and in most cases sadly I just move on. I would never think it condescending to offer help to a women, I was brought up by my mother to be respectful regardless of gender or age, but this now seems to have changed and is interpreted in my opinion 'incorrectly' by many as insulting. Opening a door, (which by the way I do for both men and women) is now seen as wrong! How can this be. Even writing this comment, I am thinking will it cause a backlash! How is it that we have come to this? I can't say if the person who made the comment as you were about to climb was condescending or not but if it made you feel uncomfortable I full understand your comments. Many of us (of an older generation......even if I still think of myself as young :)) in the past may have made comments, which now would be interpreted differently and it is correct that we all need to reconsider how these comments might affect others, but please remember not all men are like the two examples you have highlighted. Thank you again for you videos and inspiration. Take care.
Oh what to do now? Do I ask if a cyclist needs help when they are beside the road with a wheel out? What if that cyclist happens to be female, would I be in danger of “mansplaining”? I think I’ll play safe and cycle by with a wave.
Helen Millett I am the same . Who ever it is, it's appreciated that some one is offering help. Male, female or even the odd motorist has stopped and asked if I am ok in the past. A chat or a friendly "I am ok" has been the result and on more than one occasion they have been a saviour. But I think the option of the friendly wave is the best as I would hate to upset or offend anyone especially when I am offering genuine support.👍
What I hate is that this male v female gender issue is now entering cycling. If i'm out and I see a cyclist at the side of the road my first instinct is to ask if they are OK.. but now I have to consider if the person is a male or a female as I don't want to offend, sound patronising or condescending. We should just all be looking out for each other as we get enough hate from motorists close passing us.. I even had a Parcelforce driver spit at me when he passed me on a country lane, luckily my head was down at the time and I only saw the spit on my shoulder after the van had gone past. We all have such a fantastic community but if we fall out with ourselves what's the point?
So from him saying “ you have a long way to go , it’s a long way to the top” you get that he was implying that you were not capable? That’s sad that you think he mean that. Why not think he meant ITS A LONG WAY TO THE TOP AND ITS A LONG WAY.
So much of this is about how you react to someone's else's advice or unrequested help. I would advise just saying "thanks but I got this", or "I've been here before". Don't start barking and having a temper tantrum. It just leaves a bad taste toward other people. Being overhelpful is much better than ignoring. I still ask all fellow cyclist on the side of road if they need help. I cant tell you how many ride without pumps, tools, without cell phones, etc.
The level of misogyny here is genuinely unbelievable. Katie makes a video with the intent of bringing daily misogyny and mansplaining to light so that the community learns and is more inclusive and welcoming to everyone, and you comment to tell Katie that the actual problem is that she doesn't handle taking advice well. Why are people upvoting this? Is it satire and I'm too thick to realize? What is going on???
@@Tyler2534 What is going on here is that you are an indoctrinated simp who doesn't understand sexual dynamics. There's nothing misogynistic here. I promise that you are never going to get a woman by attempting to tow the line of feminism. They did several psychological studies on self proclaimed radical feminists and when the psychologists phrased the questions to ask those same feminists if they would date a man who had the ideology that the feminists purported to want just minutes prior - the women were disgusted by the thought of being with those men. Hilarious.
Only my opinion, I'm a male cyclist from the same area and I’ve had the same thing said to me a handful of times from both genders. I don’t agree that the person was being offensive sorry
Haven’t experienced this in cycling yet as I’m fairly new to taking it more seriously, but I’ve had it when running. It was really obvious one day when I crewed my friend round a marathon. She was being paced by her male friend and the amount of blokes who heckled things like “keep it up, you’ve nearly caught him” just got fucking boring! Without exception, every comment was from a man. It wasn’t threatening in any way, but that one day showed the sense of entitlement men feel they have to make comments to women they don’t know.
I can empathise. Riding around Tahoe lake on the organised event on a tandem with my daughter (an experience I can throughly recommend). We were not strong and had been cycling maybe 3 years at weekends only. She was 9 or 10 and I was late 40s with an office job and neither of us particularly skinny. It’s all 6,000ft and above with some climbs and we were slow. These young bucks were coming past and saying silly things like `she’s not pushing’ and ‘she’s got her feet up’ etc. No encouragement or anything positive and to a kid who was pedalling her heart out. As you probably know, a tandem accelerates downhill like a lift with the cables cut. The memory of all blowing past all these massive ego’s listening to my little girl frantically ringing her bell and shouting `On your left’ will stick with me to the grave. The comments were much more positive when they caught up to us at the lunch stop. Now retired and with some spare time your videos are encouraging me to get back on the saddle - thanks
Don't fabricate your own problems, that Mountainbike guy probably sat at the bottom to rest before he started that for him very evil climb he probably just wanted a conversation since he did not say that is a hard climb for a woman i don't see the woman part. Touching somebody unwantedly is a real problem, your reaction there was the right one no compromises there.
I experienced some of the worst and ridiculous mansplaining situations in bike shops. As a woman you are seldom taking serious, and I'm so fucking tired of it. Thank you for pointing out the difference between unsolicited comments and being really helpful, when help is actually needed and wanted. I hope more people get to understand that.
@@Nostalgiaforinfi Thank you, finally there is a guy who explains the lady how her reality looks like. Just understand, that women don't experience the world the same way you do.
Thank you!! I now hate bike shops for that reason. I cannot find one that is not patronising and actually listen when I speak and treat me as human being, and I live in London so I’ve tried a few. It’s infuriating when you add the constant abuse on the road, as well as the sexist crap on bike forums and general content.
Why shouldn't you be taken seriously?? You could be just as good as any man. Your a cyclist. Not a woman cyclist. People who think differently.... That's there problem
I'm in no doubt that your experiences are genuine but on this occasion I think the example you chose was an unoffending quip by a guy sat at the bottom of a hill (if he's a follower he maybe sat at home thinking WTF). Use this phrase - 'No shit Sherlock' laugh and pedal on by. Unfortunately in any sport I've been involved with there's always somebody who knows more than you do and is always eager to impart their knowledge , male or female. You either take it or leave it but do not be offended. Personally I blame a woman for the way I am with women. My Mother. She taught me to respect women and even open doors for them. When you get older and you open a door for a woman and she says 'did I ask you to open the door? Don't you think I'm capable?' it's somewhat confusing. The older generation usually say 'There's not many left who would do that'. The guy who pushed you, he's a very very small minority and obviously requires corrective training and as a father with two daughters this unwanted attention annoys me the most. However I once had my ass felt in Barcelona whilst wearing white chinos so even that goes both ways at times. It was by a man though.
I’m waiting for the day a friendly smile offends.... With the way things are going,it ain’t that far off... Hands on is a big NO,harmless comments or banter isnt, He didn’t make any derogatory comments just mentioned about the climb ahead, He wasn’t to know your a “somebody” in the UA-cam world who smashes up climbes for fun... But branding men the way you did was a big fail IMO
How do you know the guy at the base of the hill wouldn't say it to a bloke? I think you're looking for microaggression where it doesn't exist. Don't assume the worse. The hands-on is completely uncalled for.
This MIGHT have been mansplaining, but equally there's a very good chance that the guy thought he was being helpful. I have had very similar experiences, and there's no way on earth I'm being confused for a woman!
Let me get this straight. Katie relayed her experience to you. In response, rather than accepting and believing it--maybe saying to yourself: "oh interesting maybe that does happen far more often to women" or "maybe that experience really is fundamentally different for women than it is for men"--you chose instead to explain to Katie that actually, she's probably wrong about the thing she herself experienced. I genuinely do not understand how people repeatedly do this. Why on earth would you know better than Katie whether or not the thing SHE experienced was mansplaining?? I get the sense you have nothing but good intentions, but still, responses like this are harmful.
@@Tyler2534 typical...its just her opinion actually....you dont know, you werent there, she didnt go and ask what he meant.....ive heard guys say to other guys hills are steep etc...whats the problem....you just go on auto support....its just her opinion....
@@grahambarker2186 I'm just interested in the "auto-disbelief" position. Like, if I'm headed to do a climb I know nothing about, and someone who has done it before tells me it's crazy steep, I'm going believe it's pretty steep. Hey, maybe it's not, it's "just an opinion" after all, but It's still way more informed than my own 0-information opinion. So I believe him. That seems like a normal response in that situation. The position you're advocating is that, in this situation, you say to the guy "you know what, you're completely wrong, it's probably 4%." Even though you know nothing about the climb! That just seems so odd to me.
Katie I love all of you videos with the exception of this one, I do think you've over reacted to the comment. I'm over 18 stone and often get comments or odd looks. I take pride in showing them I can ride strong and hard. I think its a shame that nowadays you get your head bitten off for trying to be helpful or caring. I'm getting to a stage when I don't know whether to open doors for women or even saying hello for fear of being thought of being condescending or sexist. We are becoming too precious and in danger of losing our humanity. We have a great saying over here in OZ - harden up princess. I do think touching someone is definitely a no no though.
I've always found you an inspirational promoter of cycling, but was really disappointed to hear your comments regarding comments made to you on a climb.....surely we want to encourage conversation amongst cyclists, and to hear your comments over a simple comment saddened me. Like texts, comments can be misinterpreted and as adults we should be big enough to understand that, not make a big deal of it!! Please don't turn into a moaner, we have enough doom and gloom in our current lives already.
Absolutely, you know I’m all about encouragement to anyone and everyone who rides a bike. But it’s not just this one comment, it’s happens so so frequently that’s it’s not ok. It’s a way some men think that as women we all need to be helped or assisted by men. It’s not the case.
I don't think it's specifically a man to woman thing, as many are explaining it happens to all regardless of the gender, it happened to me alot.. lets not generalize and refer to a word that does not explain the individuality and self involvement of modern society.
I think you may be taking it too personal. If another female cyclist gave you the same advice, would you have felt irritated? Most people don't know what you don't know. And some people think they know everything when they really don't know as much as they think. Its a people thing, not a female cyclist not being competent thing. I'm sure you're a great rider, but I'm 100% sure someone else is going to give advice on another ride you go on. Other people don't know what you know unless you tell them...or show them.
I'm a man, and I really don't get why so many men don't know where the line is drawn. You don't put your hands on a woman with whom you are not socially familiar unless 1. she clearly wants you to, or 2. she is well enough known to you that something like a hug and a peck on the cheek is "OK", or 3. it's an emergency situation when you might be doing it to save a life. Otherwise guys just back off and be friendly - "touchy-feely" is out-of-bounds. Remember; the instant you make unwarranted unrequested physical contact you may actually be committing an offence.
As someone who has said things that could be interpreted in a way I did not intend, try not to take it personally or derive too much meaning. While I agree that too many folks think their opinion is so important that it must be shared, there are also a lot of folks that get misunderstood. It is good to think critically - what did they mean and why did they say it - but unless we are mind readers it is helpful to avoid excessive speculation. Was the comment so horrible that it was worth getting upset over? Could the comment be interpreted as "that's a rough hill climb - good luck" (and does "good luck" mean "you're not fit enough" or "I hope you make it"?) Finally, I am aware that I violated the "my opinion must be shared" - feel free to ignore me - you won't hurt my feelings.
Not all men are like this. But i think we all know that but i think it does more damage then good using the "mansplaining" concept... I mean i think women are pretty good at using descending words to others to... both men and women... But yeah i guess its more common by men in cycling sport since there are more men in the sport also, as you said... Dont take anything personally. Maybe they guys you have meet feel fear or intimitation by being "beaten" by a girl and need to use these words to psyche you. :-)
I just relized that I'm a female and I do these kind of comments and I had no idea it could cause such effect! I actually think this is more related to personality types than gender. All those will always be extroverted people, introverts don't just give unwanted tips to random people.
Hmm that’s interesting that u thought it would have no affect. I think ur right but I think in this context it’s down to social intelligence (which hugely determines ur personality). When u give tips or advice to people u take the position of power. It’s whether these “tips” are actually justified or not. If not then then ur just doing it because u desire the position of power that u get from putting someone below u, which we can agree is wrong. Now here’s the tricky part😂: if u can’t judge justification then ur not really in the wrong cuz u don’t know the consequences of what u are saying (this would be because of bad social intelligence) By simply recognising how giving advice may be condescending then u can make better judgments on what to say. In Katie’s situations the “advice” is definitely more to put themselves on a pedestal than it is to give real helpful constructive tips. At this point I wouldn’t even call them tips it’s to have position of power, which is condescending and so it’s wrong. Obviously there a lot more to it than the “is it worth saying” idiom. But it still highlights the importance of justification that I talked about earlier. FINAL IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyway be human and don’t analyse it like I just have. Just focus on being a nice person by treating everyone with respect and positivity. The rest should come naturally ❤️❤️✌️✌️
I've experienced this many times and I am an Asian male. I've had comments from other cyclists saying Asians don't cycle and sometimes they even laugh at me and my friends when we ride together. Its frustrating cause we just want to enjoy our ride and to get remarks like that, it's frustrating.
I had a comment from a lovely lady in the past that there's not much "Gentlemen" now a days. In my opinion, this is probably why men are a little bit not "Gentlemen" like now. I want to be helpful all the time to anyone but now I am a bit hesitant now as I might cross the line. I know about equality but would still be very nice to hear from my two daughters in future that there's a "Gentlemen" that helped them and they appreciated that.
Hang on…, so the guy at the foot of the hill said “you’re at the bottom of the climb, there is a long way for you to go to the top”? How on earth can that possible be interpreted as mansplaining?! A bit awkward perhaps but are you serious? I’m sorry but in this specific case, I think you’re being oversensitive. Agree with another comment here, he was just starting a conversation in a clumsy way. Touching is obviously a major no no!
@@KatieKookaburra I tend to agree, stating something so obvious is silly and may seem out of place, but to my mind this is not mansplaining and I do not believe that he said that with any sort of ill intention.
@@mladum its not about intentionally trying to hurt someone for me its about showing respect for someone you don't know, regardless of their sex, age or body type.
I'm a bloke, 68, I used to speak to women in public I don't anymore. I used to like to help, in a practical way, or give advice and my opinion if I thought it was helpful. As a lecturer who finished work early, I used to wait for my child to come out of school and take him home, but then my wife had to do that to stop the looks and the silent treatment I got from other parents. My life is quieter now that my wife has died, as I feel my chatting to females is unwanted. I just stare, and offer no assistance at all. I keep to myself, it's sad really, when we are all social animals. I think it has added stress to my mental wellbeing over time, still, hey-ho, I'm only an old man, silent, and without female friends.
LOL! Poor women. Us men never have anyone say jerky things as we ride by. Our lives are all smooth as silk with never a weird of troubling moment. Thoughts and prayers that you recover from this. BTW I cheerfully called out "passing on left" to a group of women who were taking up 2/3 of the path and had one reply "F%$k your left!" as the others laughed. I survived and didn't decide all women are like this..
If you watch the video you will hear me say I don't think all men are like this. Just a few. But don't you think that as you have had crap shouted at you we should all be a little nicer and kinder?
I live in Thailand. I'm an old guy and people of both sexes, though usually women, openly laugh as they go by on motorbikes. I just laugh, wave, and say hello in reply. Why bother to be offended because I don't think any offense is intended.
You may be reading too much into this. The likelihood is that he is probably being sexist and patronising BUT you can’t jump to such a conclusion without engaging him further and that is the last thing that most of us would want to do. There is plenty of obvious and overt discrimination out there already without looking to create more. He’s probably just a little insecure seeing anyone who looks fitter and more capable. Chill out, take a deep breath and be grateful for what you have.
What I learned about roadbike people is, never be nice to them, they always get it the wrong way. Bike riding is perfect, just me and my bike. But when you are on a trail with your MTB everybody is nice, chatting with you the way uphill or where you want to go, always a smile from 20 to 60 years old guys. Roadies take everything so Fuck&@€ serious.
From a male perspective: - touching someone you don't know, without asking first, is just wrong - unwanted advise especially from some guy who will get dropped first happens to anyone, saddle too low, too high, wrong pedals, wrong tyres... got that plenty. - if you see that someone is really doing something "wrong" - be considerate, ask if there is a reason for them to do it that way, maybe make a suggestion. Some people don't want advice, then just leave them. I'm usually quite thankful for polite suggestions and will research later, if it makes any sense. But yes you know those guys, always riding up to the next woman in the group as if it was a tinder meetup.
As a middle aged man I just say “Hiya” and carry on at my own pace regardless of sex and age as I don’t want to be miss interpreted as having anything other than good intentions.
Men giving advice to other men and women, and women giving advice to men and women. I'd hope the majority is not meant in a condescending way. Also ridden with a women who thought it was ok to hold onto the back of my saddle while riding. I told her not to and she thought it was funny. I do everything I can not to go anywhere near her anymore. On a lighter note, i was on a group ride with quite a few others, both men and women. near the end we were riding over some undulating lumps when i started falling back through the group. i felt a hand on my back and was grateful for the help, when i turned round to say thanks it was Dan Lloyd lol, legend
Let's clear up a few things.
For those saying 'you're being too sensitive'. This is not one comment, one time. It's constant and shouldn't happen in the first place to anyone. It also reinforces woman who 'taking it the wrong way' are at fault, not the person who said the unwanted / inappropriate comment. If you still don't think this is the case, listen to the women in the comments who have had these exact experiences, regularly!
As a UA-camr I brush off comments every single day. I deleted some of the worst comments but wish I hadn't now because just take two minutes to read some of the sexist, ignorant comments below. It just proves my point .
The comments don't bother me now but when I first got into cycling it really did knock my confidence. So I'm talking about it now because I don't want anyone to be put off from cycling.
I now think 'mansplaining' isn't a great term - it's not all men by any means, it's a small group of idiots so maybe it should be idiotsplaining.
One thing I've taken from this though is how many awesome, supportive and kind people there are out there who understand this is an issue and agree that we should all be able to ride bikes, and just have positive and encouraging interactions.
Couldn’t agree more. I am hopeful that as time goes by, you will see a positive change. Hold Fast!
Agree; "mansplaining" is patronising to the 99.99% of men who don't do this. "prattsplaining" is better.
Re: The video, I think it's often easy to misinterpret what people say (though the lengthy comments you describe are more obvious). The hands-on issue though? Definitely not on.
Yes..... perfect word 'idiotsplaining'. A lot of it Katie is from people who see their own weaknesses reflected back at them by people who ride or run. Stay strong, it can be a jungle out there🦁🐅🐘💪💪👍🚴
Thank you for putting this out there. I’d like to highlight a lot of the backlash coming from MALE commenters, go figure...saying someone is overly sensitive is dismissive and akin to gaslighting someone for having an emotional reaction to something that hurt them. NOT OKAY. And to the NOT ALL MEN commentary, it serves to derail the fact that an overwhelming amount of men are in fact in the wrong. It is called mansplaining for a reason and will continue to do so until men on a whole do better. Call out your fellow men for making you look bad as a whole, don’t stay silent. Do not apologize for standing up for the women who are often experiencing these issues daily.
Happy Sunday. I hope it is sunny and warm. You spoke your truth on your channel.
Having 'knowitall', 'mansplainer', 'bitofadick', on my resume, it's a bit of a downer to learn you're 'not helping', but alas, I was harming.
Thanks for having the courage to set us straight.
Fortunately, I have a wife and two college educated daughters, and I now have an advanced degree in listening.
I was vacationing (I'm male) and cycling a climb for first time. A young woman cycled up behind me, and said in friendly voice "wow, I never see anyone cycling here" We climbed together for a bit, chatting, I explained I was on vacation and wasn't familiar with the climb. I realized she was a stronger cyclist, so told her not to let me slow her down. She said, "it's OK", and continued to climb with me. Near the top, she pulled away a little, but then waited at the top for me. Very encouraging, not a hint of condescension from her. How it should be. Improved my state of mind for the rest of the vaca.
Love it!!!
Did you think she was being condescending or that she was ‘woman-splaining’??
@@pennywise146 Precisely not, because of the friendly and humble way she interacted, which I contrast to the kind of interaction described by Katie, which I think is common. That's the point.
@@truwth Touching is not ok....but ‘some’ people can be over sensitive to a friendly word of advice which can be taken out of context. I’m someone approaching retirement age but still do a lot of hillwalking...I often have interactions of this nature but always view it as well intended (as I’m sure it is)....probably as I’m secure enough in my own abilities to conquer tasks I take on....just my opinion.
@@pennywise146 Secure vs. insecure certainly came to mind when I viewed the video.
Reference the original comment, this is not sexism. I am a bloke, and I've had comments as I've passed people on climbs saying 'it's a long way to the top mate', as if they don't think I can hold the pace to the top, this is life in general. Blokes make stupid comments to blokes too, I assure you.
I've had this as well, and comments about my gears I've got on my bike. TBH, it's just someone who thinks they're being humorous, but they're not. Hay-ho, I just carry on.
Agree its not necessarily sexism, I've had it done to me as a man. But I bet women experience this more..
A person of female origin shouted to me on Wednesday “ that climb is hard work and the wind is at you” ... As a man I was offended ! Said no one ever. Shameful vlog.
I think it is only sexism if the person in question who made the comment would only make such comment to a woman. If the person makes the same comment to each person who passes, no matter the gender, I agree it is not sexism. But comparing a similar situation that a man experienced and a woman experienced from different people in different locations doesn't invalidate the fact that it might have been sexism in one case. But it's true, we don't know, unless we collect more data. But it's fair to say that it has happened to a lot of women, and even if the man is maybe trying to be nice by offering some advice, it's seen as condescending as it's seems like the man does not believe Katie would have been capable of making the climb. And if that assessment is based on her gender, well yes, then it's sexism. And this is what's annoying. Just because a rider is female doesn't make that rider less capable. Experience may make someone less capable, but not the gender.
I get it all the time.
I'm a heavy dude.
Was doing a climb, people will give me the looks "this fat dude is slow" or kept on asking my much I weights.
I don't care. I hit my target and that's important.
Yeah how can they say that to you when they are eating 5 - 6 McDonald's on their way home in their car..... World's gone mad
And you did something they could likely not do at all!
GOOD FOR YOU MATE its about your enjoyment not some ones else's .keep those cranks turning .
The funny thing is that many of these rude people are living in that belief that whenever they tell you such a thing, they have successfully put you down in front of others and they came across as a confident, great person who really knows his/her job. But it's the exact opposite, after that during a coffe stop they will sit right in the middle of the café on their own and everyone else in a circle right next to the wall to stay away from them. :D
@@mateagoston8145 @Máté Ágoston Correct we had one in our club but was made to feel a total Dick head and so left TG.
I think we may be overly sensitive on occasion. People are actually quite nice and willing to be friendly and helpful, and they may not intend to offend. I also have had an unsolicited hand in the small of my back while struggling up a mountain. I appreciated the help. And I've also received some unsolicited, helpful advise on gearing. At the same time, some people can be a bit much. Just be nice to each other and give them the benefit of their likely good intentions.
Food for thought
Well said.
i respectfully disagree. Katie is a superbly fit cyclist.... all you need to do is look at her form to know. and even then it would not matter. She was there, we were not.
Kudos
Best comment imho. Thing is, the difference between us will only get bigger if 99% of all comments and actions are seen as sexism or whatever. It is a dangerous trend imho. Does mean I agree with being cautious when pushing/touching someone, especially a woman. That’s common sense though.
Hands on is a no no. But the comment at bottom of hill I have heard similar hundreds of times to both men and women.
I'm a male cyclist and I've had men and women cyclists advise me that a climb is long and/or steep as I start it. Also advice that I'm nearly at the top. I'll do the same as I see it as a friendly gesture. I've never taken it as condescending even though I'm old enough to be the dad or grandad of most who give me this advice.
Same here mate.
It’s the way it’s said most of the time and on climbs I will be asking my mates ‘we nearly at the top?’ But it wasn’t asked for.
Some people are offended by everything.
It's happened to me a number of times as well, but may be it tends to happen way more often to women?
@@salvuagius I think if you're looking for a problem. You will find one.
First of all, I've never heard of mansplaining, let alone knowing what it means, so I learned something. Secondly, being an older cyclist and having been trained as a cycling instructor, I find that I still have to strike a fine balance between offering advice in a training environment and not doing so unless asked out on the road. This applies also to whoever I meet out on the road. I'm not a particularly great reader of people, (borderline Asperger's) but if out on the road and I see anyone with a mechanical or puncture etc, I will offer to stop and help.
I have had all sorts of responses from "It's ok, I've got it sorted" to "I don't need any man to fix my bike, f**k off". Sometimes I just end up undecided and cycle past. Best thing is not to take it personally. I have had to work on my approach to offering help because I have been told in the past that I had (unintentionally) a condescending tone. I'm always happy to help but sometimes inability to read others can leave me looking stand offish or rude.
However, all that being said, I will not touch another person or other person's bike in any situation unless I have their permission to do so. That's obvious to me.
Asking if someone needs help is (should be) part of the camaraderie of cycling. I ask anyone who looks like they've got a mechanical they've got everything they need or need any help. Most people say they're fine, but I've helped plenty of people with their bikes. Just riding past is shitty behaviour. But it is of course all in the delivery of the offer for help; ask, don't assume. And don't touch anything without in invitation or positive response to a question
I find "you Ok ?" works with any cyclist at the side of the road . I will be conversing with other cyclists regardless of whether they have a penis , vagina , or a flippin cloaca . If they want to take it the wrong way , it's their issue . PLEASE don't drag cycling into this sexual political psyco drama that is being played out in the western world in general . Cycling is a great leveller . Hard Knott is hard and flats are flat . Touching someone elses cycle mid ride is a massive no no for me . No excuses for that. I love KK's content and she has documented how she struggles and I can sympathise with that having had experience of an anxious partner. It's tough when the mind focuses like that to break the anxiety cycle .
Agree with all the replies here and your comment. It does appear that in this "modern age" you have to be very careful, especially if you are a white middle aged heterosexual male. My advice would be get fit & hammer them, but then again I'm old school.
Keep offering your help if thats what you like doing ! 👍 . A professional psychologist will tell u how people react to your question is out of your control , if they do not like it its their own issue not yours . As long as your not offensive ofcourse and ofcourse not demanding people appreciate your help as again that can lead to dissapointment 🤣👍 😀
"I don't need any man to fix my bike f**k off." Well that's sexist as f**k. I really like that in England so many people offer me help in case of a puncture, even sometimes drivers and perhaps the only negative side of that is by answering to everyone "No, thanks, I am fine." a 10-15 minute inner tube change becomes a 30 minute one, but really the only thing I can do is to laugh at it and thank everyone the offer.
I'm a 62 year old man. Last summer I was riding up Leith Hill and when I reached the top 2 women cyclists in their 20s saw me and one said, look at him hasn't he done well. And the other replied, and he's going so fast.
The main problem for me is that cycling is such a poesy and snobby sport.
Also people are amazingly unfit ! So don't understand how fit a person can become regardless of age or size ! . That was probably your chance to get chatting with them 🤣
Confirms what I've always suspected - cycling in the UK is full of posers. 😂
I had something similar whilst riding out with my partner last weekend. We approached 3 guys and we were going faster so after a while we overtook them but I had a friendly chat with an older guy at the back first. My husband went round them first but then when I went round the front two, one of them hit the pedal hard to keep up with us and he left his two mates behind.... way behind. He just didn’t like a woman passing him and I wasn’t really trying that hard. After a while he stopped at the side, having proved his fitness level he then waited for his mates! 10 minutes later we were going up a hill and we were checking out a squeak on husbands bike so going slowly. The 3 blokes caught us up and as they went by one of them said to me ‘ go on, you can do it’. Now you could say he was being encouraging but it really annoyed me. It was a little hill and I was just chilling going up there. I knew I could bloody do it!! It was said to me, not my husband who was also chilling some way behind me, we had nothing to prove. I think most women know the difference between being patronised and someone being friendly.... after years of it happening, we just know 🥴
Men hate to be passed by women on bikes. I sometimes pass groups of club cyclists and they never disappoint - always kill themselves pedaling to catch up and pass me again. One time, a guy in the back turned round and said "we can't help it - we're guys!" I had to laugh! But, in all seriousness, my response to many of the issues that Katie encountered would be to tell the guy to f-off. I have zero tolerance for that crap!
I was going up a climb with a friend of mine, and a lady passed us, probably going about 25% faster than us. My friend IMMEDIATELY sped up, before realising after about 20 seconds that it was probably not possible. There was no comment, no attempt to pass her out. - I must admit, I found it to be hilarious, and rib him regularly about it
Nothing more creepy than being followed when you overtake someone. Bad cycling etiquette on their part.
As a bloke I took 4 months off work for each of my 2 kids when they were very young babies so that my wife could return to work and so that I could get the experience of enjoying my kids as babies. If you think Mansplaining is bad.......try Womansplaining. Yes, I can deal with most things that comes out of a baby and pretty much everything that needs to go in. I can shop, clean, iron, cook, make beds, do the washing and all of it one handed while holding a baby if needed...but wow...the amount of patronising advice was.....well...what you would expect.
Most of it is that people are socially awkward and tend to blurt something out...and most times it's just they are trying to be social and get flustered by something they didn't expect. Often people just want to initiate a conversation as they like the look of you!
So let's agree to call it humansplaining.....most of us have been guilty of doing it.....as well as receiving it...from all genders. Forgiveness and a cheeky/lighthearted comment in return with a smile
I have to say that a few years ago on a group ride, I was nothing but grateful for a guy to give me a push up a climb. I was the only woman in the group and was with my husband also. As I knew the guy I didn’t mind at all. I didn’t find it patronising or insulting. I was praised for completing the whole ride (at the same time as they guys) which was fast but I did struggle a bit on this particular hill. At least it kept us all together on the ride. I do also think there are a lot of male cyclists that can’t bear a woman being faster than them and they are the ones who can be insulting but I’ve only had a positive experience when riding with men.
I’m not wishing to challenge how you felt about the comment, but I would offer a different perspective. It was a nice spring weekend here and lots of people were getting out on their bikes. While walking my dog I commented to more than one cyclist that it was great weather to be out cycling. That was just polite conversation. I wasn’t suggesting they were incapable of noticing the climatic conditions, or that they were too daft to watch the weather forecast before they started, or that they were wearing too many sweaters for the warm weather. Some people are just friendly and enjoy exchanging a passing comment with passers by without having some hidden agenda.
Bro, don't you understand? How dare you SAY A THING TO A WOMAN?!
« Hello lovely day for a ride isn’t it? » is not the same as « You ok love? Might want to take it easy in this heat. You know you need to drink at least a bidon an hour? Maybe put your saddle up whilst your at it ».
@Nigel Logan, Well said.
You're making some huge assumptions regarding men's intentions or motives just because of a single comment. Thanks to social media, everyone seems to be looking for a reason to be offended these days. A comment is just a comment and easily ignored unless it's obviously derogatory, racist, sexist etc. Intentionally touching someone else without consent however is an entirely different situation and the offender should always be called out immediately.
Maybe a bit more listening to Katie and a bit less telling her what you think. Mansplaining like that guy did is really shitty behaviour.
@@CyclingMikey Pretty sure Katie can speak for herself. No need for you to try and mansplain anything to me on her behalf.
Oh get out of here Katie! People just talk like that to anyone to be friendly regardless of gender. I'm a bloke and often when hillwalking or cycling, people-men and women -will say things like..'You've got a fair way to go yet!!' and things like that. Talk about taking offence at the drop of a hat!
Exactly! Most people like to chit chat like this, especially with ppl who have something in common with them. No need to get so offended over it.
I think you're missing the fact that she would have heard the tone in which it was said. There can be a huge difference depending on the tone used.
@@andyh9068 How can you possibly discern meaning in someone's tone? The guy could be a bluff but friendly character who just talks in a dour matter of fact way. Do you have to talk like Graham Norton to be considered friendly?
@@blackdogwildtrails3123 so you have never realised someone was angry by the tone in their voice or even upset. Tone plays a huge part in how we perceive what is being said. I never said I knew what they meant but their tone can be a massive indication.
With all respect Katie. I definitely think you're over-reacting regarding 'Mansplaining'..... I'm a 13 stone bloke and I get comments like that too, bit sexist to say it's just because you're a woman. I do Shaley Brow nr Wigan all the time and it's a common thing to hear...."it's a tough climb this mate" or "take your time on this" etc etc. Yeah, it's a bit annoying when you know the climb well...but the comments are irrelevant, just get on with your ride. Just saying 👍
Um, do you not see the issue with telling a woman that they’re over-reacting about mansplaining? You do realise that you’re mansplaining about mansplaining?
As a woman we get this day in day out, with everything. At work, by random strangers on the street, online, criticising all aspects of our lives. There’s a different dynamic when men offer women unsolicited advice because men are already in the position of power in so many ways. After recent events in the press, and Katie being confident enough to come out with this video and call out mansplaining, why do you feel the need to make it about yourself and your intentions? Why don’t you just listen to women and realise we are sick of this and we don’t want unsolicited advice from men and we don’t want to be told how to feel?
@@ConnorFrench Get over yourself, don't turn this trivia into a political debate. My point was... it's a cycling thing. When you've had morons trying to knock you off the bike etc, then someone shouting a stupid quip really does pale into insignificance. She she just ignore it and carry on riding.
@@jav.611 I'm not falling into your 'snowflake' trap. Grow up.
@@jav.611 It's an issue for CYCLISTS. REGARDLESS OF GENDER!!!
I spent 20 years working as a nurse. Male nurses are not as common as they should be, and virtually everything that I learnt about nursing was from women. One effect of that time that still persists, is that I see women as being entirely capable of doing anything and tend to be surprised when they cannot do everything that I can do. That is usually only due to me being six foot six, 18 stone and therefore stronger and taller than most people of both genders. I am even surprised when shorter people ask me to get things for them from high shelves, again that's only because i am taller than the vast majority of people of any gender.
Women are as capable as men, the only significant differences are size, strength, stamina and the ability to bear children.
Most of the women cyclists that I see, are seen from behind as they whizz past me. I returned to cycling last year, after 23 years off the bike, am losing weight slowly (thank you for your inspiration with that) and gradually getting fitter and a little faster.
I often cycle with a gentle cycling group, with my partner, Jane, which has a number of female cyclists. Yes, I may have more mechanical knowledge than some them, yes, I may be faster than some of them, but I am not surprised when they are faster than me, better mechanics than me, or just better than me.
As a male nurse, I experienced sexism aimed against men and some aimed against women. I experienced sexual harrassment from women (and men). Did I have as much to put with as the average woman? I very much doubt it.
Whatever your gender, sexuality, size, shape or colour, you deserve to live without prejudice, harrassment or discrimination of any kind.
The sooner people realise that anyone can need a hand at times and anyone can be better, faster or stronger, the sooner the world can just get on with having fun.
I want to have fun and to help anyone that needs help.
Who needs help? It could be anyone.
Glad you are enjoying a return to great fitness!
I had the starwars music playing in my head reading all that, gender stereotypes exist for a reason. Suck it up and carry on.
I think the “ long way to go up the hill” is just a usual comment from anyone as I’ve had it and I’m male and thought nothing of it. You can be over sensitive sometimes and get the wrong end of the stick.
The pushing on your back is 100% not on and not called for and something I would never ever do.
It's strange that the sentiment of each was the same, but the physical is always a no. Think about it....
It has never happened to me cycling but once while going to work I opened the door for a lady. Her answer was: I can open my own doors! Since then, I wont offer anything until Im asked period.
And in the future they'll ask why aren't men Gentlemen anymore.
This is precisely why when a man opens a door for me I thank him enthusiastically!!! I love such courteous gestures!
It isn't mansplaining, it's just some people think they know better and it doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman they think they need to impart their words of wisdom whether it's wanted or not.
I know it’s probably not a fair comparison but as a senior male rider , I get the same attitude from some younger riders. Its the main reason I avoid group rides. So many big brains🙄. Anyway, we love ya.✌️
senior male rider? get more stuffy why don't ya? :D
@@jinxterx Jinter stfu please
@@Bayo106 Huh? What's your problem?
As have I
@@jinxterx accurate description so why the aggro
Men give unwanted advice to other men also. It's not necessarily a gender thing, but it's definitely ego. To tell someone else is to boost themselves above you, men and women alike. However, touching is crossing line! TBH, I find unwanted advice annoying too but then that's my ego 🤔. What people say is a reflection of themselves. Smile, feel sorry them and pass on by, don't get suckered into their ego game as you'll have already lost! x
Especially in cycling. Theres lots of insecure people
I agree. I'd just say "Thanks, I've been riding this hill a lot, cheers." and move on with life. Nothing has meaning unless you give it meaning.
But yes, the guys touching is totally uncalled for...
Oh man..how do you ever go through life? Must be tough! All those guys saying things that bother you! Insecure weirdos aren't just a recent thing..get back your testosterone bud
No need for the x at the end, she may be offended
I can only repeat myself. Hit aus hard as you can and leave him behind. There's No netter answer to that
1) I am 100% in agreement with you that no one should should touch you without your explicit consent. I would never even think of doing that to another cyclist and I would have the same reaction as you if someone did it to me, 2) I don’t know about the UK, but in the US what you described about receiving unsolicited “advice” is extremely common whether you are male or female. I started cycling over 40 years ago and I still routinely receive “cycling advice” from complete strangers about equipment, hydration, route features, trail conditions, road hazards, etc. I have never felt the need to call it “woman-splaining” on those occasions when a female cyclist offered me unsolicited advice.
I'm a fat dude on a single speed. I've had people putting there noses up, other cyclists not acknowledge me on the road, uneducated people who look at me giving it all up a hill, bike mechanics over price me.
Sure, what you mentioned is people being condescending but it happens to literally everyone. Who here has has someone go past on a bike costing thousands and chuckle to themselves when they see your cheaper bike? I think everyone has had that experience. Anyone been berated by someone because you don't have this and that "Essential cycling kit" or don't have the latest jersey or whatever? I think most people have had that. Cycling is a very elitist sport and everyone will get stuff like this.
It's not Men Vs Women, It's Us Vs Them. The good people verses the arseholes. Good people don't have a specific race, colour, belief, gender. Bad people don't have a specific race, colour, belief, gender. Instead of blaming Men, Blame the arseholes because simply stating Men drags everyone down.
Spot on mate. Keep it up brother x
I don't wear the right kind of sunglasses or kit it seems, some of the pinarello/rapha types won't even give you a nod back if you aren't in the latest season kit.... Actually things have moved on now and even Rapha is beneath them, find the latest Italian/French/Outer Mongolia brand no one has heard of if you want to be in the "cool gang"... 😂
In all honesty if that puts you off cycling or anything in life, you're not going to make it. I really think certain people need to be a lot mentally stronger.
I’ve heard other guys commenting on my wife as she sped past them on a climb. They weren’t too happy when I told them what I thought of them :). As for condescending remarks on gender or equipment, seen it a lot in fishing and shooting too.
Sounds like those blokes need to grow up.
Just discovered your channel and I’m so very glad I’ did. I have been flipped off, run off the road, called filthy names, honked at and stalked by men while cycling.It was so bad at one point I almost gave it up. I live in the southern u.s.a. where cyclist in general are barely tolerated and often targeted. I have avoided joining the local club for this very reason and because I would be the only women and I know at my age and ability I would not be able to keep up. I know my limits and respect theirs. The nature of my business and the other outdoor activities I am passionate about place me in “man land” as I like to refer to it on a daily basis. I am a cyclist who loves the sport just as everyone else who participates, not a female cyclist.
I came to comment that it's not just women this happens to, I've had it loads too off cyclists of both genders, I do enjoy your vids Katie but I feel you have probably rubbed up a lot of your subscribers by tarring all men with the same brush, which I see you've amended now, I also find it a little coincidental that you have uploaded this video after all the recent demonstrations by women, which I have no issues with, but have you done it just for views ?? Either way I found it very offensive to men in general .
Heard that comment at the start of climbs plenty enough, its just one of them comments people make { its hardly mansplaing } its like when you get a huge meal put in front of you and some one might say { you won't be able to eat all of that } . Its called general chit chat. Love your videos and your dedication to cycling but i think this last year has put alot of us under stress/scrutiny/etc.
I am staying in the pain cave where it's safe and sweaty. I sometimes say rude things to myself or my tech though.
Katie, I’m a huge fan of you and what you stand for but I think you have got this one slightly wrong. Please don’t allow the social media male bashing that is currently going on influence your thoughts, I genuinely don’t think this is a gender thing. I am a male and have had the same twat comments that you have had and the same hand on my back ... this is a bad human issue rather than a male patronising female issue.
Agree
I’ve had the same thing happen to me on a few rides. People think as I’m a big rider I can’t ride hard or know what I’m on about.
Ummm... No. Bloke here too. Basic courtesy & respect to keep our hands off women we don’t know. On or off a bike.
It’s not about all men and I say that. Just a few but it happens.
@@KatieKookaburra it does but I don’t believe this happens to you because you are a female which is the point you suggest in the vlog. I think these things happen because there are a lot of arseholes out there who are ignorant to their own ignorance
I recently paused to ask two young ladies if they needed help when they were at a junction looking at their phones. I thought they were checking directions and was willing to help them out.
They both looked at me with horror.
Such a shame this world has got so unfriendly. I wouldn’t have minded a “no thanks, we’re ok”. But assumptions were made and I was made out to be condescending or sexist.
Ahhh I will also stop and offer help! More of us cyclists should do that for sure.
The other side of the coin, is a man was trying to be helpful thinking you may not know it’s a tough climb. That is not mansplaining. Next time, respond “thanks, I’ve done the ride 30 times before and it’s a toughie.”
Spot on. People can be super condescending in general. When it's based on race, gender or se.other assumption it'd get pretty old, but I reckon it's fair game to shut them down to their face rather than whine about it and expect some sort of social movement to do the heavy lifting. I wish modern society didn't have such an aversion to being more honest and confrontational. It's possible to be so without being aggressive and we'd all benefit.
@@Millistration In real life, I've seen many more men acting condescending to women than vice versa. Too often the response to the women speaking up is aggression. In my 15-yrs in retail, I've had to distract a few guys in public who were telling the "stupid women she didn't know what the hell she was talking about". In the cases when it was a couple, I just hope it didn't escalate in private.
Why is the assumption to the side of ignorance though? Anyone turning up kitted and committed you'd think the assumption would be that they knew where they were and what they were doing.
I'm surprised how many guys are apparently unaware of how common mansplaining is. Guys, please! Are you kidding? There's a huge difference between a guy getting a well meaning but, ultimately, condescending comment on the odd occasion vs. every single week. This is systemic. Years and years of psychological programming gives rise to actions which are unconsciously biased. I am not perfect and I'm sure I've been guilty of mansplaining many times but I'm consciously trying to deprogram myself and check myself before making unsolicited comments. Just engage your brain guys. Before you open your mouth, just ask yourself whether you would be making the comment if the person was a man or based on an assumption of women being less or weaker than men. If the answer is no, then don't say it. End of.
As a father of 3 girls, it saddens me how many gender biased comments they still get. Comments from relatives describing them in terms of their looks instead of their accomplishments just for a start.
Rant over. Back to watching Katie smash Ven-top!
The fact that this video exists says enough... and its not just in cycling...
Yes, angry insecure feminists and female cyclist( I am a 21 girl) if Katie was confident about cycling she wouldn’t care, if she was happy with herself she wouldn’t care and would be honest with herself
spot on
@@berfinberfi5457 words can still hurt no matter how confident one is, and everyone should be able to do things they enjoy without having to pass some sort of fortitude test. I’m pretty confident in my ‘identity’ cycling but abuse from fellow cyclists or white van men can still be painful.
@@defnoz
Omg, you too!? Cyclists are snobs for the most part. Toughen up, ffs and do what you do. People are people and snobs are gonna snob. Geez, not everybody gets a participation medal.
The guy on the mountain bike I think was just trying to give advice I don't think gender was a factor, the other issues are fucked up and shouldn't be tolerated.
'That's a tough climb*" is not advice. At heart it's a clumsy conversation attempt. Like telling someone the water's cold when they are about to dive in.
Reminds me of something that happened many years ago. I used to cycle commute 30 miles a day, so I had good strong legs with fitness to match. It was a weekend and I was cycling to see my girlfriend. I was in casual clothes and thought nothing about passing two cyclists, I was in a world of my own. They caught up with me and said "I suppose you think you're being clever going passed us like that". I said dont know what you're on about. They then went passed, but the second one, swung in very close to my front wheel, I thought he tried to hit it. I noticed they had some club jerseys on. I've never liked confrontations and have never been quick with come back remarks. But I do know how to ride a bike. I caught them back up and sailed straight passed them and never looked back and never saw them again. I think if you can come back with something witty then do so. Other than that I would just ignore the comments. Touching is another thing though, they need to be told and put straight that it is not acceptable. Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy your rides.
Every single time I've passed club riders in their matching jerseys one of them has sped up and overtaken me then immediately eased up. Don't understand the mentality.
@Peter Rooney
Insecurity, pride I would guess.
Male ego fragile
Rode past two guys last summer who were on road bikes, I was on my MTB. They were going slow and chatting away I just approached them carrying my same speed.
Moments later one did exactly the same, swinging in and just missing my front wheel. Ironic thing is that had I been on my road bike, that incident wouldn't have happened. I'd not do it to another person, irrespective of being male, female or their choice of bike... Sad really.
@@peterrooney8236 I've seen that a lot with car drivers - speeding up to overtake, then slowing down. I can't figure that out either.
I often watch your videos and you have a natural way of talking to the camera but I was really quite cross about this as you have used half a dozen words that someone said as part of a greeting to you to make a video about mansplaining. People (male and female) say awkward or stupid or patronising or trite things all the time, perhaps more so in the current climate.
As a club ride lead I push people back into groups if they are lagging, slightly different scenario and this is for both genders, people do get arsey about it but we have to slow the group or kick them out otherwise. I don’t think the bloke here was man-splaining as I don’t think it’s a comment specific to women, he’d have probably said it to Tom Pidcock if he was at the bottom, it’s just the usual cyclist banter I think.
Ady... club rides were my instance of help, also to get me back on... in KK's cases though it is hard for us to judge as we did not hear the actual comment... but given that she seems a level headed lass, and it has somewhat riled her, I expect there was a bit if tone in his comment.
On a group ride when training sometimes I push/touch people to let them know I am there. Man woman it doesn’t matter it’s a survival thing.
I might have misunderstood Katie’s story, but I don’t think this person was in her group, but rather just a stranger. I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to give me a push, let alone a stranger, simply because I’m there to ride up, not to be pushed up, even if I’m slow. I would voluntarily kick myself out of a group where I’m lagging all the time (maybe that’s why I don’t like big group rides).
I’m a male and had both of those things done to me. It didn’t really bother me people saying about the hill but I didn’t like the push I was once given. Mainly because I wasn’t expecting it and it made me jump and nearly crash. The other day I had a guy overtake me and he said I could shelter on his wheel knowing full well I wouldn’t be able to keep up with him 🤷🏻♂️
Hi Katie, one of the biggest bugbears our female club members have to deal with is male cyclists being overtaken by them who then take it as an affront to their masculinity and then sprint to overtake back or cycle alongside for a chat.
I was in a group ride in Tenerife with about 8 male cyclists and another female cyclist. Most were going a bit too slow on the climb for my liking so I passed a few of them. But then they came racing behind me and passed me again, saying "machismo" in a joking manner. They basically confessed that they can't let a female rider pass them on a climb. I found it so silly. I just wanted to climb at my own pace (which happened to be faster than their preferred pace), who gives a crap which gender we are and feel insecure when a female rider passes them? I find this ridiculous.
Don't worry, the only man you'll be overtaking is a senior citizen.
@@eriwhere and then you woke up and realised you were dreaming :P
As a man I get this from other men and women at times. Recently was ascending a very steep local ride and a man told me I was going to struggle to get to the top as I was going slow. We'd done around 4,000 feet and were enjoying ourselves. I know "helpful" club cyclists (both men and women) who give unwanted advice which puts folks off. Timely reminder for us all to engage our brains first.
it's not easy knowing what to say or do when coming across a fellow cyclist, male or female, so I just say "good morning" and ride on. the only time I say more is when someone has stopped for mechanical issues and then I only say, " you ok? do you have everything you need?" it's sad really 😢😢😢
You say "good morning" to people?
Are you mad...you do realise that if it's not a 'good morning' then you are literally offending people..?!😉
That's really all there is to it. It's easy. No need for anything more.
@@waynepearce415 There's a comedy video here on YT of a northerner who gets arrested in London for saying "hello." It's funny because it hovers very low over the truth.
Yep. Some people are clearly offended by everything.
I have had other men say this kind of thing all the time… it’s generally considered small talk or banter, but clearly some women think that everything is targeted at them because they are women.
Tired of this matter, really. No matter the action, you never get it right, even if it is 100 % just a kind act.
Alright the touching of a woman is a big F'ing no no and I absolutely agree with you on this. The comments are normal comments though, you read the talking down to women into it yourself, I Get those comments and I am a 6'5" male and I give those comments to my mates/men I see riding ' come on pick a gear any gear' . This is so far away from it being a man talking down to women thing. What your video does is basically scare men off of interacting with women in the same way we would to men, so it actually has the complete opposite effect we start being guarded and watching what we say which is basically being sexist. I will never ever touch a woman I don't know or even ones that I do unless it is warranted/welcomed but I won't ever stop having a laugh and treating women with the same respect I would a man just because some may read more into it than was ever intended.
I had another female cyclist tell me in a group ride that it was okay if I wanted to turn back and not continue with the ride. This was a no drop ride with a sweeper in which I was keeping the advertised minimum pace. It was a discouraging and hurtful comment to me as a newish rider that I’ll never forget.
I think you are making this bigger than it really is. Some people (including women) can say, do or behave annoying. They might even have good intentions. The world is filled with idiots. Don’t let them get to you, because if you do it will make you bitter and angry. Its not worth it. Focus on other positive things instead. We all need happy vibes these days. Cheers from Switzerland.
i honestly think the guy wasn't annoying. I would have appreciated the advice, said "thanks but i think i can handle it!", wish him a good day and keep going. The other dude touching her is another story.
Or you could accept the opinion of someone who clearly is done with this shit and take Katie seriously. It's not a matter of laughing it away anymore, this behaviour just needs to stop. You're part of the problem with an attitude like this
It’s not just to women. It’s the main reason I never ride with groups and always ride alone.
Must admit I like riding solo, or with very select friends and family. In the past I’ve never liked riding with strangers as I’ve often been made to feel inferior. Cycling is wonderful and I know there’s a ton of great people in it but it’s a bit of a strange world at times.
Yea totally agree I ride solo most of the time or with just one other person. I find with clubs/groups there’s just too much “I’m the leader follow me!” Or “you need to change that bike to be like mine!” Or that stem is too short” “that stem is too long” etc. I think it’s serial English club bellends.
@@the_fast_lifeyea you’re probably right there and cycling clubs seem to be full of them....only trouble is my legs aren’t that great I only ride on for pure enjoyment so it’s just easier to ride on my own. 😁
Definitely. Majority are fine but there's always one patronizing prick offering unsolicited advice. And I'm a man.
@@steveindorset pure enjoyment you say thats what you ride for, I challenge you to become really fit and then your pure enjoyment of riding your bike will triple
Perhaps the lad on the mountain bike was just trying a start a conversation in a clumsy way. As for being touched, well that's utterly out of order.
Agreed
Agree with this the first incident in this video seems so innocent. Get that a lot from male riders too usually older men its not meant anything bad by it at all its normally just being friendly. The rest is out of order though nobody should be touching you.
I think that’s spot on.
You make some valid points -- namely that unwanted touching is never proper and it is inexcusable. But this a cycling channel and if you want to address this issue, may I suggest that you make a video on proper cycling etiquette. YT can drive you nuts if you make the channel about you or your personal life. There will always be someone to criticize you. I think if you made a video that did not show you exclusively talking into the lens, but showed more scenes on the road and how to conduct yourself, it would be much better appreciated. Emma Pooley once did this (and how to irritate your competitor!) and it was great.
Well said. There are a pile of us men who are patronizing “girls” by making those comments. The touching / pushing is flat out always wrong. I’d bet there is a slight sexual thing to that. Kinda “ooh I touched her backside “ mentality to it. I have two 20 something year old daughters and would be pissed at such a thing. There’s such a double standard still.
I've done my fair share of sportives and on every climb someone, male or female will tell me something about the climb I'm starting or already on whether it be how long I have left or how long or steep it gets round the next bend. It not people being condescending or because you're a woman it's just people offering you advice they think might help you. I for one feel better on a climb when someone tells me it finishes round the next bend, it gives me a boost to get round the next bend when my legs are telling me to quit. I was climbing up the Stwlan Dam in wales when some bloke walking up it shouted 'It gets steeper and steeper' as we went past. I could see it gets steeper and steeper myself but I never once thought he was being condescending. We actually spoke to him when he got to the top and he was a really nice bloke and he told us all about the climb as he was a local. I guess what I'm saying is don't take people's comments the wrong way unless they've obviously said something nasty as some people are just trying to be nice and helpful. I don't agree with touching someone though, that is wrong!
These days you just have to stay quiet, not make any comment, make no eye contact as clearly everything seems to offend everyone these days. It's just sad actually that people view things through such a distorted lens, although i do agree that touching someone without being asked is not acceptable.
Not at all. Its just more women feel empowered to speak out about their experience. Social media has enabled more and more people to see that their experience has happened to other people and to speak out. To say that undermining other people is not okay. On what level do you think that the experiences she shared was perfectly okay? Please do share. Its interesting to know how someone could support this.
@@AllIsWellaus I'm not supporting anything but to turn what, through another lens, could be viewed as just an innocent comment suddenly becomes offensive. Bringing gender into it just adds to the skewed perspective. We bang on about celebrating diversity but the reality is that now all people want is for everyone to comply with their own perspective. My wife is an ultra runner...I have no issues respecting her as an athlete nor do I judge anyone by gender, age, size or colour...I have been passed by enough people of all types in races to have understood that a long time ago. Trying to make conversation at the bottom of a hill has turned into being something apparently offensive. It's sad.
Wow, some of these comments have really riled me. To the men who seem to not understand why these incidents are infuriating and sometimes upsetting: They are small micro-aggressions that are sign of a conscious or unconscious bias (women are weak, women are never experienced or skilled riders).
Katie sharing her experience is an opportunity for you to have a think if you’ve acted in a similar way towards women based on assumptions you’ve made in the split second that you’ve seen them (you’ve seen a women on a bike so they must be weak/inexperienced and need help).
This isn’t an opportunity for you to tell Katie she’s wrong or has reacted incorrectly to situations she’s been in. That’s just being defensive when you’ve started to realise you have some challenging behaviours.
Real-life example: I ride either alone or with strong male riders that I’ve ridden with for years.
I’m used to other men giving a full out effort to try and overtake me on a ride. This is their unconscious/conscious bias telling them that as I’m a female rider I must be weak so they must also be weak if they can’t pass me. Because they’re doing a hard effort to pass, they often pass dangerously/riding in an almost desperate fashion.
The men that I ride with have commented that this almost never happens when they’re not riding with me. Whey they ride with me, it happens constantly.
It happens so often that I can’t let myself get angry about it on a ride because it would ruin every ride. But men are trying to tell me through their actions daily that I’m weak, and that really p*sses me off.
I’d never even think about touching another woman or man (I’m a guy) up a climb. Just let that person get on with it and give them encouragement.
Hit 3:45 and totally agree - unless it's asked for then don't give any help. It's 2021 after all so even when a woman asks for help, the guy should get it in writing, video evidence with a number of independent witnesses because he can never underestimate what he'll be accused of.
I've lost count of the number of times this has happened. Never even crossed my mind that it was related to my gender.
The exact same thing happened to me riding out of Kildale up onto the Cleveland Way last Sunday by a woman. I laughed it off politely and thought nothing of it.
Maybe she was womansplaining? You should of said something.....
@@jav.611 LOL
@@jav.611 Or more likely it 100% never happened
I totally agree with you on all points. I also am waiting for the day that men will protest against gf's and wife's constantly nagging men literally to death in some cases.....as a source of control and emotional manipulation to keep a man or husband under the thumb. There is so much mental and emotional abuse to men these days...…and women just get away with it and its all the mans fault. If a women hits a man or psychologically abuses him its seen by society as funny and taken not seriously. This is terrible and needs to be addressed in society. One day we will look back and this will be recognised.
I'm an asian rider but male and love climbing. And get similar condescending comments all the time. I just ride next to them on the next long climb and keep jabbering away to annoy them 😂
This is exactly why I support and follow every decision my daughter makes in bicycling (she followed me into it, now we ride together). She just hammers out miles and hills, leaving the smarmy behind.
This is also the reason that I am sad at the end of the day; because I am stereotyped.
I like meeting bicycle people, because I like to bicycle and be with people who can, but, I am never allowed to make a bicycle friend. WTF?
This is also why my favorite rides are between 100 and 200 miles with no one. Just me and every vehicle that wants me dead.
Hey Kate, can you tell me why cycling ladies don't wave hello back? 5 years riding and they always keep me hanging.
In other things I heard once some guy telling her girl partner riding "follow that cow"(meaning me) while climbing. You see, it's not a boy vs girl thing, get over it yourself. People in general are jerks. And I most said I played every sport in the books with exception of ice hockey. And I will said cyclists are one of the most crude when it comes to judgments.
Please don’t call this message “a rant”, or apologise for it, it speaks volumes and needs to be heard!
As a female cyclist I have experienced similar situations, from being pushed up hills without permission, to having my brakes changed for me during a pit stop, or even just told to slow down...
Thank you for sharing!
HMMMMM... Good but also difficult topic. Consider this: Not all men are idiots. Not all men are sexists. I know that some of us are, but some of us ARE gentlemen and it actually hurts when we get the sexist/insensitive/stupid stamp put on us.... I like to think that MOST men are gentlemen and does have the ability and will to treat other genders as equal. Maybe a small portion of what comes across as bad behavior is actually the result of bad communication.. As an example: A guys wants to help you change an inner tube as he saw you look really frustrated at the side of the road. His fresh opener "Want me to help you? A man is much better with tools than women" Really annoying comment if you don't realize that he is joking, right? Just wanted to say that not everything is black or white and that ignorant, rude, sexist people are all over the place. Thankfully there are many, many, many more gentle, intelligent and good people in the world than the opposite.
No problem with any of the examples given, but I would say that there has always been a degree of camaraderie between cyclists harking back to the days when there weren't many of us and we had to look out for one another. Hence why it's traditional to ask anyone stricken at the side of the road if they need any help. I think that's a great thing and hope we wouldn't ever be put off from doing that for fear that it might be misconstrued in some way. I had three punctures on a recent ride, and while the inquiries were kindly rebuffed for the first couple, when I'd run out of tubes they were very much appreciated.
Cyclists are generally a great and supportive community so I really hope we maintain that as the sport becomes more popular.
Yes absolutely. But I think if my ‘You OK?’ was interpreted as an unwanted intrusion, then the problem is with the hearer.
First ride out with a club in Ireland local club ,older guy was far to forthcoming with advise that i needed to lose the rack from my bike and the rear guard if i wanted to keep up with the group , rather than welcome me as a new rider , consequently last time i rode with that club !
I once had someone say to me at the finish line of Manchester to Blackpool you’ve chose the wrong bike to do this on. I was on a mtb but still made it. I was on a high from finishing the ride amd didn’t react, if I seen him now I would put him right in his place. 6 years and it still angers me. I’d only just started riding and failed on my first big ride but completed this and was elated with my effort. Let’s all just keep being positive no matter the sex, weight, colour ect we all enjoy the ride
Thats really bad, nothing worst than someone bursting your happy bubble. I would be annoyed too!
@@marick791 didn't really register at the time. Once I got a pint and relaxed it did. Wanted to go find him and give him some of my thoughts. I always try to encourage people into cycling as ive got so much from it
There are too many know it all bike snobs about. My mate did the London to Brighton on a Boris bike just to prove that you don’t need a two thousand pound bike to have fun (and after all that’s why most of us get on a bike). As you obviously know, there’s no such thing as “the wrong bike”.
I'm stuck with a mtb and all my road bikes in another location, just can't get back to get one of them. Anticipating with dread the remarks I'm going to hear at an event later this year about my choice of bikes. Don't care, just gonna enjoy the event.
@@scottbert9556 Good for you mate, that’s the way to go. When I was a kid I had one bike, it was my road bike, my bmx, my mtb, my gravel bike and my track bike rolled into one. Weirdly it didn’t cost a lot, £5 second hand. I will never forget the fun I had, and no one ever said it wasn’t good enough.
Katie,
I have watched your videos for the past year and half and found them to be hugely inspiring and look forward to watching more. As a 60 year old male, I have seen many changes for the better and having been raised by a very strong mother and fortunate to have 3 sisters who are all equally strong and driven in their own fields, I like to think, even at 60, I am very open-minded and keen to see further changes so that regardless of gender, we are all treated equally. What does concern me though is that in the process of this necessary change, all men are being tarnished, even those who are very open-minded and while it is right that you highlight issues, I worry that at some point, there maybe a unwarranted backlash.
I now think before I approach anyone to assist that may need help and in most cases sadly I just move on. I would never think it condescending to offer help to a women, I was brought up by my mother to be respectful regardless of gender or age, but this now seems to have changed and is interpreted in my opinion 'incorrectly' by many as insulting. Opening a door, (which by the way I do for both men and women) is now seen as wrong! How can this be.
Even writing this comment, I am thinking will it cause a backlash! How is it that we have come to this? I can't say if the person who made the comment as you were about to climb was condescending or not but if it made you feel uncomfortable I full understand your comments. Many of us (of an older generation......even if I still think of myself as young :)) in the past may have made comments, which now would be interpreted differently and it is correct that we all need to reconsider how these comments might affect others, but please remember not all men are like the two examples you have highlighted.
Thank you again for you videos and inspiration.
Take care.
I forgot to say the second issue (touching someone) is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated, anytime, anywhere, by anyone.
@@cathalob1 Quite right! No human should EVER touch another human under any circumstances!!! Physical contact will NOT be tolerated!!
Oh what to do now? Do I ask if a cyclist needs help when they are beside the road with a wheel out? What if that cyclist happens to be female, would I be in danger of “mansplaining”?
I think I’ll play safe and cycle by with a wave.
You can easily avoid giving offence by being kind and respectful. "Would you like any help?" No worries, have a great day!
@@CyclingMikey I am always polite but i am no longer confident of the response it may provoke.
I'm still hoping if I'm on my own with a mechanical that someone will come and offer assistance. There are still some of us out there 👍
Helen Millett I am the same . Who ever it is, it's appreciated that some one is offering help. Male, female or even the odd motorist has stopped and asked if I am ok in the past. A chat or a friendly "I am ok" has been the result and on more than one occasion they have been a saviour. But I think the option of the friendly wave is the best as I would hate to upset or offend anyone especially when I am offering genuine support.👍
What I hate is that this male v female gender issue is now entering cycling. If i'm out and I see a cyclist at the side of the road my first instinct is to ask if they are OK.. but now I have to consider if the person is a male or a female as I don't want to offend, sound patronising or condescending. We should just all be looking out for each other as we get enough hate from motorists close passing us.. I even had a Parcelforce driver spit at me when he passed me on a country lane, luckily my head was down at the time and I only saw the spit on my shoulder after the van had gone past.
We all have such a fantastic community but if we fall out with ourselves what's the point?
So from him saying “ you have a long way to go , it’s a long way to the top” you get that he was implying that you were not capable? That’s sad that you think he mean that. Why not think he meant ITS A LONG WAY TO THE TOP AND ITS A LONG WAY.
So much of this is about how you react to someone's else's advice or unrequested help. I would advise just saying "thanks but I got this", or "I've been here before". Don't start barking and having a temper tantrum. It just leaves a bad taste toward other people. Being overhelpful is much better than ignoring. I still ask all fellow cyclist on the side of road if they need help. I cant tell you how many ride without pumps, tools, without cell phones, etc.
I always ask too!
@CycleQ Youre an idiot
The level of misogyny here is genuinely unbelievable. Katie makes a video with the intent of bringing daily misogyny and mansplaining to light so that the community learns and is more inclusive and welcoming to everyone, and you comment to tell Katie that the actual problem is that she doesn't handle taking advice well. Why are people upvoting this? Is it satire and I'm too thick to realize? What is going on???
@@Tyler2534 What is going on here is that you are an indoctrinated simp who doesn't understand sexual dynamics. There's nothing misogynistic here. I promise that you are never going to get a woman by attempting to tow the line of feminism. They did several psychological studies on self proclaimed radical feminists and when the psychologists phrased the questions to ask those same feminists if they would date a man who had the ideology that the feminists purported to want just minutes prior - the women were disgusted by the thought of being with those men. Hilarious.
@CycleQ Read above.
Only my opinion, I'm a male cyclist from the same area and I’ve had the same thing said to me a handful of times from both genders. I don’t agree that the person was being offensive sorry
It's called virtu signalling, and kk will lose subs if she is not careful.. Alienating her male viewers.
Haven’t experienced this in cycling yet as I’m fairly new to taking it more seriously, but I’ve had it when running. It was really obvious one day when I crewed my friend round a marathon. She was being paced by her male friend and the amount of blokes who heckled things like “keep it up, you’ve nearly caught him” just got fucking boring! Without exception, every comment was from a man. It wasn’t threatening in any way, but that one day showed the sense of entitlement men feel they have to make comments to women they don’t know.
I can empathise. Riding around Tahoe lake on the organised event on a tandem with my daughter (an experience I can throughly recommend). We were not strong and had been cycling maybe 3 years at weekends only. She was 9 or 10 and I was late 40s with an office job and neither of us particularly skinny. It’s all 6,000ft and above with some climbs and we were slow. These young bucks were coming past and saying silly things like `she’s not pushing’ and ‘she’s got her feet up’ etc. No encouragement or anything positive and to a kid who was pedalling her heart out.
As you probably know, a tandem accelerates downhill like a lift with the cables cut. The memory of all blowing past all these massive ego’s listening to my little girl frantically ringing her bell and shouting `On your left’ will stick with me to the grave. The comments were much more positive when they caught up to us at the lunch stop.
Now retired and with some spare time your videos are encouraging me to get back on the saddle - thanks
Don't fabricate your own problems, that Mountainbike guy probably sat at the bottom to rest before he started that for him very evil climb he probably just wanted a conversation since he did not say that is a hard climb for a woman i don't see the woman part. Touching somebody unwantedly is a real problem, your reaction there was the right one no compromises there.
As a man I often experience something that could be called mansplaining. Its an attitude.
I experienced some of the worst and ridiculous mansplaining situations in bike shops. As a woman you are seldom taking serious, and I'm so fucking tired of it. Thank you for pointing out the difference between unsolicited comments and being really helpful, when help is actually needed and wanted. I hope more people get to understand that.
Thanks so much! I notice that every woman who has commented has been in support and had thirds things happen to. Says a lot doesn’t it! Xx
Everyone experiences elitism at bike shops. Of tpu arent wealthy looking they treat you pike crap. Thats reality lady.
@@Nostalgiaforinfi Thank you, finally there is a guy who explains the lady how her reality looks like. Just understand, that women don't experience the world the same way you do.
Thank you!! I now hate bike shops for that reason. I cannot find one that is not patronising and actually listen when I speak and treat me as human being, and I live in London so I’ve tried a few. It’s infuriating when you add the constant abuse on the road, as well as the sexist crap on bike forums and general content.
Why shouldn't you be taken seriously?? You could be just as good as any man. Your a cyclist. Not a woman cyclist. People who think differently.... That's there problem
I'm in no doubt that your experiences are genuine but on this occasion I think the example you chose was an unoffending quip by a guy sat at the bottom of a hill (if he's a follower he maybe sat at home thinking WTF). Use this phrase - 'No shit Sherlock' laugh and pedal on by. Unfortunately in any sport I've been involved with there's always somebody who knows more than you do and is always eager to impart their knowledge , male or female. You either take it or leave it but do not be offended. Personally I blame a woman for the way I am with women. My Mother. She taught me to respect women and even open doors for them. When you get older and you open a door for a woman and she says 'did I ask you to open the door? Don't you think I'm capable?' it's somewhat confusing. The older generation usually say 'There's not many left who would do that'. The guy who pushed you, he's a very very small minority and obviously requires corrective training and as a father with two daughters this unwanted attention annoys me the most. However I once had my ass felt in Barcelona whilst wearing white chinos so even that goes both ways at times. It was by a man though.
I’m waiting for the day a friendly smile offends....
With the way things are going,it ain’t that far off...
Hands on is a big NO,harmless comments or banter isnt,
He didn’t make any derogatory comments just mentioned about the climb ahead,
He wasn’t to know your a “somebody” in the UA-cam world who smashes up climbes for fun...
But branding men the way you did was a big fail IMO
How do you know the guy at the base of the hill wouldn't say it to a bloke? I think you're looking for microaggression where it doesn't exist. Don't assume the worse. The hands-on is completely uncalled for.
This MIGHT have been mansplaining, but equally there's a very good chance that the guy thought he was being helpful. I have had very similar experiences, and there's no way on earth I'm being confused for a woman!
Let me get this straight. Katie relayed her experience to you. In response, rather than accepting and believing it--maybe saying to yourself: "oh interesting maybe that does happen far more often to women" or "maybe that experience really is fundamentally different for women than it is for men"--you chose instead to explain to Katie that actually, she's probably wrong about the thing she herself experienced. I genuinely do not understand how people repeatedly do this. Why on earth would you know better than Katie whether or not the thing SHE experienced was mansplaining?? I get the sense you have nothing but good intentions, but still, responses like this are harmful.
Yea doesn't matter man or woman don't fucking touch anyone without permission.
@@Ken419_ he was talking about the mansplaining bit you idiot, read the comment...
@@Tyler2534 typical...its just her opinion actually....you dont know, you werent there, she didnt go and ask what he meant.....ive heard guys say to other guys hills are steep etc...whats the problem....you just go on auto support....its just her opinion....
@@grahambarker2186 I'm just interested in the "auto-disbelief" position. Like, if I'm headed to do a climb I know nothing about, and someone who has done it before tells me it's crazy steep, I'm going believe it's pretty steep. Hey, maybe it's not, it's "just an opinion" after all, but It's still way more informed than my own 0-information opinion. So I believe him. That seems like a normal response in that situation.
The position you're advocating is that, in this situation, you say to the guy "you know what, you're completely wrong, it's probably 4%." Even though you know nothing about the climb! That just seems so odd to me.
Katie I love all of you videos with the exception of this one, I do think you've over reacted to the comment. I'm over 18 stone and often get comments or odd looks. I take pride in showing them I can ride strong and hard. I think its a shame that nowadays you get your head bitten off for trying to be helpful or caring. I'm getting to a stage when I don't know whether to open doors for women or even saying hello for fear of being thought of being condescending or sexist. We are becoming too precious and in danger of losing our humanity. We have a great saying over here in OZ - harden up princess. I do think touching someone is definitely a no no though.
I've always found you an inspirational promoter of cycling, but was really disappointed to hear your comments regarding comments made to you on a climb.....surely we want to encourage conversation amongst cyclists, and to hear your comments over a simple comment saddened me. Like texts, comments can be misinterpreted and as adults we should be big enough to understand that, not make a big deal of it!! Please don't turn into a moaner, we have enough doom and gloom in our current lives already.
Absolutely, you know I’m all about encouragement to anyone and everyone who rides a bike. But it’s not just this one comment, it’s happens so so frequently that’s it’s not ok. It’s a way some men think that as women we all need to be helped or assisted by men. It’s not the case.
I don't think it's specifically a man to woman thing, as many are explaining it happens to all regardless of the gender, it happened to me alot.. lets not generalize and refer to a word that does not explain the individuality and self involvement of modern society.
I think you may be taking it too personal. If another female cyclist gave you the same advice, would you have felt irritated? Most people don't know what you don't know. And some people think they know everything when they really don't know as much as they think. Its a people thing, not a female cyclist not being competent thing. I'm sure you're a great rider, but I'm 100% sure someone else is going to give advice on another ride you go on. Other people don't know what you know unless you tell them...or show them.
I'm a man, and I really don't get why so many men don't know where the line is drawn. You don't put your hands on a woman with whom you are not socially familiar unless 1. she clearly wants you to, or 2. she is well enough known to you that something like a hug and a peck on the cheek is "OK", or 3. it's an emergency situation when you might be doing it to save a life. Otherwise guys just back off and be friendly - "touchy-feely" is out-of-bounds. Remember; the instant you make unwarranted unrequested physical contact you may actually be committing an offence.
As someone who has said things that could be interpreted in a way I did not intend, try not to take it personally or derive too much meaning. While I agree that too many folks think their opinion is so important that it must be shared, there are also a lot of folks that get misunderstood. It is good to think critically - what did they mean and why did they say it - but unless we are mind readers it is helpful to avoid excessive speculation. Was the comment so horrible that it was worth getting upset over? Could the comment be interpreted as "that's a rough hill climb - good luck" (and does "good luck" mean "you're not fit enough" or "I hope you make it"?) Finally, I am aware that I violated the "my opinion must be shared" - feel free to ignore me - you won't hurt my feelings.
Well said
Not all men are like this. But i think we all know that but i think it does more damage then good using the "mansplaining" concept... I mean i think women are pretty good at using descending words to others to... both men and women... But yeah i guess its more common by men in cycling sport since there are more men in the sport also, as you said... Dont take anything personally. Maybe they guys you have meet feel fear or intimitation by being "beaten" by a girl and need to use these words to psyche you. :-)
I just relized that I'm a female and I do these kind of comments and I had no idea it could cause such effect! I actually think this is more related to personality types than gender. All those will always be extroverted people, introverts don't just give unwanted tips to random people.
Hmm that’s interesting that u thought it would have no affect. I think ur right but I think in this context it’s down to social intelligence (which hugely determines ur personality). When u give tips or advice to people u take the position of power. It’s whether these “tips” are actually justified or not. If not then then ur just doing it because u desire the position of power that u get from putting someone below u, which we can agree is wrong.
Now here’s the tricky part😂: if u can’t judge justification then ur not really in the wrong cuz u don’t know the consequences of what u are saying (this would be because of bad social intelligence)
By simply recognising how giving advice may be condescending then u can make better judgments on what to say.
In Katie’s situations the “advice” is definitely more to put themselves on a pedestal than it is to give real helpful constructive tips. At this point I wouldn’t even call them tips it’s to have position of power, which is condescending and so it’s wrong.
Obviously there a lot more to it than the “is it worth saying” idiom. But it still highlights the importance of justification that I talked about earlier.
FINAL IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyway be human and don’t analyse it like I just have. Just focus on being a nice person by treating everyone with respect and positivity. The rest should come naturally ❤️❤️✌️✌️
The bottom of the climb comment is just small talk. I've heard similar comments from both men and woman and I'm a dude.
Hands-on is absolutely unacceptable, however.
I've experienced this many times and I am an Asian male. I've had comments from other cyclists saying Asians don't cycle and sometimes they even laugh at me and my friends when we ride together. Its frustrating cause we just want to enjoy our ride and to get remarks like that, it's frustrating.
Where do you live? That’s so crazy!
@@DontGetDroppedCycling I live in London. Yeah I know, I was shocked as well. But I guess you will always get a few people like that
@@richardwoad6477 thank you! I will. not gonna let people like that ruin my fun
I had a comment from a lovely lady in the past that there's not much "Gentlemen" now a days. In my opinion, this is probably why men are a little bit not "Gentlemen" like now. I want to be helpful all the time to anyone but now I am a bit hesitant now as I might cross the line. I know about equality but would still be very nice to hear from my two daughters in future that there's a "Gentlemen" that helped them and they appreciated that.
Hang on…, so the guy at the foot of the hill said “you’re at the bottom of the climb, there is a long way for you to go to the top”? How on earth can that possible be interpreted as mansplaining?! A bit awkward perhaps but are you serious? I’m sorry but in this specific case, I think you’re being oversensitive. Agree with another comment here, he was just starting a conversation in a clumsy way.
Touching is obviously a major no no!
Because I can see the bloody top from the bottom of the climb, it’s ridiculous!!! Why does he need to say anything like that?!
@@KatieKookaburra I tend to agree, stating something so obvious is silly and may seem out of place, but to my mind this is not mansplaining and I do not believe that he said that with any sort of ill intention.
@@mladum its not about intentionally trying to hurt someone for me its about showing respect for someone you don't know, regardless of their sex, age or body type.
Maybe a bit more listening to Katie and a bit less telling her what you think. Mansplaining like that guy did is really shitty behaviour.
@Katie Kookaburra
People don't think and just say stupid things.
Is it worse in the UK than
other places ?
I'm a bloke, 68, I used to speak to women in public I don't anymore. I used to like to help, in a practical way, or give advice and my opinion if I thought it was helpful. As a lecturer who finished work early, I used to wait for my child to come out of school and take him home, but then my wife had to do that to stop the looks and the silent treatment I got from other parents. My life is quieter now that my wife has died, as I feel my chatting to females is unwanted. I just stare, and offer no assistance at all. I keep to myself, it's sad really, when we are all social animals. I think it has added stress to my mental wellbeing over time, still, hey-ho, I'm only an old man, silent, and without female friends.
LOL!
Poor women. Us men never have anyone say jerky things as we ride by. Our lives are all smooth as silk with never a weird of troubling moment.
Thoughts and prayers that you recover from this.
BTW I cheerfully called out "passing on left" to a group of women who were taking up 2/3 of the path and had one reply "F%$k your left!" as the others laughed. I survived and didn't decide all women are like this..
If you watch the video you will hear me say I don't think all men are like this. Just a few. But don't you think that as you have had crap shouted at you we should all be a little nicer and kinder?
I live in Thailand. I'm an old guy and people of both sexes, though usually women, openly laugh as they go by on motorbikes. I just laugh, wave, and say hello in reply. Why bother to be offended because I don't think any offense is intended.
You may be reading too much into this. The likelihood is that he is probably being sexist and patronising BUT you can’t jump to such a conclusion without engaging him further and that is the last thing that most of us would want to do. There is plenty of obvious and overt discrimination out there already without looking to create more. He’s probably just a little insecure seeing anyone who looks fitter and more capable. Chill out, take a deep breath and be grateful for what you have.
What I learned about roadbike people is, never be nice to them, they always get it the wrong way. Bike riding is perfect, just me and my bike. But when you are on a trail with your MTB everybody is nice, chatting with you the way uphill or where you want to go, always a smile from 20 to 60 years old guys. Roadies take everything so Fuck&@€ serious.
From a male perspective:
- touching someone you don't know, without asking first, is just wrong
- unwanted advise especially from some guy who will get dropped first happens to anyone, saddle too low, too high, wrong pedals, wrong tyres... got that plenty.
- if you see that someone is really doing something "wrong" - be considerate, ask if there is a reason for them to do it that way, maybe make a suggestion.
Some people don't want advice, then just leave them.
I'm usually quite thankful for polite suggestions and will research later, if it makes any sense.
But yes you know those guys, always riding up to the next woman in the group as if it was a tinder meetup.
As a middle aged man I just say “Hiya” and carry on at my own pace regardless of sex and age as I don’t want to be miss interpreted as having anything other than good intentions.
A hiya is all anyone asks for. Someone stopped and an "everything ok?" is also reasonable.
Men giving advice to other men and women, and women giving advice to men and women. I'd hope the majority is not meant in a condescending way.
Also ridden with a women who thought it was ok to hold onto the back of my saddle while riding. I told her not to and she thought it was funny.
I do everything I can not to go anywhere near her anymore.
On a lighter note, i was on a group ride with quite a few others, both men and women. near the end we were riding over some undulating lumps when i started falling back through the group. i felt a hand on my back and was grateful for the help, when i turned round to say thanks it was Dan Lloyd lol, legend