Friday, October 23, 2009

they can make straight lines out of almost anything except for the line of my upper lip when it curls

Title of this post: A New Adventure of Bike riding in Middlesex County, Massachusetts or how I encountered sexism in my FIRST day as a cyclist!

I got my bike today!!!! It is a Vienna Deluxe 1 and here is what the website says about it, 'This anytime, anywhere, wet/dry trekking bike proves that two wheels are all you need, no matter the cargo. With all the bells and whistles attached—fenders, lights, racks, bells (yes, literally)—your ride doesn't have to stop at a simple commute.' I know that I have been bashing Landry's Bicycles but they are totally redeemed. The story behind the long wait is that the fork of the bike came damaged, and they had to ordered a new one. Thus, I had to wait a couple of extra days.
I called this morning because last Wednesday they told me my bike would be ready today. I called and they gave me the very good news. I went to the store and was greeted by the manager, Mark Gray. Without me saying anything, he knew my name (I haven't met him before) and told me that he would get my bike for adjustments. He was extremely helpful and you could tell he genuinely loves selling bikes. When I first saw my bike, I must say, my heart did went faster. I have been dreaming about this moment for a very long time, and I was pleased that it came true. He told me all about the bike and even helped put it inside my car. He showed me how to take the front wheel off in order for the bike to fit inside the car. He was very helpful and NEVER condescending. He never treated me less because I was new to the cyclist community. He never questioned my knowledge. I felt very happy there and I totally see myself going back there to buy things for my bike.
Now fast forward to the afternoon.
I really want to buy a bike computer because I want to keep track of how many miles I do (is that so bizarre?). So, I decided to go to a local bike store less than 5 minutes away because I thought it would be nice to support local stores and not big company chains. I happily went there using my bike. It was my first ride as a bike commuter! Homegirl was merry.
I went inside the small store and noticed that two other guys where there buying chain wheel.
'Do you have bike computers?' I said.
'Yes, but what do you need one if you have a commuter bike?' he said.
I thought to myself, 'its a hybrid and there are not set miles of how much I could go!'
"uh... I plan to travel many miles.' I murmured.
'Do you want wireless or not', he later said.
'Let me see the wireless first' said I.
He went to search into a box. The box looked like it was a mixed of new and old bike computers, and I just didn't get a good vibe from his collection.
He handed me the wireless one and said,
'Those things are complicated to put, are you sure you will be able to install it?' he said.
Dismissing his question I asked to see the one with wires.
He said the same comment about being difficult to install and being not sure if I would be able to do such impossible task. I really did not appreciate his condescending and sexist remarks. Yes, I would say sexist because he never questioned the ability of the two guys getting a chain wheel, which I think, would be more difficult to install! I knew right away that I wouldn't want to give my money to him, plus those bike computers looked of very low quality that would break right away. I told him that I would think about it and left.
On my way home, I was thinking about sexism in sport and if I was a guy, if the seller would ask me the same question.

2 comments:

Doug said...

It was sexism. I'm married to a very intelligent, very independent, strong woman (who happens to have a law degree, as well as a MSW) and I see her encounter sexism all the time. She doesn't put up with it, and doesn't hesitate to call it what it is. But she doesn't do it in a angry, she likes to plant seeds of thought everywhere she goes.

Excited to hear about your upcoming adventures in bicycle commuting. Have fun!!

Ironic..the word verification for this comment is: menmenn.

Vertigo said...

Thanks Doug for the stop. Yes, I felt very uncomfortable there and displeased that he immediately assumed I wouldn't be able to install the bike computer. I actually bought the bike computer today, where I bought my bike and was treated very well there, and the whole installation process didn't took me more than 5 minutes.
It goes to show the difference in makes when you treat others and, how important it is not to fall in the trap of belittling others.