"I don't often write on the message board. It will be interesting to do so.

""Shymember OK"" sounds as if he/she is an authority on the SIG's. Except he/she is not accurate and clearly does not know the differences between the SIG's. As a rule of thumb, I find anyone who hides their identity is not credible. ""Shymember OK"" is definitely in that category, doesn't have the confidence of character to acknowledge and take ownership of their own thoughts. Perhaps ""Shymember OK"" thinks he/she is helping. NOT!

I've participated in quite a number of SIG's over the years. Maybe ""Shymember OK"" has experienced a SIG, maybe not. Perhaps they have ""heard things"". Regardless, the information provided by him/her is borderline useless. Anonymous postings usually are. I'd give more credence to what ""Shymember OK"" has to say if he/she were to identify themself. Because he/she doesn't, I have absolutely no respect for what he/she has to say.

The authoritative information provided by ""Shymember OK"" about the leaders on the SIG's is 100% wrong. The information about the drop policies is flat out wrong. The information about ""coddling"" is borderline idiotic. I've participated in 16 SIG's - this year will be my 17th. If you, David T. - or anyone for that matter - would like accurate information about the SIG's, feel free to e-mail me directly. I'm not a fan of getting into debates with anonymous people who are not credible. Or, there is contact information for all the SIG leaders on the Club Website - you can contact them as well. ""Shymember OK"" is hidden in the dark shadows of the unknown. I would recommend you not pay any attention to him/her. Probably a good idea to pay zero attention to anyone who posts anonymously.

Hey, ""Shymember"", I'm not interested in getting into a debate with you about he benefits of keeping anonymous. As far as I'm concerned, there are none. Only wimps stay anonymous. Real ""A"" riders certainly don't.
"

"Christy,

I am only relating MY experience. While I do say a couple negative things, my point and tone are positive. The SIGs and the STSs are good programs and I personally thank YOU personally for your input into either or both of them.

Why do you only focus on the negative?

I am Shymember- and that is a term I adopted from President Tom on why anonymous posts are still allowed here. I've seen posts that are extremely rude, racist and perhaps criminal and I do not want to be subjected to that AND have my identity known. It is a shield, not a sword my friend. I am on the side of the angels.

These are my opinions based on my version of the facts. Disagree, go ahead. But not knowing my name or blood type does not diminish the weight of my thoughts. In fact, you are engaging in name-calling and ""arguing"" ad hominem, which is beneath you. If you knew who I was, we would start having antagnonistic rides together, if we ride together at all. So, I am Shymember OK. No, not a wimp, or a sqaure-pedaling wannabe.

You are behaving poorly. I have given my opinion, as a former A sigger; now, what is your opinion as a leader and founder? Don't act like a SIG dictator - here on the board we are all equal. Info!!

Seriously, if I am unhelpful according to you, why don't you proffer some advice - that's what I am doing. In good faith! And you want to stick a pump in my front wheel because you don't know my name! You have to catch me first baby (I truly hope you are laughing).

What the ****, am I Victor Chan?

No hard feeling, but stop name-calling. See you on the road.

Love, Shy"

Tom,

A question was posted and I answered it honestly and in the spirit of comaraderie- much as I did with discussions about cold weather riding and lubes and so forth. I like talking bikes, especially in this freeze we are in – I have sometime to discuss all things bicycle.

For my efforts, I was attacked by Christy, called names and ridiculed. HE is the culprit here. I responded politely and now have to contend with you. The issue is SIG not anonymity. My honesty in talking about my experiences in the SIG can be given whatever weight a reader wishes. But I will not suffer at Christy’s hands. He is dead wrong and has issues that I can only guess. Why am I attacked? I’m not whining, but why are you on his side? His history in NYCC? That gives him carte blanche to call me names? And if he knew my name, what would say to me, I to him, in person? It would not be pretty.

I really ask you to reconsider – re-read his post vis-à-vis mine. Mine are sincere and polite. He is being a jerk in this instance and baiting me. I know and respect you, and ask you, again, to re-consider. Whatever I am, I am being civil and Christy is not. And realize, I am no wimp. I do not like being called one.

Please do not close-ranks on me or this issue. Christy needs a talking to. I’m not wasting my breathe on it or him any longer. I am just concerned about the NYCC. I did nothing and think Christy needs to be trued.

I am relying on my faith in NYCC, you, as well as logic and civility.

Keeping the faith, well, trying, ...

Well, despite the muck-slinging that's been going on, I'm still looking forward to taking part in the A19 SIG for the first time this year, and I am hoping it will give me the proverbial boot up the arse I need in cycling terms.

I'm not sure I should comment on Shymember's remarks, but in the midst of his whingeing, he does make one point that is worth elaborating on. While I find it hard to believe that people have been given a hard time by ride leaders for allegedly doing something that the leader did not like, I can find it believable that a leader may have chastised another rider for doing something that was dangerous to him/herself or to other riders in the group. I somehow doubt that NYCC ride leaders are guilty of road rage though. But, in the unlikely event of being given a hard time by a leader because you did something he/she didn't like, you can always choose not to continue a ride, and wait for a ride with a different leader. Better still, you could lead one yourself.

I'm sure if a leader was found to be behaving in an inappropriate way on a regular basis, he or she would find that whenever they were leading rides, they wouldn't have too many punters turning up. Moreover, if enough members felt strongly about it and had a genuine grievance, they could take it to the club's board.

NYCC is a membership organisation, and it is the members who make it work, together with those few who give up many hours, which might otherwise be usefully spent riding their bikes or being with their families, in fulfilling the various board positions. Frankly, as a member, I have no time or respect for cowards who whinge and sling muck behind the shield of anonymity. So Shymember, do us all a favour and get back on yer bike and engage in a more constructive activity. Or if you are such an expert, show us how it should be done and lead some rides yourself.

Shymember throws his arms up in disgust.

Shymember did say:

“However, like anything else, personality comes into play. Most SIG leaders are fine people, but some are a bit power drunk - no insult intended, but I have heard leaders talking about being in control of so many riders, hahaha!! (Diabolical laughter.) “

This makes Shymember hostile? Remember the Grinches? Chan? The racism and over-the-top flaming? That was hostile. Here, Shymember mentions experiences from the A SIG from the POV of a Sigger, not a leader. Some leaders are not nice –Shymember knows dozens of NYCC members and non-members alike who agree. Fact!!

It’s a matter of personality.

Shymember also speaks of restraint:

“ … you may want to break a nose or two. But, a grain of salt!”

Shymember also praises the SIGs, and rightly so, as most leaders are fine.

But so, what!. Shymember’s opinion and $1.50 get Shymember on mass transit.

So, Shymember ends the tale – and what happens in this thread is what sometimes happens on the road during SIGs when a leader with other agendas has a fit. The SIGs are fine programs, not assailed by these jerks-cum-deities.

Christy, the sore spot was not my aim.

Tom, you are closing ranks. You are loyal.

Now, Shymember returns to the salt mines.

Good day and good-bye.

I first read this thread a couple of days ago and I was hoping that someone would jump in to defend Shymember. I guess it’s going to be me.

Why can’t we focus on the issues? Shymember makes some seemingly valid points. He/she may be right or wrong, I don’t know. But in reading the responses, my recommended daily allowance of hostility and pejoratives was quickly exceeded.

God knows, there have been some nasty and unhelpful anonymous posts on this board in the past. If Shymember’s an example of the worst we’re going to see under the new format, then I say Be Thankful.

A VOICE OF REASON !!!!

Thank-you, Paul, not so much for the defense, but for posting and showing that some folks still are open-minded.

Discussion is he hallmark of a successful board. It seems that here, however, repression rules.

Again, I say, the A SIG is a fine program that has a handful of jerky leaders. No hostility from me – I am smiling as I dismiss these poor excuses for leaders/human beings. If you want hostility, hire me to do what I do for a living ;-) (BTW, that was a joke, nudge, nudge.)

Worse, though, is that the flamers to my post are the A SIG creator and the NYCC president!!!

Shame on both of them.

Luckily, I am anonymous, so they cannot flame to “my face” – I may weaken in my restraint.

Peace and freedom of opinion,

Shy,

I’m surprised at why we are still frustrated with anonymous posts in a public forum. Forums attract trolls; it’s the nature of the beast. When you go on a fast A-ride, the pace will be dictated by the stronger riders. (No one complains about going too fast on 9W)

When someone post an inflammatory opinion on this board (baiting), expect people to come down on you. Even if you claim to be troll wary while being the biggest troll on this new board. ‘Not So Shy’ was smart / cowardly not to use his real name on this board. If he keeps on typing, he might become the new VC with better grammar.

Peter and Robin did a great job with the new features on the message board, but it’s not the same as sending an email to your friends. If you post an opinion, somebody will feel the need to correct you or show his / her superiority. I posted a simple question about chain lube last week as a commuter (thanks for the helpful responses and info, I’m sure it helped other members as well). Even that turned into a pissing contest (52 inches btw).

I don’t know what the solution is. It’s easy to say ‘ignore the trolls’ until someone attacks what you’re sensitive about. Maybe no anonymous posting on this board and a second board where everybody is somewhat protected by the cyber shadows (– we do like to ride with each other). Maybe that will promote a freer exchange of differing opinions; without feeling contrary points of views as personal attacks. Have a little fun with our alter egos and share our common passion without getting personalities involved. Or maybe it’s not our nature as New Yorkers that we act civil towards each other. Maybe each member should not have equal voice because some contribute nothing. So we’ll keep using this wonderful board for canceling rides because it’s cold in the winter.

Self righteously yours,
Charles Lam

-No offense intended towards anybody or anything.
-No excess petroleum was used.
-Only small microbes were harmed during the typing of this post.

Well, at least some more comments that are at least not flames of “fury,” to quote our pres., Tom (“I can well understand his (creator’s) fury at reading your post.”) Yeah, close ranks, Tom. Let Christy flame, name-call and spout his frustrated fury. Carte blanche for you too, I’m, sure. Not for me??

If people wish info on the A SIG, it is important that they know they that some, just a few, leaders are rude and jerky. Sorry, but it’s true. How that offends creator or pres is beyond me. How my well-placed anonymity matters is equally besides the point.

Perhaps I am idealistic, but I did not intend to troll. I wanted anyone who signs up to be ready to witness someone (themselves?) being publicly berated (Arated ;-) for not exhibiting what that leader considers proper riding form. My friends who took the A SIG before me told me of it, others agree, and have, along with myself, witnessed it - and I do not want people to react to it. It happens and probably will again.

And there is coddling, obvious coddling. And it is a shame.

Maybe a formal complaint procedure should be set-up … what the … this NYCC. I AM idealistic.

BUT, the program is great – take it. These few rude leaders cannot really ruin the SIG – if you are ready for their antics. Laugh at them as they tantrum about on 9W.

Better yet, drop ‘em like hot buns. Now …

THAT’S trolling.

Love, Shy …

"Put up/Shut up??

Class act Tom. I come back from a ride to this!

No baiting here. You call me names, side with Christy's on-line tantrums and I call it. You do enable his ""fury."" But somehow, I'm the pest because you don't know my name????????? Aside from your posture here and my comments thereto, what have I said that is even off-colour about Chrisy, you, the club or even the SIGs? The SIGs have a couple jerky leaders - that does not reflect on you, Christy - just the jerky leaders.

What the *** about the SIGs? That's the topic.

You are the baiter. I am, no my posts, are wimpy you say. They are just honest assessments. Darn! Read your words, Christy's - you guys (esp Christy) are way out of focus. Acting like nasty gutter snipes. Your administrative title as pres gives you no edge here. If you cannot be logical, and addresss SIGs, at least be civil to me. Try!

How many folks tune in here and say _____ this club. I know 3, and counting. They think I'm a fool for quibbling about what amounts to nothing.

BTW, the SIGs are fine programs! You have not once addressed this, pres!

No, let's end this.

WHAT ABOUT THE SIGs?????"