You're a chick so you must ride a scooter

**helenoftroy** · 15th July 2007, 03:43

There are a few bike shops I have never returned to cause of the patronising comments Ive had when trying to get parts.Comments like "the mirror is for your scooter?" etc.

**ZeroIndex** · 15th July 2007, 04:54

Originally Posted by janno

Perhaps it's just the particular people you are around? I've never had someone assume I ride a scooter.

Though maybe it is because not many scooter riders wear the proper gear - in Brisbane, anyway. Work clothes (ie business skirts and trousers) and stillettos are the garb du jour over here for female scootopians.

Very rarely do you see a scoot rider with a decent protective jacket.

So in Brisbane it's pretty obvious that the women decked out in motorcycle gear ride . . . motorcycles.

Anyway, I'd be inclined to say, "yes I ride a 50cc scooter, I'd be too scared to go bigger". And leave it at that.

Then let them see you leave work on your mighty steed. Or have a picture of your latest track day effort on your screen saver.

+1 I like it

**Little Miss Trouble** · 15th July 2007, 11:57

Originally Posted by helenoftroy

There are a few bike shops I have never returned to cause of the patronising comments Ive had when trying to get parts.Comments like "the mirror is for your scooter?" etc.

lol I got that when I first started looking too,
them "are you here to look at scooters?"
me "no, I wanna look at your full-fairing 250s"
Them " oh. well we have these naked 250s"
me "FULL-FAIRING"
them "oh. well we have this 88 _______ for $5795 + ORC"
me "mutter mutter over priced, thrashed piece of crap thanks anyway"

**Stella** · 15th July 2007, 18:36

I remain amazed that when I say I ride a *motorcycle* they say scooter in the next line. Immediately. Almost Always. Either Gender.

Mutter mutter mutter.

Though one of the reasons I enjoy riding is it surprises people that I do.

Then I get pissed off when they say "oh, well you be careful now, won't you?"

Can't have it both ways I guess.

**Bass** · 16th July 2007, 10:47

Originally Posted by bert_is_evil

I didn't think so, but perhaps working in a male dominated workplace makes me feel like I have to prove I'm not one of those silly girls from a 60's film who stands on a chair screaming when they see a mouse. lame, I should get over it and not give a shit

I've been behind you on the track.
You don't have to prove anything.

**vifferman** · 16th July 2007, 11:13

Originally Posted by bert_is_evil

I didn't think so, but perhaps working in a male dominated workplace makes me feel like I have to prove I'm not one of those silly girls from a 60's film who stands on a chair screaming when they see a mouse. lame, I should get over it and not give a shit

Or maybe you could just milk it a bit, or have some fun with it.
You don't have anything to prove - you probably just make them feel like wusses...

**Roj** · 16th July 2007, 11:14

Originally Posted by Stella

Then I get pissed off when they say "oh, well you be careful now, won't you?"

Can't have it both ways I guess.

Usually that is because they would be to scared to attempt to ride

**Insanity_rules** · 16th July 2007, 12:23

Originally Posted by bert_is_evil

Why is it that guys who don't ride instantly assume when they find out you do that you must ride a scooter? It really gets my goat - am I justified or should I just get over it?

A thunderace is about as opposite to a scooter as it gets!

I'm teaching my wife to ride currently on my dear ol VTZ and her workmates almost died of a hearty when she told them she was learning to ride on something bigger than a lawnmower.

I say flaunt your bike in their faces and watch them suffer, its really funny.

**Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)** · 16th July 2007, 12:38

Originally Posted by limbimtimwim

Wave to them, they love it. It's more fun when their parents hate it.

I always wave at kids or answer their questions. And encourage them about the joys of riding.

It's not the assumption of "you ride a scooter" but "you ride a harley" to which I say I am a real rider. The harley comment I guess because I work in the "corporate" world. I say I love cornering - ya know, lowering that bike down as low as you can get it with the power on - going in a straight line does not interest me.

LOL could be said about my life - never kept on the straight and narrow. Some of the detours sure have been interesting and challenging lol.
Illness is keeping me very much on the straight and narrow at present and it is not something I WANT TO EVER get used to.

**Sis** · 16th July 2007, 12:48

I had my bike parked right outside the office where I work with my co-workers. One "lad" from another part of the company came into our office one day. Didn't believe us when he was told that it was mine. Kept looking at the one and only male in the office. It is a standing joke amongst us.
It wasn't the first and wont be the last incident.
Relax and learn how to get a joke out of it. Good for a laugh.

**007XX** · 16th July 2007, 12:52

I'd tend to be with Janno on this one...I've never really had anyone throw the scooter thing at me...or maybe i didn't notice cos I really don't give a flying pig's arse what anyone thinks of me...

I go to a few bike rallies (ie: Cold Duck and Cold Kiwi), and honnestly, all the guys I met there were always lovely about it...treating me like one of the boys, which is just the way I like it!

**Keystone19** · 16th July 2007, 13:12

Bahahahaha!!! Girlfriend - I've see you ride on the track too - and you've got nothing to prove!!!

Mostly I find it amusing when boys assume I ride a scooter or pillion. Drop a couple of things into conversation like 'I must pick up some new knee sliders while I'm here too' or as Janno said just take the piss: 'Yeah, do you sell those clips that hold your skirt together so people can't see yer kinckers while you're riding?'

Enjoy that individual feeling of superiority because you know you're good and they don't!

PS I know what you mean though...

**sarahtvet** · 16th July 2007, 13:14

Originally Posted by imdying

Take it as a compliment that the first thing they think of when they see you with a helmet is a cute wee scooter, and not a butch man hating Harley

For sure

When I was a skinny 18 yr old I was always decked out in lots of leather,wet weather gear and a balaclava to battle my way across Dartmoor in the rain and snow on my Honda CB100N. I was mortified when the guy at the petrol station called me sir before I took off my helmet

Didn't think I looked butch but for a fraction of a second thought a pink bike and high-heeled boots were required

He just needed more experience with recognising the female form was my take on it

**007XX** · 16th July 2007, 13:22

Originally Posted by Keystone19

Mostly I find it amusing when boys assume I ride a scooter or pillion. Drop a couple of things into conversation like 'I must pick up some new knee sliders while I'm here too' or as Janno said just take the piss: 'Yeah, do you sell those clips that hold your skirt together so people can't see yer kinckers while you're riding?'

...

Very nice!