Critical Mass discussion

Comment

Comment by David of the North (David606xx) on September 29, 2011 at 2:18pm

Agreed--the point haters make over and over again is that we're all as bad as the worst of us.  You might point out that up to 5% of any given group are likely to be jerks--analogize to Thanksgiving Dinner where at least one or two relatives are going to be unpleasant no matter how nice the meal might be.  The rest of the group is spreading love in a tangible way that has benefited the city in ways that can't be measured. 

 

As for his use of the term "masshole"  you might point out that this is a term we who love CM use in our internal debates about how to counter the negative reaction to the tiny minority of our number who behave poorly on occasion.  This is evidence that we're self-aware and striving to put the best foot forward possible.

 

Another point worth making on air is that CM is leaderless and thus un-call-offable.  If everyone who ever made a map for a ride were to die tonight, CM would roll tomorrow and next month and the month after that. 

 

Gods Peed!

 

Comment by Kevin C Dormant on September 29, 2011 at 2:08pm

I would expect that he's going to come off as somewhat bombastic and extreme. The more you can do to not engage, and calmly set forth the "pro's" of critical mass, the better.

Comment by Jason W on September 29, 2011 at 2:04pm

David606, you must infiltrate and sabotage their efforts! God speed man!

Comment by Gin on September 29, 2011 at 1:56pm

Publicist?? I guess you guys are my publicist. I don't want a debate--I want a conversation :)

Comment by David of the North (David606xx) on September 29, 2011 at 1:53pm

Holy Crap!  You guys--the dude is in the conference room right behind me strategizing with his publicist for tonight's debate!  (I work for a book distributor--we also carry Dave Glowacz' book--and this dude's publisher just came on board with us)  What a jerk!

Comment by Mark Newald on September 29, 2011 at 1:17pm

I live in Michigan, but have rode in three CM's. I have brought other people with me, and we have stayed in downtown hotels and spent money downtown. I love CM. I wish I could do it every month. We have seen more postive reactions than negative. Of all the rides I have done, CM is the most fun. And this is coming from a serious, year round rider...who is not a hipster, but over 50 years old. Go Gin!

Comment by Gin on September 29, 2011 at 1:09pm

Thanks for all the encouragement and tips!

Comment by h' Zerocats on September 29, 2011 at 12:52pm

Wow Gin.  Good luck.  I can't think of a better person to talk about the ride.  I know for me it was my first introduction to group riding. The idea that all these bikes were around me made me feel safe for the first time ever on the streets of chicago. It was my first encounters with the bike community here in chicago.  I believe it was a pre-cursor to all the great bike events and community we have here including bike the drive since CCM first went on the drive and then people realized it would be awesome to do it officially as well and make it a fundraiser (did I learn that from Immortal Class?) Not sure if that is true or if my thoughts help but feel free to use it.

Mostly agree, and I think CCM's legacy is all around us,  but the Bike the Drive idea was mostly inspired by the 5 Boros tour in NYC where they close all the highways for the morning-- the idea of closing LSD for CBF's big ride would come up again and again.

I sent Gin my thoughts per e-mail-- thanks again for doing this.

Comment by Jason W on September 29, 2011 at 12:37pm

That is awesome that you took on the challenge! You rock!

 

Strategy: If he rants and is obnoxious, take the high road, don't let him drag you down to his level. You will come out looking better. Keep in mind he may be more shy and nervous then you. You never know.

 

Talking points: A big point I would mention is the vast majority of people that encounter CCM are positive or indifferent. Haters are haters, and they hate everything, not just CCM, and they are the minority. Also, the stuff we do like corking is for safety, not to piss people off. I personally have seen cars hit bikes, as I'm sure you have too.

 

Break a leg Gin!!! We will be rooting for you!

Comment by shar on September 29, 2011 at 12:15pm

Julie took the words right out of my mouth. It was brought me to 'the mass ride concept' and I have been glued to them ever since. Good luck Gin! You will be Great!!!

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