Okay, I'll start: How many women, if given the opportunity, would actually sign up for an advertised clyde/athena category? As I age and the likelihood of my getting super-skinny diminishes, I am less ashamed of my body; my middle-aged spread has garnered her own identity (She is The Belly, aka she-who-must-not-be-denied) and together we have had an amazing season so far.

But I recognize that I am in a minority, both in cycling and in the world-at-large. Most women suffer from some subset of body image distress, fueled in large part by ten generations of Madison Avenue MindF**k.

It begs some questions:
a. How many races offer a "Clyde" category that ALSO lists an "Athena" option in writing?
b. How many women who fit the description of Athena (which I'm fairly certain I do by now) would actually sign up to race in such a category given the option?
c. How do we do a better job of welcoming women-of-size into racing without automatically telling her that she's fit for track; OR without telling her that she would be somehow more acceptable if she loses some weight? (I've heard both suggestions uttered out loud at new women racers in my local scene.)

And fellas -- if any of you have perspective to offer, particularly those of you who race in Clyde categories where you live, feel free.

You pose some really good questions Beth, it would be nice if people didn't have to worry about what class they are considered. I even thought of a catagory within a catagory. One could race their normal age group and cat. but have a number that denotes that they are also racing clydesdale. So for instance I could race Cat. 4 mens races and have the same start time but my placing would be measured against other cdales in the field, this way promoters aren't struggling to have to fit in another race during the day and it wouldn't be some sort of "side show". Just give us a different number plate so we don't get pulled if lapped (if the local series pulls lapped riders) and add it to the registration form.

The great clyde/athena debate goes on. I have seen in MTB races different cats for clydes and don't know why it's not offered more. An athena class should be offered, and in most races there wouldn't be a problem since there wouldn't necesarilly be a addition of racers just seperation of classification. Beth, as far as the body image issues, it is up to us the current clydes/athenas to show to everyone else that it is not a problem. There are more and more larger people getting into active lifestyles for many reasons and we need to show them that it is OK to stuff a 250lb body into tight clothing and go out into public to "race a bike". It is unforntunate that some people feel it necessary to say negative things about someones size, and there are people who feel we don't belong out there. Those people are however the minority. If you want to build something there first must be a foundation to build upon. If there isn't an athena cat where you live, talk to the race promoter about starting one. The promoters are generally interested in getting more people to their events. I have seen plenty of women who would "fit" into an athena cat here at the races, both mtb and cross, in oregon but havn't seen an athena cat offered at the races. I do know of talk about making some changes to promote new classes/ideas to get more people of size out to the races.

Brian - excellent points! I just returned from the Interbike show, where I tried to engage representatives of several clothing maunfacturers about extending their size ranges to better accommodate folks at both ends of the sizing spectrum (petite women have just a hard a time finding bike gear that fits well).

One bright spot for women of size: Tough Chik is a new company that designs and markets women-specific cycling apparel -- with clothing to fit many more sizes of woman! Their sizing range is among the most realistic and expanded I've seen, the fabric has an excellent hand, sewing is first-rate, and the prices are totally in line with what's out there. Women of all sizes should check out www.toughchik.com -- and feel free to tell her you heard it from me.

Meanwhile, The great Athena debate marches on. One nice thing about finding the guts to stuff myself into a team kit has been the unbelievable response I've gotten to simply showing up and pouring my heart out on the courses. I would love to find ways to get more women of ALL sizes to give racing a try. Perhaps cycling gear in expanded size ranges is one way. Talking to promoters might be another, but as with any new category, people have to sign up to race it -- and that is not always an easy sell.

Was talking about this with a buddy today and thought I would share.  Two years ago I stood on the start line with a fellow clyde who was bragging about his amazing wheelset (Salsa Delgado Cross rims).  His claim's were basically: I never get pinch flats, they are wide so I can run lower pressure & get great traction, they are beefy and never come out of true.

 

In Feb I bought a new Salsa Chili and thought why not build up a set of Salsa wheels to match.  I had Salsa Delgado's laced to Shimano 105 hubs (budget style) w/ Mud 2's.  I had them built by Web Cyclery in Bend, OR  

 

I put over 1500 road miles on them during the summer & 13 cross races this season.  I had them tightened up after about 500 road miles and since then they never came out of true.   I never got a pinch flat & would run fairly low pressure for clinchers: avg about 40-45 for most.  I'm 220lbs & I’ve made a hobby out of breaking bikes & parts.  I pushed it every race and really feel like I hammered on these. 

 

Anyway - for the Big Boned out there - I would highly recommend them.