Can I put my ten pence worth in here?
I dont think this has anything to do with Nature or Nurture but its a psychological thing. Women are naturally nurturers and will think of partners, parents, children as a matter of course.
What stops alot of women from racing is the finances and the inability to stop putting others before themselves.
I for one would love to have a go at competing, even signing up for the all girl team (which by the way WILL compete at a level WITH men but just as an all girl team with all femele support), however I have a job...a class full of children that need me...as well as the children I help on social service panel meetings. AND then there are my own two and the hubby.
With all that responsibility in my head HOW will I ever hope to make it clear enough to be in a "racing" frame of mind.
Just the thought of my two watching me stops me committing to a corner.
Men are different in that even though there are alot of dads/partners on this board their responsibilty is always slightly detached. I dont say that in a derogatory sense, just noting that men and women are different mentally as well as physically!
Suzie knows she will get sponsors because the whole idea of the team is a novelty...I think that it is a poor tale that we HAVE to use the "girly" card to get any where in any career or line of sport.
Anyone that knows me will vouch for the fact that I will always "have a go" but when it comes down to it if the girly card gets me out of it then I will use it. In exactly the same way that a male uses the "ug" card!
I also think that women are their own worst enemy...
I wanted desperately to join in at Silverstone. I asked if anyone would ride with me...no-one offered to meet up with me, I asked for assistance when my bike capputted on me...no-one offered.
The people who did offer were my mates off this board WHO all happen to be men...
I know it isn't a good thing to judge things just on one meet, I did go and meet everyone and they all seemed very friendly but I would have thought that when people are travelling in the same direction more people would meet up if only for safetys sake.
I hope that the all girl team get going and get stacks of sponsorship. I also think that all girl trackdays would be great for those women on their own that feel a little intimidated. If it helps more people to get on a bike then great!