On Saturday, with a few hours to spare between my 10 y.o. daughter's softball games, I shot over to Wampatuck for a 2 1/2 hr tour. When I arrived, there were more than 30 women eating lunch next to the parking lot. Impressive gathering, I thought. Off I went. About 2 hours later, near the end of my loop, I yielded r.o.w. on a puddle hazarded narrow downhill to a narrow bridge by standing aside in some brush. After a couple of riders passed and I realized this was the women's group. I gave encouragement as each rider negotiated this slippery technical section. Because of the narrow and tech nature of the trail, few others heard any conversations between me and them. Here's my point. Only one rider said thanks for waiting as I stood aside swatting carnivorous mosquitos. She also told me these were WOMBATS. No hellos to a 'brother' rider. No concessions for being a trail hogging pack of 30+. No wave, No "have a good one"s. Nothing but grimaced focus on the C level technical challenge.

Lighten up ladies. Spread some cheer for your cause. After all, it was a fine day to ride. Users at Mount Blue Spring were engaging, those fishing in the ponds waved, as did all other riders and hikers.

i'm a wampy all the time and i've never heared of them, usually i never see a group larger than two or three

They were having a special weekend clinic at Wompy last w/end. WOMBATS is a national women's MTB group. There are local WOMBATS rides, but not that big.

i'm a wampy all the time and i've never heared of them, usually i never see a group larger than two or three

"Women's Mountain Bike and Tea Society" I think. I'm pretty sure the head BAT is Jaquie Phelan, a legendary rider in her own right. Mr. Magoo, while I have disagreed with your posts in the past I will have to say you are right on, Whether Men or Women, a large unfriendly group does nothing but cause trouble. I had some buddies complaining about the same type of thing going on in the Fells the other night (not WOMBATS just big groups) It is pretty sweet that anyone can get a group of thirty or so women out for a technical bike ride but I agree completely about bike edicate. I am actually surprised this wasn't addressed by the heat Bat before riding. At least they could say thanks or sorry or something! But, then again, I'm sure I have done something in the past that irked people while riding so I try to take everything with a grain of salt.

The Mosquitoes SUCK right now!!!!!!!

i wasnt there but know the group. Jaquie Phelan was in town to teach a clinic to Mass WOMBATS. good group but i think it's closing down in this area.

I saw them last Sat. in the parking lot going through what looked like a clinic. It was pretty impressive to see that many in a single group. I rode for a few hours and when I got back they were still in the parking lot. Not sure if they actually went on a ride...

Anyway, since they were taking a clinic, perhaps they hadn't gotten to the part of the class where they teach etiquette?

that's too bad they were not friendly..
i always try to be friendly on rides. My experience with wobats is that they are a good group for beginner women who dont want to get left in the dust by guys when they are starting out. I have definately noticed a bit of attitude in the womens mtb scene here in boston though. i ride mostly with the boys even though I'm female...

I have definately noticed a bit of attitude in the womens mtb scene here in boston though. i ride mostly with the boys even though I'm female...

RRRRRRRRR (cat noise for the catty)

Right on Fishercat

Greg