Interesting observation. Where i ride (central and southern Europe), i don't notice the influx of middle aged "former golfers" as much. Those seem to be usually found riding expensive E-motos on gravel paths.
What i notice however is a pervasive atmosphere of competition. And not in a good way. "Progressing as a rider" has become a mantra. "Slaying the trail" has become what mountainbiking is about. And for almost everyone this means going ever faster down the same old trails. Average speeds have roughly doubled in my edge of the woods over the last decade (partly due to the gear but also due to riders measuring their self-worth in downhill speed).
Jan. 20, 2020, 5:23 a.m. - Timer
Interesting observation. Where i ride (central and southern Europe), i don't notice the influx of middle aged "former golfers" as much. Those seem to be usually found riding expensive E-motos on gravel paths. What i notice however is a pervasive atmosphere of competition. And not in a good way. "Progressing as a rider" has become a mantra. "Slaying the trail" has become what mountainbiking is about. And for almost everyone this means going ever faster down the same old trails. Average speeds have roughly doubled in my edge of the woods over the last decade (partly due to the gear but also due to riders measuring their self-worth in downhill speed).