Man...great read. Thanks for your thoughts Dave, and for making me think. For me, I chased my identity through 20's and 30's. Mountain biker was one of the hats I tried on, but looking back, I definitely was not a diehard MTBer like others I met and rode with. Many outside of MTB would identify me as one for sure. But they don't know the people that I/we know that are the real deal.
After having kids, I've firmly adopted the identity of Dad, and worked on my identity as husband too. Those seem to pay pretty good dividends and are something I can be really proud to be, no matter whom the company.
I have picked up golfing again, but wouldn't call myself a golfer as I still suck at it like back in my 20's. Not that skill matters. I just don't relate to the "golfers" I see at the course. But I like the sport regardless.
I think I figured out though in what context I (and others) adopt a clear mountain biker identity. When among a group of mixed cyclists of all flavours, I then clearly identify as the apex species, the MTBer. Each cyclist has a primary identity, and then maybe does some other things. But you'll hear it on the trails - "I'm a road biker so this stuff scares me" etc. I have a gravel/road bike and a beater MTB that I ride for groceries, etc. And I love being those bikers too. But no matter what pedals I'm pushing, I'm always a card-carrying MTBer, dressed up like a different cyclist at times.
Seriously, great read. Thanks a million.
July 3, 2023, 2:03 p.m. - rockford
Man...great read. Thanks for your thoughts Dave, and for making me think. For me, I chased my identity through 20's and 30's. Mountain biker was one of the hats I tried on, but looking back, I definitely was not a diehard MTBer like others I met and rode with. Many outside of MTB would identify me as one for sure. But they don't know the people that I/we know that are the real deal. After having kids, I've firmly adopted the identity of Dad, and worked on my identity as husband too. Those seem to pay pretty good dividends and are something I can be really proud to be, no matter whom the company. I have picked up golfing again, but wouldn't call myself a golfer as I still suck at it like back in my 20's. Not that skill matters. I just don't relate to the "golfers" I see at the course. But I like the sport regardless. I think I figured out though in what context I (and others) adopt a clear mountain biker identity. When among a group of mixed cyclists of all flavours, I then clearly identify as the apex species, the MTBer. Each cyclist has a primary identity, and then maybe does some other things. But you'll hear it on the trails - "I'm a road biker so this stuff scares me" etc. I have a gravel/road bike and a beater MTB that I ride for groceries, etc. And I love being those bikers too. But no matter what pedals I'm pushing, I'm always a card-carrying MTBer, dressed up like a different cyclist at times. Seriously, great read. Thanks a million.