#!markdown
To lend some context to the 'War In The Woods' theme, there was recently
another elderly hiker who did sabotage trails, and who has eagerly expressed
her desire to see the disappearance of all mountain bikers on 'her' trails.
To some, this is a rare occurrence and she is the anomaly. To those of us in
the lower 48 (aka media blackout), these events might seem related, despite
the individuals involved and their own personal issues and grievances and
versions of what did and did not take place. To the public at large who sees
these stories about trail sabotage, fist fights (thanks to the over-blown
style of mainstream media), police reports and vitriolic comments online and
off, it just seems that everyone is the woods is looking for a fight. As my
father asked me last night: "Why would you ever want to be associated with
such a group?!"
I'm here because I care. I'm here because I love bikes and the people who ride
them, regardless of politics, industry patterns or negative stereotypes. While
I agree with you about taking a less passionate and aggressive stance on this
issue, it would also help if the media were to portray us as something
(anything!) other than a bunch of adrenaline-fueled assholes intent on raising
hell and smoking dope (in the words of my mother). It would also help if folks
didn't antagonize use and then use the "but I'm elderly and infirm!" excuse
when called upon to explain their actions. I've seen some old people do some
craaaaaaazy stuff, so that whole 'elderly and sick and weak as a kitten'
doesn't exactly sit well with me from a woman who, in the same sentence,
claims to hike 300 days a year. I'm not picking sides, mind you, but instead,
putting my critical thinking skills to use.
At the end of the day, that's what we all are. That's what we need to
remember… And that we are ALWAYS ambassadors of mountain biking and outdoor
use, regardless of who we think is watching. I'm the guiltiest of 'em all when
it comes to this. I'm human, as we all are, and we also need to take that into
effect when we look at every situation.
Feb. 9, 2015, 7 p.m. - Amanda
#!markdown To lend some context to the 'War In The Woods' theme, there was recently another elderly hiker who did sabotage trails, and who has eagerly expressed her desire to see the disappearance of all mountain bikers on 'her' trails. To some, this is a rare occurrence and she is the anomaly. To those of us in the lower 48 (aka media blackout), these events might seem related, despite the individuals involved and their own personal issues and grievances and versions of what did and did not take place. To the public at large who sees these stories about trail sabotage, fist fights (thanks to the over-blown style of mainstream media), police reports and vitriolic comments online and off, it just seems that everyone is the woods is looking for a fight. As my father asked me last night: "Why would you ever want to be associated with such a group?!" I'm here because I care. I'm here because I love bikes and the people who ride them, regardless of politics, industry patterns or negative stereotypes. While I agree with you about taking a less passionate and aggressive stance on this issue, it would also help if the media were to portray us as something (anything!) other than a bunch of adrenaline-fueled assholes intent on raising hell and smoking dope (in the words of my mother). It would also help if folks didn't antagonize use and then use the "but I'm elderly and infirm!" excuse when called upon to explain their actions. I've seen some old people do some craaaaaaazy stuff, so that whole 'elderly and sick and weak as a kitten' doesn't exactly sit well with me from a woman who, in the same sentence, claims to hike 300 days a year. I'm not picking sides, mind you, but instead, putting my critical thinking skills to use. At the end of the day, that's what we all are. That's what we need to remember… And that we are ALWAYS ambassadors of mountain biking and outdoor use, regardless of who we think is watching. I'm the guiltiest of 'em all when it comes to this. I'm human, as we all are, and we also need to take that into effect when we look at every situation.