I'm not really reading into it overly much, or expecting anything of them. I'm only responding to the criticisms of them looking too burly and not friendly and fluffy enough.
I think it's pretty clear that they have no mandate to do official outreach activities or play ski-patrol. However, by virtue of the Province article, and other recent attention, they will be noticed more, and will (whether they like it or not) be viewed as representatives of MTB.
I quote from the article "He also likes the idea of having identified representatives of the association out on the trails on a daily basis. The Watchmen are ambassadors as well, he said."
So, um yeah. Again, just so the context is not lost here.
[HTML_REMOVED]No expectations (by me, or most others) for them to do official outreach
[HTML_REMOVED]They will be looked at as example-setters whether they like it or not, AND have been marked as "Ambassadors" by persons (Trailforks spokespersons) associated with the project. You put on the shirt, you're still just another rider, but public may view you differently (regardless of faulty assumptions)
[HTML_REMOVED]They will encounter opportunities to play this role and engage in _informal _outreach, again whether they set that out in their mandate or not. Public members won't just say, "Oh" that Dave guy was nice. They will also remember the "uniform".
[HTML_REMOVED]Some care to criticize their image for its impact on the above-noted capacity and public perceptions.
[HTML_REMOVED]I won't second guess the designs of the program. I just wish them well.
[HTML_REMOVED]Everyone being an "ambassador" seems to be mutually agreeable to all of us, and does nothing to contravene the above statements.