Well, Since You Brought It Up.....

Hey all! A little early, I know, but hey! If'n ya don't like it.....wait 'till ta-marra ta read it! Okay?

"Bear", our own musical whizkid, asked what I thought of the trend in XC racing that sees more and more "roadie" influences. Well, I'm against it! The"real" problem isn't that people are using roadbikes in XC,(GASP!) or that XC courses are lame, (they are, by the way), it's money! YES! I said Money! Historical facts to follow. If'n yer not inta the History, yer doomed ta repeats it! Listen up!

Way back in the beginnings of The Sport, races were way different. Point to point XC, LONG sections of techy single track, and remote race venues were the norm. People that merely finished one of these epic races really had earned the term, "mountain bike racer". Of course that wasn't the end of it. NORBA racers were also required to compete in dual slalom, down hill, and TRIALS(!!!!!) on the SAME BIKE!!!! Sometimes a hillclimb would be subbed for the Dual Slalom, whatever! These races were truly a test of what I like to call "real mountain bikers".

About this time, MTB sales skyrocketed. Some marketing monkeys decided that MONEY could be made off this new craze. Some tweaks were needed of course, but most were down with the ideas. Heck, with the paychecks that were being doled out to the top racers, who was going to complain? So, they got rid of the remote race venues- too hard to get people in to pay good money to spectate. Needed a place where vendors could suck cash from the people, where new, wonderful, un-obtanium parts could be hyped. Where there were accomodations, roads, civilization........need I go on? Courses needed to be "spectator friendly", ready for TV, cookie cutter type venues. More MONEY, you see, could be made- to be enjoyed by all in the sport. LIES LIES LIES! Ever notice that when all this started to happen, the more "roadie" stuff slipped in? ( Check out this years Sea Otter Challenge, or the coverage of the Red Bull Challenge in Rio- see www.bikemag.com ) Well, it didn't work out all that well for the birthplace of MTB's, or it's citizens. XC racing is dominated by the Euro's- to their credit! They are much more adept and enthusiastic about these roadie/cyclocross "XC" courses . Well- can you tell I'm a little cynical/ jaded/ down on the whole evolution of this "sport" we love? But, the evidence of the damage done is all too plain to see. No one would DREAM of doing four different "disciplines" in the same weekend of racing. The sport got gutted of it's soul- it's reason to be- and XC participation has dwindled. Sales are down. The once dissed road biker is now the admired stud. (Can anyone give me a LANCE! out there?)

Well, this is the biggest reason I can think of for the recent rise in 24hr, 12hr, marathon, and extreme enduro events. The "challenge" of "beating" the mountain, the elements, and your own physical limitations is very appealing. The whole reason we love to ride offroad is embodied in these challenges. Hanging out with like minded people is FUN again! Leave the XC races for what they are, a minor league for road racers!

What I Say! Whoa! that was a long one! Sorry- but you asked! Stoked about the Trans Iowa race! Response was WAY MORE than I thought it would be. Thanks to all that showed interest, or that have signed up. I look forward to working on this event, and I am stoked to be a part of it! Don't forget to try and find the "musical" cue in this weeks rant. Jeff actually got last weeks Guns 'n Roses clue, but then he should, since his "dad" was the lead singer! (Appologies in advance to Mr. Kerkove!)

Guitar Ted! Nuclear Sex Doctor! Raw Veggies! OUT!!!!!