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From: isiw@druri.UUCP (WattIS)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Mountain Bikes & The Environment
Message-ID: <930@druri.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 2-Oct-84 20:42:13 EDT
Article-I.D.: druri.930
Posted: Tue Oct  2 20:42:13 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 4-Oct-84 00:57:58 EDT
References: <173@oliveb.UUCP>, <321@hoxna.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 39

I happen to own a mountain bike, and after years of riding touring
and racing bikes, I've finally found something that provides me with
peace, enjoyment, excercise, quiet, spills&thrills, and probably
best of all, durability. Also being an avid camper, I can certify
that a mountain bike does at least as much "damage" as a human,
and certainly less than a horse.

I'm tired of the attitude of the biking establishment toward moun-
tain bikes, and the attitude of the outdoors establishment. Mountain
bikers get treated like something just above a dirtbiker sans muffler,
and just below a skateboarder. I think it's got something to do with
how much sheer fun it is. Every serious road biker (even the shave-
legs) that's taken a spin on my stumpjumper has come back a convert,
no matter what was said before the ride.

Every established sport that has been subject to a technological or
mental advance has responded with the same kind of criticism. Just
as one example, to this day 90% of all yacht clubs in the U.S. will
not allow you to bring in a Hobie Cat onto the grounds. It's a shame
that it has to be that way, but look at how many Hobies there are now.
Mountain bikes are here to stay.

I don't have to worry about blowing out a tire (I ride over prickly
pears without even thinking twice, and even a few barrel cactus).
I don't have to worry about being hit by a car except when I ride
in the city (which by the way, a mountain bike on the road is a
great commuter vehicle - it's a soft, smooth ride, and the handle-
bars are comfortable). I don't have to worry about running over
any hikers, either, or destroying the environment, or making a
lot of noise, or using up precious natural resources.

Just give it a try. You'll be amazed how much fun it is to grind
up a jeep trail in the Rockies and then haul down the other side
with your brakes locked. Shoot - they even make studded snow tires
for 'em.

Davis Tucker
ATT-IS
Boulder, CO