Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site druri.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!drutx!druri!isiw 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