Tim

Fri, 12 May 2006 16:13:40 -0800

Great response. One thing I forgot to write: SFist rocks -- please keep up the good work!

TruthMaker

Thu, 11 May 2006 13:37:40 -0800

You make excellent points TP, and we're listening. The local mountain bike racing schedule is heavily front-loaded for the spring, which is why we've been covering the race circuit so heavily in the first part of the year. After this weekend's 24-hour relays at Laguna Seca, there's not much in the way of local racing until July, so we hope to start tackling non-racing stories like the ones you have mentioned. We understand that only a minority of mountain bikers actually race, but our thought is that racing is part of the mountain biking scene. Even if you don't want to race yourself, attending or volunteering at a race can really jack up your enthusiasm for riding. Also, with the exception of the easier European-like Laguna Seca courses, most of the races we've been writing about have courses that are more like Skeggs than Golden Gate park: technically tough courses with lots of hills that put a premium on bike riding ability, not just speed. And, most races allow pre-riding of the courses, so even if you're not officially racing, knowing when and where the races are gives you the opportunity to head out and ride killer, marked race courses without the pressure of racing or the pain of entrance fees. Another reason that we like to cover the races, it that racing is mountain biking at its fastest and most effecient. While most rank-and-file MTB'ers can't even dream of keeping up with the likes of Geoff Kabush or Adam Craig, it's pretty cool to go to the races and see how the pros prepare, what their bikes look like, and even how they handle certain trail situations and obstacles. Call it part of the never-ending learning process. All that said, we're right there with you TP: mountain biking is about the warmth of physical exertion, the exhiliration of handling the bike, and the wonder of nature -- and unfortunately also about the politics of land use. We promise more topical mountain bike pieces in the future, and less race coverage (after this weekend). Happy trails!

Tim

Thu, 11 May 2006 11:25:24 -0800

I love to see the mountain bike content... but why the focus on racing? It would be great to read some coverage on topics/issues regarding NorCal mtn biking: what's happening at Pacifica, Shells, or Soquel? What about the new mtn bike skills area being developed in San Rafael? Will the snow melt on the TahoeRimTrail in time for summer? What new trails are opening up? Where can one volunteer for trail work or find out about trail access issues? Mtn Biking is a popular sport here in NorCal - but mtn bike racing is a lot like ski races: it's great to see it in the Olympics every four years, but that's about it. Most "championship" courses are tamer than the trails in Golden Gate Park, and aren't up to the level of day-to-day riding in the BayArea. The focus seems to be on speed, not on riding ability. Ok, end of rant! thanks for listening!

SFist: No Soup for Us

Tim

TruthMaker

Tim