Agree with the overall sentiment- not too sure about the “political act” stuff. (You could be using a metaphor that is going over my head.) The bottom line - in my opinion - is that mountain bike access relies on relationships. Relationships between riders and the land manager, yes; also relationships between riders and local clubs. If you ride a mountain bike, you should know and support your local club ...period. Everyone has a skill that can help the local club.
If you ride on public lands, you should know who the public land manager is and develop that relationship. As a land manager across a number of public land agencies, I have run across colleagues that run the spectrum for mountain bike access. Most are willing to support the sport, particularly when they are approached in a professional, “value-added” manner. Introducing yourself to the local land manager and offering education to them about the sport is crucial. The local club plays a crucial part in this relationship. IMBA, too, plays a role in these local relationships; although in my personal experience they have completely removed themselves from local relationship building. That isn’t good for the sport or IMBA.
Agree with the overall sentiment- not too sure about the “political act” stuff. (You could be using a metaphor that is going over my head.) The bottom line - in my opinion - is that mountain bike access relies on relationships. Relationships between riders and the land manager, yes; also relationships between riders and local clubs. If you ride a mountain bike, you should know and support your local club ...period. Everyone has a skill that can help the local club.
If you ride on public lands, you should know who the public land manager is and develop that relationship. As a land manager across a number of public land agencies, I have run across colleagues that run the spectrum for mountain bike access. Most are willing to support the sport, particularly when they are approached in a professional, “value-added” manner. Introducing yourself to the local land manager and offering education to them about the sport is crucial. The local club plays a crucial part in this relationship. IMBA, too, plays a role in these local relationships; although in my personal experience they have completely removed themselves from local relationship building. That isn’t good for the sport or IMBA.
We can do far more together than as individuals. This article is well written.