Unfortunately the mountain biking industry is chasing money through growth, along with the vast majority of industry. The leaders of companies feel share holders are the only ones to make happy to the detriment of the public, customers and employees. It is no longer acceptable to simply make a reasonable profit.
I’m not sure I share your concerns. That being said, judging from your writings, my guess is that you ride way more in areas that e-bikes frequent than I do. So let’s say your concerns are legit. Reading through your 4 parts, I couldn’t help but be reminded of some of the concerns that other trail users expressed when mountain biking first started. Being compared more to motorcycles due to having gears, brakes and fat knobby tires. I also remember the first time my buddy and I were told we could no longer ride our mountain bikes in an area we loved to ride. The threat is real, but is splitting us (e and non-e) into separate groups help our cause? Is the reason mountain bike organizations are willing to include e-bikes due to declining membership. And how do they continue to fight the good fight without dues. And dues alone usually don’t pay for all that needs to be done. Is restricting access ultimately the best route. You mentioned all the challenges Rangers and land managers already face with the current restrictions.
In your reply to my last comment you mentioned the power of advertising. How about an advertising campaign aimed at ALL trail users to follow proper trail etiquette. We might not all be the same, but my guess is we all want the same thing
I agree/do think paying "dues" and membership numbers is part of it. Sure. I'm simply saying policy change is the issue (I'm focused on) and I'm asking why we're changing policy when land managers seemingly cannot enforce it, one way or the other. Regarding advertising and etiquette, that's been going on a long time. There are people who don't care. That's a people thing. Some people aren't cool about it, basically. Really appreciate your discussion, Michael.
Are the organized e-bike rides on unpermitted trails led by someone associated with an actual mountain biking organization? If so, does that org have 501c3 status, do you know?
I can't find that on their website. I told them, they ignored me. I told the people who manage the trails and they never responded either. They're all retirees doing it for local clout.
I've known Sean/Chano for a while now. We used to volunteer/ride at Cuyamaca, where e-bikes are not permitted on trails. He trolls everyone, pretty much. The SDMBA people know me, as well. His account didn't get hacked. His comments are classic him.
Weird. Isn’t his wife the Director of SDMBA? I’d expect better behavior from him if that’s the case. I know now he e-bikes in Cuyamaca and Laguna where you’re not supposed ride motorized bikes.
Perhaps he is taking your posts personally since there has been some criticism of the SDMBA leadership and their adoption of e-bikes, plus the fact that he knowingly is breaking the rules/law when he rides in the Cleveland Nat Forest?
Overall, it’s unfortunate that you’re trying to start a dialogue around this topic and you get mocked v. A deep discussion that may move the needle in a sustainable direction.
Do you remember when x-country skiers were all in a tizzy over lift assisted runs? “Dat’s not skiing!” they all shouted. How did dat work out fo you bruh? You fighting a losing battle. Also, you suggesting I ask my doctor for medications that will help get me on an analogue bike is just weird. Maybe a tincture of narcotics and meth will help me climb 3000 ft during a ride. Love my trek exe btw. ✌🏽❤️🤟🏽
For someone who says that nobody cares what I think, you sure are very active in the comments, Chano! Whoever said that I suggested that you should ask your Dr for meds? That's an interesting "take" or interpretation of what I wrote. The line of thinking there had to do with access, meaning something along the lines of ADA.
Unfortunately the mountain biking industry is chasing money through growth, along with the vast majority of industry. The leaders of companies feel share holders are the only ones to make happy to the detriment of the public, customers and employees. It is no longer acceptable to simply make a reasonable profit.
How much is enough, is an age-old question.
Hey James, happy new year!
I’m not sure I share your concerns. That being said, judging from your writings, my guess is that you ride way more in areas that e-bikes frequent than I do. So let’s say your concerns are legit. Reading through your 4 parts, I couldn’t help but be reminded of some of the concerns that other trail users expressed when mountain biking first started. Being compared more to motorcycles due to having gears, brakes and fat knobby tires. I also remember the first time my buddy and I were told we could no longer ride our mountain bikes in an area we loved to ride. The threat is real, but is splitting us (e and non-e) into separate groups help our cause? Is the reason mountain bike organizations are willing to include e-bikes due to declining membership. And how do they continue to fight the good fight without dues. And dues alone usually don’t pay for all that needs to be done. Is restricting access ultimately the best route. You mentioned all the challenges Rangers and land managers already face with the current restrictions.
In your reply to my last comment you mentioned the power of advertising. How about an advertising campaign aimed at ALL trail users to follow proper trail etiquette. We might not all be the same, but my guess is we all want the same thing
I agree/do think paying "dues" and membership numbers is part of it. Sure. I'm simply saying policy change is the issue (I'm focused on) and I'm asking why we're changing policy when land managers seemingly cannot enforce it, one way or the other. Regarding advertising and etiquette, that's been going on a long time. There are people who don't care. That's a people thing. Some people aren't cool about it, basically. Really appreciate your discussion, Michael.
"Nice moped, bro. When did you get injured?"
I also ended my membership with a local club whose ride leaders take e-bikes on trails marked "no e-bikes."
Are the organized e-bike rides on unpermitted trails led by someone associated with an actual mountain biking organization? If so, does that org have 501c3 status, do you know?
I can't find that on their website. I told them, they ignored me. I told the people who manage the trails and they never responded either. They're all retirees doing it for local clout.
Non-responses are fairly common with this, unfortunately. Happy 2025, Thomas!
Yeah. Happy 2025. I ended my membership with both orgs, they can try to get some money from the moped losers.
Seems like Sean Murphy is trolling you. Or Most likely his account got hacked or someone is being an imposter??
He’s an advocate for mountain biking here in San Diego and an influential member of SDMBA. That’s why I’m baffled why he’d be trolling you.
I've known Sean/Chano for a while now. We used to volunteer/ride at Cuyamaca, where e-bikes are not permitted on trails. He trolls everyone, pretty much. The SDMBA people know me, as well. His account didn't get hacked. His comments are classic him.
Weird. Isn’t his wife the Director of SDMBA? I’d expect better behavior from him if that’s the case. I know now he e-bikes in Cuyamaca and Laguna where you’re not supposed ride motorized bikes.
Perhaps he is taking your posts personally since there has been some criticism of the SDMBA leadership and their adoption of e-bikes, plus the fact that he knowingly is breaking the rules/law when he rides in the Cleveland Nat Forest?
Overall, it’s unfortunate that you’re trying to start a dialogue around this topic and you get mocked v. A deep discussion that may move the needle in a sustainable direction.
Happy new year!
Yes, Steve, you are correct on all fronts. It's widely known.
Do you remember when x-country skiers were all in a tizzy over lift assisted runs? “Dat’s not skiing!” they all shouted. How did dat work out fo you bruh? You fighting a losing battle. Also, you suggesting I ask my doctor for medications that will help get me on an analogue bike is just weird. Maybe a tincture of narcotics and meth will help me climb 3000 ft during a ride. Love my trek exe btw. ✌🏽❤️🤟🏽
For someone who says that nobody cares what I think, you sure are very active in the comments, Chano! Whoever said that I suggested that you should ask your Dr for meds? That's an interesting "take" or interpretation of what I wrote. The line of thinking there had to do with access, meaning something along the lines of ADA.