Any mountain biker with a few years of fat tire riding under their belt can tell you about the bro culture that exists within our mountain biking community. Macho, machismo, frat boy, you know, all the associated words and phrases to describe the obnoxious guy(s) that will undoubtedly attempt to inflate his ego by putting down others, by boasting of his riding ability, and inevitably, by bringing “locker room” talk to the trail, including disrespecting women, to say the least. Add in some post-ride, or even on the trail, pressure on others to drink alcohol, possibly verging on binge drinking at some point and you get the picture of bro culture.
Thinking the following? Bro culture has always been a problem and won’t go away. Maybe you think that it’s not as big of a deal as I think it is. Perhaps it’s nothing more than, boys will be boys. How about something like, if you don’t like it, don’t hang out with ‘em.
Here’s my response to any/all of that: what good does bro culture contribute to any society, as a whole?
(Use the comment box if you have an answer)
What do we do about it?
1. Say something. If you experience it and don’t like it, tell the person/people that you don’t enjoy their bro culture antics. It’ll be awkward, for sure, but it will probably result in one of two ways: they’ll stop, or at least they will when you’re around, or the relationship will likely not evolve, which is okay, isn’t it? I mean, why ride with people whose behavior hurts other human beings?
2. Tell editors of media outlets to stop supporting bro culture. It’s there and you need not look too far to find it, in case you think you’re missing out on something. Bros are in videos and articles and advertisements.
3. Bros work in bike shops. Some bike shops feel like bro shops. Find a more inclusive bike shop.
4. Ask promoters of mountain biking events to not tolerate bro culture. A start would be to at least make a statement about the later afternoon/evening party whereby something is said to the effect of: we’d like for everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves, which means that we ask you to be considerate of others and respectful of everyone. Yes, unfortunately, these kinds of things need to be said to adults.
5. Let’s have a logo of some kind. Put it on MTB organizations’ websites, on events materials, on t-shirts, on signs where people register for events, at trailheads. What’s the logo: NO BRO ZONE. I’m certain it will spark conversation, which is a good thing.
Okay, ok, all right, alright, I know … bros have been around and will always be around. You can’t end bro culture.
As I often say, there’s always more work to be done. Changing societal norms is work. We have a long way to go on bro culture in mountain biking. Yes, we’re working on it and progress is being made.
Imagine if more of us work on it. What progress could be made in what amount of time?
Fully Rigid is a monthly column by James Murren about Mountain Biking Issues within the Mountain Biking Community.
I hear you James. It’s one of the reasons I like riding by myself. I would suggest taking Jeff’s “Golden Rule” one step further to the “Platinum Rule”. Treat people how they would like to be treated. Thanks again for holding up the mirror for us to take a look at ourselves. Cheers
I think it's a matter of perspective. Yes, the "Bro" type folks are usually loud, party, jacked up pickup with 20" wheels, pulling the ski boat down to the lake.
I can handle hanging out with them for a day at most.
But I can guarantee, there are older folks, hikers and equestrians, that think the exact same of all mountain bikers. (Too loud, too fast, too much beer drinking) We are definitely not wine and cheese type folks haha.
I probably drop the F bomb too often, but hey, I don't have kids, so it's what I'm used to.
At the end of the day, I have to remind myself, everybody's different. But it's more about treating others the way you'd like to be treated, being nice, respect others. That's about it.