My Old Riding Buddies Won't Ride With me Anymore

[Adyzakydany]

Wow.... I am glad you got over the realization that when you get a Full powered emtb that your riding group may change, especially if you are a douchebag about showing up the alpha riders in the group. It blows my mind how fragile the male ego is but letting it get to you makes you come across as a victim instead of someone who found a new lease on life with an emtb. There must be other emtb riders in your area if you are interested in riding with others.

Mate it got to me because I have other demons that I’m fighting on a daily basis, the absurdity of how it unfolded put me in a place right out of my comfort zone, talking about here is the first time I’ve really said how I felt.

 

[KnollyBro]

Mate it got to me because I have other demons that I’m fighting on a daily basis, the absurdity of how it unfolded put me in a place right out of my comfort zone, talking about here is the first time I’ve really said how I felt.

I hear you. While trying not to make this about me on an open forum, people choose who they want to play spend time with. While I used to ride with a small group of friends, times change as people change. I have met other people who I ride with in a club of mostly non embt riders who can kick my ass on the way up the mountain even tho I am on an SL emtb. They are mostly accepting emtbs or since they are in a group, they would not say anything. I wouldn't care if they did as I can hold my own on the way down which is what matters to me. In the end, get what you can from riding and leave your troubles at home. If you are looking for others to ride with, I am sure you can find other emtb'rs in your area. I choose to ride when I want to ride so riding solo if fine by me and if my friends want to get together, I am good with that too.

 

[Stihldog]

About 4 years ago there was meetup organized at the base of our mountain (Burke/Pine Cone Provincial Park). About 150+ riders of all ages showed up for hotdogs, drinks and a few speeches from the organizers. My son-in-law and I moved to the back of the line with two other eMTB’s. We realized that we were out of our league.

We waited as the main group was given directions and started their trek to some trails. When they finally disappeared, we left, but we went higher and probably faster and away from the main group.

That’s when I realized that there will be some separation and segregation between the two groups.

The number of eMTB’s has increased recently in this area. It’s also become more accepting. But there will always be that separation …and that works both ways sometimes. I can’t ride with a non-eMTB on a regular basis.

 

[KnollyBro]

About 4 years ago there was meetup organized at the base of our mountain (Burke/Pine Cone Provincial Park). About 150+ riders of all ages showed up for hotdogs, drinks and a few speeches from the organizers. My son-in-law and I moved to the back of the line with two other eMTB’s. We realized that we were out of our league.

We waited as the main group was given directions and started their trek to some trails. When they finally disappeared, we left, but we went higher and probably faster and away from the main group.

That’s when I realized that there will be some separation and segregation between the two groups.

The number of eMTB’s has increased recently in this area. It’s also become more accepting. But there will always be that separation …and that works both ways sometimes. I can’t ride with a non-eMTB on a regular basis.

This is where you are wrong. First of all, why would you want to go to an event with that many people unless you are interested in promoting emtbs and have a strong enough personality to take some sh!t from the inevitable a$$holes (Karens) who would just have to say something. If we are ever going to become ambassadors for the emtb movement, we need to lose the "us and them" attitude. Secondary is the fact that trails are for everyone to enjoy and I hope the sponsors mentioned that. Finally, hotdogs? I have rarely had a interaction on the trails that was not at least cordial. For the non positive few, I most likely would not be able to have a conversation with them off the bike any way. Our biggest problem as emtb'rs is the fact that so many new riders don't know trail etiquette and in fact, come across as a$$holes.

 

[Stihldog]

This is where you are wrong. First of all, why would you want to go to an event with that many people unless you are interested in promoting emtbs and have a strong enough personality to take some sh!t from the inevitable a$$holes (Karens) who would just have to say something. If we are ever going to become ambassadors for the emtb movement, we need to lose the "us and them" attitude. Secondary is the fact that trails are for everyone to enjoy and I hope the sponsors mentioned that. Finally, hotdogs? I have rarely had an interaction on the trails that was not at least cordial. For the non positive few, I most likely would not be able to have a conversation with them off the bike any way. Our biggest problem as emtb'rs is the fact that so many new riders don't know trail etiquette and in fact, come across as a$$holes.

It was early in my eMTB career …I know better now. Sometimes these bikes don’t mix.

I was asked once by a trail organizer once to help with a particular trail (probably because I have tools and skills). When I showed up at the meeting place I realized I was the only eMTB out of 12 that were there. The group refused my help and scoffed at my bike. Good enough …no problem. I left. The organizer was already on the trail.

What they didn’t realize was that I was the one who cleared and maintained this trail numerous times each year. The trail repair organizers asked me a few days later “What happened?.…we missed you.”. I simply explained that I had another matter to deal with. I know better now. But I don’t paint everyone with the same brush.

 

[KnollyBro]

It was early in my eMTB career …I know better now. Sometimes these bikes don’t mix.

I was asked once by a trail organizer once to help with a particular trail (probably because I have tools and skills). When I showed up at the meeting place I realized I was the only eMTB out of 12 that were there. The group refused my help and scoffed at my bike. Good enough …no problem. I left. The organizer was already on the trail.

What they didn’t realize was that I was the one who cleared and maintained this trail numerous times each year. The trail repair organizers asked me a few days later “What happened?.…we missed you.”. I simply explained that I had another matter to deal with. I know better now. But I don’t paint everyone with the same brush.

I guess I am not surprised that happened a few years ago. I would be surprised if that happened now. Then again, mtb'rs can be still be snobby and pretentious pricks when it comes to certain age groups and levels of riders. Shocking to hear that the trail builder did not blow shit all over the a$$holes who ran you off. How ignorant do does one have to be to see we have more in common than we have against each other. Such fragile egos. So sad. Thank you for your service in rebuilding the trails for all to use. Most of us acknowledge and appreciate your hard work!

 

[Stihldog]

Yeah, less likely to happen today. Their ego’s have shrunk to a degree of what it was.

I never want to waste my precious energy to explain why I ride eMTB’s. Half of them would’ve started crying and the other half would’ve regretted what they just said. Then I would’ve felt bad. Not my monkey …Not my circus .

As far as the trail repair organizers …he’s a friend, same age as me, very accomplished rider …but simply neglected or forgot to inform the group of my medical condition. In fact, I’m glad that he treats me without pity.

But as trail maintenance/builders , most of us need emtbs to carry the tools and reach some altitude. Even the young trail builders see the benefits. And most adhere to the secret “code” of trail building. But we’re all riders.

 

[RustyIron]

I never want to waste my precious energy to explain why I ride eMTB’s. Half of them would’ve started crying and the other half would’ve regretted what they just said. Then I would’ve felt bad. Not my monkey …Not my circus

That's funny. Last weekend a couple friends and I did an extensive ride that starts with an eight-mile climb on a "beginner level" fire road. Almost always you'll see other riders or hikers on this segment. The beginners turn around and go back. The big dogs keep going toward the real trails.

That particular day there were a lot of riders on gravel/XC style bikes. They were spread out in clusters over several miles. Many wore the same lame jersey that looked like something from the 90's. All were middle-aged scrawny guys and frail looking women. None appeared especially talented. I assumed they were part of a club.

What they all had it common were that none of them were friendly. Some appeared to be grumpy or even a little snotty. We encountered the last group on a wide section of trail, maybe 15 feet wide. I greeted them with a "good morning," and passed on the far side, into the rough. So did my friend, who was a lady. I don't know if that's relevant. As I passed, I heard, "ebike!" in an unfriendly tone. As she passed, I heard, "ebike!" again. Then as she passed the last one, the rider mumbled something like, "You need to announce yourself louder!"

I wasn't sure that I heard correctly, so I let my friend catch up and we discussed it. We agreed that the group was unnecessarily rude. When we caught up with our other friend, he mentioned how unfriendly these wankers were. I was kind of amused, because I'm somewhat capable, physically. And these gravel/xc guys all seemed on the weak and scrawny side. I wouldn't expect a little weak guy to go around trying to pick a fight with someone who could easily throw them off the cliff. I attributed their behavior to a bad case of Chihuahua Syndrome. What's strange is that there was a whole club of these people. The name of their club must be the Angry Chihuahua Mountain Bike Gang.

 

[Adyzakydany]

You met

That's funny. Last weekend a couple friends and I did an extensive ride that starts with an eight-mile climb on a "beginner level" fire road. Almost always you'll see other riders or hikers on this segment. The beginners turn around and go back. The big dogs keep going toward the real trails.

That particular day there were a lot of riders on gravel/XC style bikes. They were spread out in clusters over several miles. Many wore the same lame jersey that looked like something from the 90's. All were middle-aged scrawny guys and frail looking women. None appeared especially talented. I assumed they were part of a club.

What they all had it common were that none of them were friendly. Some appeared to be grumpy or even a little snotty. We encountered the last group on a wide section of trail, maybe 15 feet wide. I greeted them with a "good morning," and passed on the far side, into the rough. So did my friend, who was a lady. I don't know if that's relevant. As I passed, I heard, "ebike!" in an unfriendly tone. As she passed, I heard, "ebike!" again. Then as she passed the last one, the rider mumbled something like, "You need to announce yourself louder!"

I wasn't sure that I heard correctly, so I let my friend catch up and we discussed it. We agreed that the group was unnecessarily rude. When we caught up with our other friend, he mentioned how unfriendly these wankers were. I was kind of amused, because I'm somewhat capable, physically. And these gravel/xc guys all seemed on the weak and scrawny side. I wouldn't expect a little weak guy to go around trying to pick a fight with someone who could easily throw them off the cliff. I attributed their behavior to a bad case of Chihuahua Syndrome. What's strange is that there was a whole club of these people. The name of their club must be the Angry Chihuahua Mountain Bike Gang.

You met biker Karens, thank your lucky stars you didn’t need to face off

THIS is why bikers are hated so much down my way.

 

[Stihldog]

THIS is why bikers are hated so much down my way.

…and that’s one of the reasons I don’t road-bike anymore. Numerous close calls, two vehicle collisions, potholes, sacrificing my body to avoid a mom pushing a baby stroller, blah blah blah . Even those rides were solo.

Now I only worry about those crazy squirrels, a frightened bear, that hidden rock, and the jogger wearing a white headband and earbuds. (Hate that guy )

Most everything else is self-inflicted.

 

[Just gan]

I must live in heaven compared to you folk I get none of those vibes . Yes I pass folk that don't say hi even walking on the hills. Some folk are definitely in their own zone and not people persons. If I pass someone on a bike and say fine day and don't get an answer I just say in a louder voice , yes it is that Colin.