TWW May Rant by Keith White Attitude...that's what this sport is all about. This is the thing that differentiates us mountain bikers from the rest of the world. This is what made us go "off road." Get away from the roadie set. Have fun. Use some adrenalin. Catch some air. Lose some skin. Oh yeah baby this is what I'm talkin' about. Show me the rocks, roots, drops, jumps, logs, twisty tight singletrack. Show me your best, I want to ride it. That's attitude. And when I see one of my brethren, I wave, salute, say hi, nod, acknowledge, or just give them the 'waz up'. I said "WAAAZZZZZZZ UUUUUUUUUppp." And I being a guy who likes to spread the good cheer, I look to the roadies to join us in our similar pursuit. To them I also say hey. But, what's this? Am I invisible? Did I not just give the other guy with two wheels a "Howsit" and get nothing in return? Is there no reciprocity in this society of two wheel journeypeople? Or, did I cloak myself in camo spandex when I doned my forest green Oakley shades? How could it be? I see myself in the mirror when I get ready. My ride buddies seem to be aware when I'm there. Hmmm. Not so sure I like this part of the attitude. I mean come on people. I know you can see me. Would it kill you to be friendly to someone else who enjoys a very similar kind of appreciation for gravity? Alas the plot thickens. When you're out on a ride, putting some dust on your shins, just roaming the high plains and you come across a biker with enough of an issue to be off bike (crash, flat, mechanical, whatever), what do you do? If I hear one person say keep riding, I'll puke. This person may need help. Would it kill you to say "Got everything?" Would your day be trashed if you had to give up a patch? You whiney little wussy. Give up a freakin patch! So, it's incentive you need. Well I was riding up Priests Grade about 2 months ago and I see a guy coming down running his bike. I ask if he needs a patch. Sure he did. So, I gave him my whole patch kit so I could just continue with my ride. On the way back down, I see him still patching about a mile further down. It's getting a bit dark so I stop to make sure he's OK as he finishes patching the 4th hole. I figure I'd better stick with him since this isn't a good sign. Turns out this guy could teach me a thing or two. He's just visiting and didn't have his normal gear so no supplies. In about 2 weeks he was going to ride in the Iditabike race and I got to hear all about it. What a great way to hear first hand about one of the most awesome bike race events in history. Bottom line you aren't in this alone. Get out, ride, race, for heavens sake say hello once in a while and carry a freakin' spare patch kit. Keith PS - Don't get me started on sandbaggin', downhillers, or land managers like MROSD.... You can contact Keith White at keith.white@eng.sun.com. Please, no firebombs or tee-peeing the house. Thanks!

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