Latest mountain bike news

I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
A screenshot of a webpage displaying mountain bike trails in Colorado, specifically listing trails near Crested Butte. The list includes names such as "Doctor Park," "Dyke," "Farris Creek," and "Reno / Flag / Bear / Deadman," along with corresponding icons for photos and trail rankings.
Alt tag: "Logo for Biking Gear featuring an image of a cycling shoe in black, orange, and blue."
A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow, winding trail through a wooded area with bare trees and fallen leaves. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and outdoor clothing. The scene captures the natural environment of the trail, emphasizing the adventure of mountain biking.
Cover art for the video game "Downhill Domination" for PlayStation 2, featuring a mountain biker racing downhill. The background includes rugged terrain and mountains, with the game's title prominently displayed at the top. The artwork has vibrant colors, emphasizing action and excitement.
  2
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
  3
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
A group of cyclists racing on a mountainous road, with one cyclist mid-air performing a jump above the others. The background features a clear blue sky and mountainous terrain, with onlookers observing the scene.
A vintage red bicycle with a yellow helmet rests on a stage, framed by greenery. The bike is accented by chrome details and a rear basket, and is positioned in front of a large, abstract gray star on a dimly lit background.
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
Children in cowboy attire participate in a lively dance in a gymnasium, surrounded by an audience. Some children wear hats and bandanas, while others are dressed in casual clothing. The atmosphere is festive, with many spectators watching the performance from the sidelines.
  1
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
Logo featuring the word "XTERRA" in bold, stylized text, with a graphic element resembling an "X" stamped above it. The design has a textured, distressed look, predominantly in dark text with a maroon accent.
Aluminum roller rack for bicycle maintenance, featuring adjustable rollers and a sturdy frame.
  1
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
Logo for ActionProfiles, an action sports network, featuring the text "Check out our profile at ActionProfiles" and the tagline "The Action Sports Network" on a dark background.
A man wearing a black cap and a red cycling jersey stands outdoors, with trees and a road sign in the background. He has a serious expression on his face.
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
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A wooden seesaw positioned on a grassy area, surrounded by lush green foliage. The seesaw is balanced on a central pivot with one side elevated, suggesting readiness for play.
  3
A unique hybrid bicycle featuring a ski in place of the front wheel and a traditional rear wheel, showcasing a bright red frame. The background is simple and light, with the text "GET ONE." positioned at the top.
A Shimano bicycle pedal featuring a silver metallic body and clip mechanism, designed for secure shoe attachment during cycling.
  1
Alt text: "Promotional poster for the film 'Klunkerz' featuring a group of people on mountain bikes. The poster includes the film's title, tagline 'They Re-Invented the Wheel,' and credits for contributions from various individuals in the mountain biking community, all set against a vintage-style background."
A close-up view of a bicycle wheel partially buried in snow, with black zip ties securing the tire to the rim. A wooden surface is visible in the background.
  3
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
Alt text: Interior view of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, featuring bicycles displayed on the walls and ceiling, with informational plaques and memorabilia in the background. The words "Mountain Bike Hall of Fame" are prominently displayed.
A bicycle frame with wheels is suspended against the trunk of a large tree in a dense forest, surrounded by evergreen trees and ivy-covered bark, creating an unusual and intriguing juxtaposition of nature and human-made object.
  1
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
A bright orange mountain bike with blue patterned rims resting against a gray concrete wall. The bike features a sleek design with a sturdy frame and front suspension, positioned on a dark asphalt surface.
A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a wooded area, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves. The cyclist is wearing a pink top and a helmet.
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
  1
A group of cyclists races along a rural road while spectators watch and take photos from the roadside. The cyclists are wearing blue and white jerseys, and one is leading the pack. In the background, there are two vehicles parked on the shoulder and rocky terrain alongside the road.
Sock with a cartoon chicken design, featuring a red and white color scheme and the text "Ya Clucken" printed on the side, displayed on a wooden surface.
A smiling man swimming underwater, giving a thumbs-up gesture while wearing a waterproof device on his arm. The background features a clear blue ocean with coral visible below. The text "music.gives.Joy" is overlaid on the image.
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
  2
Alt text: A Suunto watch with a digital display, accompanied by a heart rate monitor strap and a sensor. The watch features a round face and a black rubber band, while the sensor and strap are in black with the Suunto logo.
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
Image of a t-shirt featuring a graphic design related to downhill mountain biking. The shirt is olive green with an orange and gray color scheme. The main elements include the letters "DH" and "MTB," along with the text "DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKETEAM." An illustration of a cyclist riding downhill is prominently displayed, accompanied by directional arrows and warning symbols. The design suggests a focus on mountain biking and adventure sports.
  2
I just read a <a target="_blank" href="http://randomlygenerated.blogspot.com/2007/02/caste-away.html">blog post</a> by Doug Walsh that was talking about how divisions exist within the mountain biking community along the lines of gear and equipment. Doug pointed to an article from <a target="_blank" href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200702/adventure-sports.html">Outside online</a> where the author described feeling like he didn't fit in with "hard tailers" at the local mountain bike trail. That got me thinking about the new business concept of the long tail and how even sports like mountain biking are affected by technology.

The idea of the long tail is basically that things like the internet allow us to dig deeper into more specialized activities that fit our individual tastes and desires. The prime example is Amazon.com and how they can offer virtually unlimited selection of books on esoteric subjects since they don't have to worry about shelf space like traditional retailers. But enough of the business lesson...

Way before the internet, people just pedaled their bikes on the road. In the 1970s some dudes in California started modifying their bikes to take them off road and mountain biking was born. Mountain biking was the new thang for more than 2 decades and everybody was pretty happy (especially the bike manufacturers). Foreshadowing? Absolutely.

Now it's 2007 and we have free riders, single speeders, downhillers, cross-country riders, hard tailers, 29ers, and ultra-endurance racers. We're all mountain bikers but we've found our niches and tend to socialize with those who share our tastes. Not a bad thing in my opinion, and I would argue the internet is playing a big role in the creation of these sub-categories.

The internet is great at connecting people with unique hobbies and at introducing us to new ideas from around the world. I mentioned <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/hiwheel1.html">Ike's High Roller Club</a> (old fashioned high-wheel bike riders) in a previous post and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some kids in Akron are probably doing something crazy with mountain bikes right now and as soon as they upload their videos to YouTube and build their MySpace page, other people around the world will start to follow if it seems cool (and fun).

The point of all this is to say now is the best time to find the style of mountain biking that fits your personality. Use the internet to see where you fit in and get involved with others who share your tastes. You never know what you'll find on the 'net these days...
  4