Why do mountain bikers insist on riding the hardest lines, even when its clear theyre not capable of handling them? Is it an ego thing? Do they genuinely believe that by attempting to ride a line thats well beyond their skill level, theyll somehow magically acquire the necessary skills to clean it? Or is it just a desperate cry for attention, a way to prove to their fellow riders that theyre still relevant, still worthy of admiration?
And whats with the obsession with sending it down the steepest, rockiest, most treacherous trails they can find? Do they really think that by riding a trail thats been labeled as expert or pro theyll somehow earn some kind of badge of honor? Newsflash: its just a label, folks. It doesnt mean anything.
And dont even get me started on the whole style thing. You know, where riders feel the need to manual or nose-wheelie their way down a trail, even if its completely unnecessary and actually makes the ride more difficult. Is it really worth risking a crash and injuring yourself just to look cool? I mean, come on, guys, nobodys impressed.
And then theres the argument that riding the hardest lines is necessary to improve ones skills. I call foul on that one. If youre not capable of handling a certain trail or feature, then maybe you should just stick to something easier until youve developed the necessary skills. I mean, would you try to tackle a black diamond run on skis if youd never even made it down a blue square? Probably not.
So, mountain bikers, I ask you: whats the real reason you insist on riding the hardest lines, even when its clear youre not ready for them? Is it ego, a desire for attention, or something else entirely?