I know I'm in the minority, but for me the trail/adventure category is what defines mountain biking. I couldn't care less about dirt ramps, doing tricks in the air, or downhill shredding. For me it's about exploring new places and enjoying the outdoors. I could watch trail/adventure videos all day.
I tend to agree as i much prefer to watch trail/adventure videos but there is no discounting the gravity, xc, BMX, DJ or even road/cx side of our sport.
I agree to some extent but I also believe that there is some value to other race styles and competitions. Things like redbull rampage and slopestyle events add a lot to the sport and have benifited all disciplines of mountain bike. If a discovery is made in one ride style of mountain bike it definatly is benificial toward advancing others.
To clarify, I'm not saying there is no value in the other styles of mountain biking. Those disciplines are where I imagine most of the revenue and interest comes from. Riders that compete in those styles are far more skilled than I will ever be. That being said, those styles just aren't important to me in the same sense that trail riding is.
If you have the equipment trail style riding can be a great way to experience the world. Travel around, backcountry, in places like Iceland. For some, there is a real appeal in that kind of thing. I know that if I could I would definitely do that kind of thing.
should have been in the comedy section.