TheR

BMX bars.

@notthatfast: Ignoring all the assumptions you’ve made here in terms of him not knowing what it’s like not to have things, what would you require him to do in this case? What special treatment does he owe women who want to get into mountain biking that he does not extend to the rest of us?

@notthatfast: Did you just assume someone’s gender? DID YOU JUST ASSUME SOMEONE’S GENDER? ReeeeeeeeEEEEEE!

@TEAM-ROBOT: I’d say you’re right in the sense that we owe each other basic human decency and respect. But other than that, what would you expect of him? He has no other obligation than non-interference if people want to ride. If they want to advocate for this and that in the cycling world, all good, but he is not required to participate in their advocacy. That’s their business, not necessarily his.

“Allowing others to find that joy whether it be through size inclusive products that allow them to recreate comfortably, organized women's and/or BIPOC rides … is one way in which all of us can continue to welcome others into the space and grow the cycling industry.” Seriously, when have any of you out there in Pinkbike Land disallowed any of this? Or even wanted to disallow it? My guess it’s a pretty insignificant number. (I left out the part about being a dick in the comment section because — guilty! But if I ever have been a dick here it’s not because anyone managed to “break the mold” of whatever notions I had. It’s most likely because you were a dick first — I can be an equal opportunity dick). Anyway, for anyone who wants to ride — have at it. No one here is stopping you. No one here wants to stop you or has the power stop you. So if you want to ride, it’s on you. Go for it. Most likely, you’re just another anonymous face crossing paths on a trail to any given person out there. For my part, I promise to treat everyone with the respect and dignity due every human being. I’ll smile and say hello on the trails. Maybe ask you about trail conditions or your bike in the parking lot. I’m sure the vast majority of us will do the same.

@Schowny: Sorry. Fat fingered this one. No reply.

@enki: And also, wouldn’t you think they’d know about their intent to sell before they shipped everything out and sent everyone to California? Like on Monday before everyone ships out say, “guys, we are calling off Sea Otter.” So they either knew then and never should have sent a team, or they decided Wednesday, in which case they could have just kept it quiet for another four days after spending all the resources to be there. Absolutely weird management of the whole thing.

@enki: Yeah, but they could have waited to announce their intent to sell until after Sea Otter. No one would have taken note of a new CFO of a big water sports conglomerate. They drew attention to themselves by packing it up. Otherwise, Kona would have just been another company there with a new gravel bike.

@RayDolor: Yep, agreed. Like some higher up was like, “What are they doing there? Who told them they could go? Get them out immediately!” I can hear it now.

Man, that release is a masterpiece of corporate jargon. I wonder how soulless you have to be to write it: Rob Otto has "an exemplary track record in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space of improving profitability and operational efficiencies along with managing integrations, Otto brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Kent team and portfolio of brands." In a further state the release shares that Otto has previously been recognised for "his ability to rapidly interpret complex situations" and "business solutions that spur growth and improve operations and profitability."