packfill

@pmhobson: 1. Mountain biking was originally governed by the National Off Road Bicycle Association (NORBA), which had its own culture and leadership. After NORBA became part of USA Cycling, mountain biking became just another discipline inside an organization historically focused on road cycling. Critics argue that the sport lost advocates dedicated solely to off-road racing. 2. USA Cycling's mission increasingly emphasized international success and Olympic medals. Since cross-country (XCO) is the Olympic discipline, resources tended to flow toward elite development, national teams, and Olympic qualification. The funny thing is that i saw this from the inside and they didn't offer much of any support to the riders who were forced for fly around the world to gain points toward making the Olympic teams. Their entire Olympic emphasis was a joke. 3. USA Cycling attempted to enforce a UCI rule limiting participation in unsanctioned events. This threatened races like Epic Rides and other popular independent events. Promoters and sponsors pushed back, arguing these independent races were healthier than the official series. USA Cycling ultimately delayed and softened enforcement after widespread criticism. 4. USA Cycling never replaced NORBA with an equally compelling national championship series. 5. Putting on sanctioned races became increasingly expensive due to insurance, officials, permitting, and logistics. At the same time, municipalities became less willing to subsidize events. Many promoters concluded that independent races—or leaving racing entirely—made more financial sense. In addition having to buy a license to race in a mountain bike race once a year is a joke and pushed people away from the sport. See the Iceman Cometh in Michigan.

I remember the before times, when the national championship fields were huge. That's before the USAC ruined everything. Did anyone even know where and when they were before they saw results?

I'm so confused.

All hail ACC

@Notonmybike: Wait... now, he looks like a prick?

Yeah, don't think he's MAGA or Christian.

Boulder, CO!

Pick a width and be a dick about.

@rrolly: Did you guy a V10?