RidingAgain

All useful in getting the word out... But far more is needed. Many years ago the very first marketing book that I read was titled "Bottom Up Marketing", by Al Ries and Jack Trout. I was still in my late teens, but what I read has infuenced my thinking ever since. And then I read another book they authored... Titled "Positioning"... And that made things even more clear. What the authors were saying in the first book is that marketing efforts have to start where the target customer is at the time of marketing to them. The 'ol go to their side of the road in order to walk them across to your side of the road thinking. Now this might seems obvious, but perhaps you'd be surprised at how many folks with heady marketing degrees in high marketing jobs there are that don't have a clear understanding of how this is achieved... Which brings us to what the authors spoke about in their "Positioning" book... You need to redefine the market in the eyes of the target customer, and in doing so, develop an aspect of their market view for yourself. In other words, you need to build a position — a valid-and-valuable-to-the-customer (in their view, not your view) position — within the target customers view of the market. And this isn't just applicable to businesses and their products and service... This is applicable to even the smallest interactions we have with all people on a daily basis. Applied to the matter being discussed here, the effort needs to begin with answering the following questions... 1... What is in the minds of the people who use the trails in Austin? 2... What is the "position" that the trail builders — specifically mtb trailbuilders — need to establish within the view of related trail users? 3... What is required to positively connect 1 and 2 above, by actively developing this "position" so that it works to do just that, in the view of these trail users?

I think City Park is a bit of an enigma as it has the dirtbike/bird aspect to it. For me, it's a trail that's meant to be difficult that might have some easy sections connecting the difficult sections/features. I've never ridden there because I don't think it's a trail I would enjoy riding, and given its history and particular character, I don't think I should make an issue of it not being what I should be able to enjoy riding. But other riders may think they should be able to... And how do you deal with that? Some of these people may live close to City Park and feel that this entitles them to have the trail built in a way that allows them to ride it how they want to ride it. They might think, "Why should I have to get in my car and drive 30 minutes to another park to ride when I have this park right next to me." And maybe they have a point. So what's the solution? Bickering? Contention? Bullying? Given the above, eventually the powers that be will step in and make one sweeping move that they think puts an end to all of the above. And often that's not so good for one or all parties involved. Unfortunately... What's needed is good 'ol proper community. But that seems to be a dying art.

Point #1... Wonderful. Requires more work and upkeep, but it's just what's needed. And thank you for doing this. But hopefully riders won't look at it as a "...speed advantage..." deal, as this might cause people to try and sanitize the "...speed advantage..." route to allow them to gain that "...speed advantage...". For me it should be seen as just another way to ride the trail. Point #2... I'm not so much in agreement with this as all trail sections can have a bypass, albeit a bypass that might be really long and go way around a section. For instance, many years ago I spoke on MOJO about the Root Drop at Walnut Creek, that it needed a bypass. And it can be done. But up to when I last rode there, it hasn't. You ride down a nice wide trail with a little beginner-level technical to it, with no indication of the single short difficult feature that's ahead, and then have to dismount and negotiate a section what is even somewhat difficult to walk with a bike. And to add to it, you have other riders who can ride it coming through and getting upset that they have you in their way. Signage at the entrance to that trail section that points out what's ahead and how to avoid it but continue riding trail that gets you to pretty much the same section on the other side of the river would be great. As for the baby stroller person. One day when I was riding Brushy and came to the big drop that enters the concrete trail, there were like five little kids playing on it, running up and down the hill. And their mothers were just standing on the concrete trail having a discussion about knows what, but not paying attention to the fact that a rider could come over the crest and run straight into thses kids. So I went over and addressed it with them, in a very polite manner, and at first they were like I was bothering them. Then when they realized I wasn't going away they called their kids away from the trail. No doubt people can be foolish in tehir ignorance. Point #3... You will always have someone who knows better telling you how things should be done. It's par for the course. And sometimes one or two of those people will think they need to take matters into their own hands. Point #4... Unfortunately, "...entitled people..." are usually "...INFORMED/EDUCATED..." somewhat moreso than unentitled people. But many think that being entitled gives them the right to operate outside of how the information/education suggests they conduct themselves. And this is being seen in all aspects of our daily social environment. Every weekday I drive through a school zone... And every time I encounter drivers who feel they don't need to stay within the speed limit rules. And because of this I have twice witnessed kids almost being hit by cars being driven by people who pay no attention to the rules/law. And some of these people are folks who look very well informed/educated. What to do? The best we can, and not get roped into their poor conduct by becoming offended by them. That's all we can do.

So do I... It provided an opportunity to discuss an important matter regarding trails in Austin.

There you go... The usefulness of marketing. People need to be trained up in things. And sure... Some people will still refuse to be guided by what these signs say... But we see that on the roads on a daily basis... And I'm sure you, Ridenfool, are one of those folks who break traffic laws. Why? Because it suits you to at the time you're doing it, and you think you can do so without negative consequences when doing it. Get it... Mind set... Personal disposition towards something... That's what causes a person... Folks... To do what they do. Do you break traffic laws, Riddenfool? If you do... Then you're "...a problem..." to other folks driving on the roads you do. You said... "Then again, the sort of folks that do this are about as likely to read the signs as folks are to read the OP stating how there already were 3 lines to choose from in this particular instance." As I have already said to Barry... I read it... Twice... And understood that there were three lines. Now see if you can follow me here... I'll go slow for you... In this particular case there were three lines... But this is not common on the Austin trails I've ridden. And possibly, because it's not common... Some riders may not understand what an alternate line — or alternate lines — are for... Meaning... That alternate lines are for providing different riding experiences for different rider skill levels. Some people might think that these alternate lines are just diffent ways to ride a section of trail and should be the same in the sense of difficulty... Because all riders should be able to comfortably ride all lines. This is a matter of understanding/mindset/disposition. And this is what I was getting at when I said... "...It's on thing if the trail is clearly marked as a hazardous trail (black diamond or worse)... But it's another thing if it's just a potentially hazardous — for some riders — section of a trail designated as not harzardous...". People need to be instructed in how to use what they've been provided with. And that was what I was trying to say with my comment... That people need to gain a clear view of what's going on. Which is what I tried to speak on further in my comment about my wife's experience of Brushy trails... Having some knowledge of what's what helps... As does the provision of alternate routes around difficult/harzardous sections. There's a wonderful scripture verse that says... "...Without vision people cast off restraint... But happy is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 Although this is speaking to spiritual matters... It is a very practical speaking also. To be able to "...keep the law..." a person needs to have a clear vision regarding the law. And the clear vision regarding the matter of mtb trails and leaving maintenance/redevelopment of trails to the authorized people will be helped by all trails providing alternate routes around difficult/hazardous sections... As this will become seen (vision) as the norm... And as such... Looked for... Anticipated... Expected... And to a point... Utilized by most (unfortunately there will always be asshats). The more these alternate routes are built into trails... The more riders will understand why they are there... And what they are for. Meaning... They are there to provide a way for riders who do not want to ride the designated difficult routes to not have to stop riding to go through a section. Now this may not have applied to the person who did the stuff the OP spoke about... Even the OP was unclear about who this could have been... An asshat without the skill to ride the difficult line... Or a Strava personal-best seeking better rider. All I was saying is that there's a need here in Austin for trail official builders to be more proactive in providing alternate routes around difficult section on all public land trails. Hope that helps you folk. And I'm always glad to provide the help.

Hey, cxagent... Do you think the person who did this simply wanted multiple easy trail route choices... Seeing that there were already, from what I think you said in your OP, two easy alternates?

Okay big boy... Whatever you say.

Barry... Before you make this ugly... Just stop. This is a forum and as such I can pretty much post whatever I think... Not what you think... Is relevant to the topic of the OP. Hope you can comprehend the above.

I did... Twice. Perhaps you should not assume.

Here's an example... I've taken my wife to Brushy once, thinking she would enjoy the section out east, and the section west that runs along the river. But you know what... She saw a trailhead that led to Deception (going west to east after the trail with the big drop) and asked if we could do it. I tried to put her off but she wanted to so I explained what she would encounter and she said she was good with it. And she did really well, riding almost all of the easier sections. Now here's the thing... On some of the harder sections we stopped and saw other riders ride these harder sections and she was impressed that they could make it look easy. One person even took three attempts to make an uphill rock climb that just before the step section that is after a bailout point (not sure what the name is but was told it's difficult). And I think that because she saw what the other riders were doing, it encouraged her to do some things, not any of the really hard stuff, but some of the smaller ledges as she rode the rest of the trail. I think that having the option to keep riding trail she saw as being at her level helped her gain the confidence to do some things that were a little above her level. And this is the way I would try to develop a beginner or slightly better rider... Small bites at a time, in a way that they don't feel forced to do what they are not confident in doing, but also are not somewhat embarrased ("...get off and walk...") by. Honestly... I love trails that allow me to chose a more difficult section, or choose a less difficult section... Both allowing me to not stop but continue riding. And I think most people feel that way.

For sure may just be an asshat... But... And yes, I know... But I'm going to say it anyway... Providing an alternate way around may just stop people from doing stuff like this. It's on thing if the trail is clearly marked as a hazardous trail (black diamond or worse)... But it's another thing if it's just a potentially hazardous — for some riders — section of a trail designated as not harzardous. And this is going to become more and more of an issue as mtbing grows in popularity... Particularly on public land. Get ahead of it is what I would suggest... Build alternate routes around stuff that some people may have a hard time riding. And this is something I see being done on some of the more popular trails being built these days... Santos and Bentonville for example. When I look closely at the videos of the trails I can see alternate routes where some of the more hazardous sections are. And yes, I know, like you, I'm going to hear back... Yada, yada, yada... But hopefully, after all the grandstanding, folks will see some value in what I've said.

Thanks Seth... I wish I'd known about the Deckas earlier I would have given it a try. Just won an Absolute on eBay — looks like-new, $35 — so I'm good for now. But I've put more items in my list, so if you have any please let me know.

Yes... I should have said used.

In need of a few bits and pieces... 1) Absolute Black chainring... 30t/32t/34t... 104BCD >>> GOT ONE. 2) Sunrace 10-speed, 11/42 cog... The CSMX3 version (need two). 3) 10-speed chains... KMC preferably (need two). 4) Shimano 10-speed rear shifter... SLX or XT (I need to check and see if I got one, can't remember). 5) Shimano 10-speed deraileur... SLX or XT preferably (need two) but will go Deore for one. 6) 29", 25mm-29mm inner width rim... WTB or similar.

First time I've come across this DYI channel... Pretty cool and informative... Thought folks here might benefit from it... This is the video I looked at... This is her channel... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNLEeRUmqZciSAdrOpslQ1w

I'm thinking Home Depot hates kids... And adults.

Here's a Home Depot present to put under your tree...

So this place isn't going to win any awards... But my wife and I stayed two nights back in May and it was fine... Great price, nice staff, clean room, kitchen, bike friendly, everything you need. But it's cheap, so you'll get a mixture of people who stay there. https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?hotel=4063&arrive=12/20/2018&nights=1&adult=2&currency=USD&start=availresults&src=goog&utm_content=mapresults_20-12-2018_1_4063_US_desktop_default_514371743&gclsrc=ha&gclid=AA80OswlqU1Z5kqL8PWnlk5xnuUOTBA3KRrfigR_UbiIYcMRa-ymi2LOq3AC_LwjXcmfcPaEhWvpe4wnLM3fts4KfMlwuQoi49SPJw

Sorry... I saw others post that they had what you were looking for so I didn't look. I'll do that today.

Nope... Bamwa is cool.

Something about his style of riding that's way cool... Seems to be stretched out with his weight behind the seat. Don't know if the bike has a long top tube. Doesn't seem to be fighting the bike in the way other really good riders look.

So I just sold the Specialized Stumpjumper frame/shock I had for sale. Someone contacted me from craigslist. Very cool fella, maybe in his late 30s, early 40s. Lives out near Bastrop and is newish it seems into mtbing. He actually has the exact frame but the hinge part (can't remember what it's called) that connects the shock to the rear triangle is cracked. He was stoked to find this frame. Also, he and friends come into Austin to ride Walnut, and sometimes just down by the river area of BC. I got to tell him about SATN and invited him to come riding with some of us. He was happy about that as well. This is the fourth person this year that I've sold something mtb-related to, that is in the start up aspect of their mtb experience that I've been able to give more info to and encourage in the sport. One person, also from the Bastrop area, came and bought a hitch bike rack. It was for carrying his crusers but we got to talking about riding trails with better trail-specific bikes. He was interested and I was able to put him in contact with someone who sold him a really nice used Ellsworth bike. He had me looking for a bike for his wife, but then he went out and bought her a brand new $3,000 bike. Next he told me his daughter wanted a bike to ride too (maybe that's the group who this fella I met today rides with). Another person, a younger fella, had ridden road with his dad for years but now wanted to get into mtbing. He bought a fork from me and I had the opportunity to speak to him about SATN as well. Also ended up giving him a stand to help with his build. Also had an older fella who comes up from Mexico on business and saw a bike I was selling on craigslist, come get it from me. He was so happy as it was his first full suspension. All four experiences were great... And I even got to speak about the Lord with two of the fellas I met. I think it's great experiencing this type of community.

Nice... Old syle Mojoing.

First email sent to me... > "What's the $10 next to the title in your ad about? None of the seats are priced at $10." My reply... "Thanks. Changed to $15." Second email... > "Let me help you remember. If there is dirt in between the knobbies then that would mean that they are used. Does that help you remember?" My reply... "Sure. Reminds me that there's still assholes like yourself in this world." Third email... > "There is no need get emotional, just don't lie." My reply... "LOL… Dude… I’m not emotional… Just playing with you. I smile when I read your emails. Reminds me of a fella on an Austin bike forum that I think keeps a ruler next to his bed so his girl can measure him before they get it on. As for me lying… That the best you got. Now you have me thinking that not only are you super vain, but also a bit on the illiterate side. Go read my ad again, see if you can figure it out. Get back with me on it and let me know what you conclude. If it’s still gone over your head I’ll simplify it some more for you. :- )" Haven't heard back.