richieB
03-04-2004, 12:08 PM
With all the positive access vibes going around about trail access on Fromme, all I can say is that I'm absolutely impressed with how we, collectively, are taking this on. Now, I say We to simplify things, as I was not personally at the Council meeting myself, but take pride in the fact that I'm always courteous to other trail users and respectful of the etiquette prescribed to us as riders from groups like the NSMBA and IMBA. I also tend to live by my own strict ethical priorities, which I haven't needed prescribed to me.
Now, that said, I do take exception to some of the posts stating that "it's about time <insert company name here> steps up and helps supports the scene that they name their bikes after"
Fact is, many of the companies that market bikes for riding on the shore and use the shore as their marketing scheme DO contribute to the scene.
Sure, they aren't pouring $20,000 a year into it, but many of them are contributing in ways that are difficult to see at times, both through cash donations and/or product.
Personally, when I worked in the PR department for <Company N> we were very aware of the access issue, as well as supporting the builders. We were the only bike company that attended the IMBA Land Access Summit in Squamish, in 2001, we contributed in many different ways to several trail groups, especially through the Cycling BC trail advocacy fund, in addition to donating draw prizes and other goodies to be given away on trail days, helping people get the motivation they need to show up on crappy, rainy trail days. I also represented the company at some NSMBA and Woodlot access meetings.
I think before we start pointing fingers and being divisive and assigning blame, why don't we concentrate on presenting a common, unified front and put our best collective foot forward.
Sure, I could be doing more financially and getting involved in trail days more, but, quite honestly, I have done a great deal in the way of communications and exposure for trail access trough a lot of my writing and articles, both here on NSMB and elsewhere. And, truth be told, there's not a whole lot of money in writing, leaving me with very little funds to contribute.
We all have our own talents and resources to bring to this cause, and if we all get together, we will accomplish more.
Yes, Norco, Kona, Rocky and other companies could be doing more, but only in the same respect that all of us, as individuals, could be doing more. It's a matter of balancing how much is enough relative to the need and the resources available to each of us.
Personally, I'm a just a writer with little more to offer than my talent, writing time and industry contacts, so I try to use what I have to further the cause. It's not much, but it's the best I can do right now.
As long as everyone is doing thier best with what they have to offer, that's all we can expect, whether it's a company or an individual.
Now let's keep this up. Good vibes all around.
rb
Now, that said, I do take exception to some of the posts stating that "it's about time <insert company name here> steps up and helps supports the scene that they name their bikes after"
Fact is, many of the companies that market bikes for riding on the shore and use the shore as their marketing scheme DO contribute to the scene.
Sure, they aren't pouring $20,000 a year into it, but many of them are contributing in ways that are difficult to see at times, both through cash donations and/or product.
Personally, when I worked in the PR department for <Company N> we were very aware of the access issue, as well as supporting the builders. We were the only bike company that attended the IMBA Land Access Summit in Squamish, in 2001, we contributed in many different ways to several trail groups, especially through the Cycling BC trail advocacy fund, in addition to donating draw prizes and other goodies to be given away on trail days, helping people get the motivation they need to show up on crappy, rainy trail days. I also represented the company at some NSMBA and Woodlot access meetings.
I think before we start pointing fingers and being divisive and assigning blame, why don't we concentrate on presenting a common, unified front and put our best collective foot forward.
Sure, I could be doing more financially and getting involved in trail days more, but, quite honestly, I have done a great deal in the way of communications and exposure for trail access trough a lot of my writing and articles, both here on NSMB and elsewhere. And, truth be told, there's not a whole lot of money in writing, leaving me with very little funds to contribute.
We all have our own talents and resources to bring to this cause, and if we all get together, we will accomplish more.
Yes, Norco, Kona, Rocky and other companies could be doing more, but only in the same respect that all of us, as individuals, could be doing more. It's a matter of balancing how much is enough relative to the need and the resources available to each of us.
Personally, I'm a just a writer with little more to offer than my talent, writing time and industry contacts, so I try to use what I have to further the cause. It's not much, but it's the best I can do right now.
As long as everyone is doing thier best with what they have to offer, that's all we can expect, whether it's a company or an individual.
Now let's keep this up. Good vibes all around.
rb