Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/962346
April 2018 25 was intended on being done on smooth tar while dodging cars. City streets do not warrant the endless pursuit of a perfect suspension set up to make for a smooth ride over the jagged New England terrain. The perfect knobby tire would not be a critical part of the rider's regime if it were not being abused in the tough conditions. We cherish protective gear and ride with the knowledge that it is there to reduce the risk of injury. We recognize that the future of the sport lies with the youngest generation and we nurture their inter- est and support the pursuit of their dreams. Kids witness the models set for them and they replicate the behaviors of those around them. As they grow, they gain experience in riding while at the same time continuing to progress into polite kids who have the benefit of experiencing childhood without being tied to a digital screen. As cliché as it may seem, they truly are the future of the sport. They have benefit- ed from racing with some of the best in off road and see that opportunities of all types exist if they apply themselves. We value time spent with friends and family on race weekends through all seasons of the year in re- mote locations of the region away from the reality of life while immersed in happy carefree days with like-minded people. Some of the best memories that I have were spent on perfect summer nights under a blanket of stars sitting around a fire with good friends or waking up to the crisp mountain air on a cool fall morning. We hold respect for the American Flag and the military that provides the freedoms that it represents. At the height of the day in the midst of the noise and chaos, the track comes to a lull as the National An- them rings loudly as all focus turns to the flag. Kids who seem unaware of anything other than the sweet jump they found to spend the day hitting pause and respond appropriately. When the song draws to a close, engines fire in unison as a sign of respect and the mayhem resumes. In times of need there are always people who go above and beyond and who are willing to lend a help- ing hand. After suffering a theft, we have witnessed people work together to build a new bike for a child; others who have loaned their own bikes to total strangers. There have been bikes that were lent to the competition in a championship title that would otherwise not be able to race due to mechanical failure, to helping out someone who forgot their race gas or needed oil for an air filter or water to hose off a layer of mud. It may be giving someone a place to crash or a meal — whatever it may be there is little doubt that a fellow rider will be there to help make it happen. We work hard for the items that we possess and do not understand a mindset that would allow some- one's [lack of] morals to take what does not belong to them. There are some great discussions taking place on preventative measures that can be taken to avoid being next in the long list of victims. More needs to be done to bring increased attention to this problem. The public needs to be aware of what is happening at homes within their neighborhoods. Sadly this cycle will likely continue until strong conse- quences are handed out and enforced by the Justice system. Our defensive network needs to rival that of the underworld which is behind the thefts. It is no longer enough to have cameras that capture the theft occurring with the chances of recovery so narrow. We must stay focused on monitoring the secondary market for what may potentially be someone's stolen bike and question those deals that seem too good to be true. We need to question what does not look "normal" to perhaps provide clues which may assist with recovery. At the same time, we must not allow this situation to change who we are and allow us to become cold. We must not think the worst first and hope to be proven wrong but we must also be wary of our sur- roundings. Above all else, we must not let them win this war that has been waged against our way of life. It is the least we can do to give back to a sport that provides us all with so much reward. -Ciaran