Bros not Pros

Just as I ramp up for my admittedly pathetic offroad race schedule, inquiring minds want to know: Is national, pro-level mountain-bike racing dead? At most pro races, there is a master's field, in which any two-bit local expert can race, and anecdotal reports suggest that these fields are shrinking away to nothing.

Not that I care that much, but it seems clear that MTB racing is not especially spectator friendly. Indeed, even road racing lacks typical sporting drama unless you're on the finish line or in a referee's car. Spectation inevitably leads to participation, and that's especially true of cycling, I think, and why there probably is a natural ceiling when it comes to race participation.

All things considered, local cheap point-to-point citizen races are where it's at, when it comes to riding dirt.

12- and 24-hour races have become popular, singlespeed rallys are all the rage, even alleycats seem to be cobbled together every weekend. A recent trip to the Velodrome exposed me to a Cat 4/5 race with something like 30 racers.

Others have pointed out that pro cycling may be in decline, and yet amateur cycling is on the rise. Perhaps that's why it shouldn't be all that surprising to see Floyd at Leadville or Lemond at Chequamegon.

Honestly, it makes a fellow wonder why he buys a USCF racing license every year.

(By the way: See what I mean about that heinous Tour de Cure jersey? I like it cuz it's got the best pockets, though.)