As part of their SuperStudy of Sports Participation, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) has ranked the most popular extreme sports in the USA. Mountain biking ended up in 6th place (nearly missing the top 5 and losing out to "Artificial Wall Climbing").
Why does the SGMA call mountain biking an extreme sport? I really wish they'd consider changing it to "Freeriding" or better yet "Downhill Mountain Biking" next time. As you may remember from a previous post, I am very sensitive to mountain bikers being portrayed as "extreme" in any way. Why? Because I know this "extreme" label is what the hiking and equestrian groups try to use in order to get our trails shut down. By including mountain biking in this list, the SGMA is perpetuating a negative stereotype.
But perhaps I shouldn't worry about this. After all, any study that shows more people climbing "artificial walls" than mountain biking should not be taken too seriously.
You ask "Why does the SGMA call mountain biking an extreme sport?" I guess the same question can be asked about the other activities that are ranked. Inline skating is number one, but how extreme is that? Ditto for wall climbing and even wakeboarding. Perhaps I'm jaded because I live near the outdoor activity capital of Boulder, CO.
I too am dubious about wallclimbing having more participants than mountain biking.
Posted by: Richard Masoner | July 19, 2005 at 08:06 AM
I would have to say take a look at aritificial wall climbing before you say it isnt outdoing mountain biking. If they are basing it on numbers gleaned from people in and out of stores buying bikes vs buying a day at a climbing gym, I'd say theres easily more people climbing. There arent mountain bike birthday parties filled with seven year old kids like there are at local climbing gyms. I was a competitive rock climber for years before getting into cycling and I'd argue that rock climbing mayb well be bigger as a casual Saturday or Sunday afternoon activity.
Posted by: Brad Barron | July 21, 2005 at 01:34 PM
What's the hardest thing about Rollerblading?
...
Having to tell your parents you're gay.
Posted by: tasteless humor (but apropo) | July 26, 2005 at 09:48 AM