When we were young and full of vim and vigour (read p*ss mostly) it was a great time and the club red tape was meaningless then but now with all the info overload we face on a day to day basis, I know a lot of people who would like to ride still but just cant be f*ke%d dealing with it anymore.
this is why vinduro to a degree has got popular, its easy, rock up, pay cash, doesn't matter if you have not prepped too much as no one cares as long as you have fun.
but already were seeing VEri pointing to more "red Plate rides" so you need to join a club get the bike eligible more red tape etc etc
so a few people are already saying "ill just ride the private property events
its a cycle all sports go through and the bulk of increased numbers from part time enthusiasts who drop off as quick as they arrive as other issues in their lives can quickly smother there enthusiasm to continue (a spiral fracture of the spine will do it everytime!).
im guilty of this, $$ family and time can quickly change my ability to attend an event no matter how hard I wish to go. id love to have that freedom to commit everytime.
until I get a job, im tight with funds and when I get work im too busy
I also note that the technicality of tracks for the younger mx boys with the big all or nothing jumps also "elites " the grass level sport very quickly. 1 face plant on a misstimed double and xbox suddenly looks real good.
this quickly turns younger kids away as the sense of failure brings on apathy and they drift off.
when I started, the jumps were not that big and you felt you always had a chance with picking lines and braking and all those basic racing techniques you learn. Chuck in a heap of monster jumps and the brave and foolish romp away everytime until they are the only ones left.
there is a place for this part of the sport but I think all club tracks should be simplified back to basics and specialised super cross tracks set up for those inclined.
this should foster more dad& kids involvement (like vinduro does) and give a lot more focus on the basics of riding.
got to stop drinking double shot coffee!!!!