Why not?

2011-09-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked me why I've decided not to continue my efforts toestablish a legal Kokopelli Trail Race. While I originally stated that I didn’twant to discuss this issue publicly, people keep asking--and it appears that thereare some misconceptions out there that need to be cleared up.

In a nutshell, I have decided that I don’t want to be in a position where Ihave to enforce or argue racing rules. I concluded this after the 2011 ColoradoTrail Race, when it became apparent that a small (but significantly vocal) minorityof racers simply do not share my respect for land-use regulations or racingrules. By organized an official race, I would be exposed to the liabilityof these people’s behavior, not to mention their vitriol and attacks should Ineed to make a call not to their liking. Since I like riding substantially morethan fighting over rules and ethics, I have chosen to focus on what I love--whichis time pushing my pedals, not time spent arguing on web forums.

For the record, I believe that if riders choose to ignore land-use regulations, such as trail closures, grassroots self-supported bikepacking races like the CTR will be shut down--just as the KTR was several years ago. Please don't fuck up this sport for everyone else by deciding that you are above the law. Thanks.

Resurrecting the KTR undoubtedly would have been fun andrewarding. But at this point, I’m a lot happier being just a guy on a bike. Ifsomeone else feels like breathing life back into the KTR, you have my blessing!

Happy trails,
Toby