When Trust Is Broken

When faith and trust are broken, events will blow away like dust.

"One of these days someone is going to do something stupid and ruin it for everyone." 

That day has come for an Oregon event called the "Oregon Outback".  That day could have come at anytime earlier to any number of free, self-supported events, but in this instance, it was particularly unnerving, from my point of view. There are many reasons for that, not least of which is the fact that I also produce a self-supported, free event. The tenuous strands of trust between riders, promoters, and the public are often strained, and without that trust, there is really no way events of this kind can survive.

First of all, let me say that I am not casting people that do these things into the fires of Hell. No, but I am going to point out that people do stupid, self-serving things that are inconsiderate of others. Those action should be vilified. I feel like most of these people are usually decent, but made a stupid decision. The consequences of these actions affect all of us- Not just the riders, but everyone.

Secondly- Rather than listing off all the instances and ways that folks have or could destroy the trust that exists between riders, promoters, and the public, I would just like to encourage you. Please be respectful. Think about what you are doing in a way that includes everyone- not just yourself. Your actions affect many, and are not limited to yourself. The "it's okay as long as it doesn't hurt anyone" way of thinking is severely flawed logic. Your actions always affect someone else. It is an inescapable truth of being alive.

 Let's do the good things you think no one will notice. Let's be safe out there. Let's keep riding free.