I don't want to bust anyone out, but i don't think that this is the place for your study. This seems to be a high percentage of fixed gear websurfers and bar hoppers...I have met a lot of people on here at races and whatnot, but there are a lot of people on here that very rarely are out. It seems to me that a lot of fixed gear "riders" pretty much just ride real slow between bars. Here in milwaukee there are monthly alleycats on the first friday of every month...There are people on this forum that are from around these parts that I have not seen at ANY of them. what's the deal with that? I dunno, i think this just turned into venting...but i think more people are all talk and less rock.

there are people on here like Dan from New Jersey/New York that i see at every race...that's the way to play. Just because we both ride track bikes doesn't mean that we have anything else in common. my bike is a tool. I ride it...and pretty hard. I don't care if it doesn't look the fanciest or is the lightest, or if the rims match the bartape that matches the sticker. (sf...step it up. i've never been, but i hear you guys are more about coordinating colors than actually riding hard) Ride through the winters...everyday...show up and race. and race hard. Have fun, be cool, and talk to me. earn my respect. (not that it's worth having...but it isn't free) also, know how to handle your bike. or put a brake on it. it isn't about cool points. this has the possibility of becoming a family...a great one. I know the kids I've met in other cities, (like chombo and 165) and they're good stuff and I very much respect them. I'm sure there are kids that i've yet to meet. come hang out...that's all it takes...hang out and ride then drink, don't ride to drink and hang out. (maybe that's just me being a stupid edge kid) but i HATE that fixed gear/messenger culture is centered around alchoholism...that makes me more angry than anything (except grip shifters). I don't care if you ride track bikes or geared bikes or old cruisers. just don't be a chode about it. (as i probably have been in this post.) philly messengers ride all sorts of bikes, but they (we, formerly) all get along regardless. it's not a bike issue in the least. it's a personality issue.

let's see what i just started.
-Jason (milwaukee, first friday, swinging door 6:30-ish)