uh oh! Controversy! LOL

I get what you're saying about the fire roads and trust me, in So Cal we have *a lot* of them because wild fires are a natural part of the environment here (though sadly some of the most destructive have been arson). I know a lot of people don't think of them as "real" mountain biking. Considering I'm more of a "gravity oriented" rider, I know that some people say the same about XCers and call them "roadies on dirt." (I think it's the Lycra wearing and obsession with racing and bike weight that elicits that response). I have to admit, I've seen some women's XC races where even the pros were using their brakes in spots that made me laugh and say, "Omg, you're using your brakes there? Seriously?"

I personally prefer trailriding/downhill. However, I acknowledge that fire roads really serve a practical purpose. They are good for helping less than brave people discover the sport. They are good for helping people develop cardio. Around here, some of them get you to the sweet singletrack. And, in my case, after I flew 4' from my bike going downhill last November, they were good for rehabbing my separated shoulder, torn shoulder tendon, massive hip contusion and, the most injured thing of all-- my confidence.

There are even some fire roads that are pretty great. One of my favorites is in Big Bear, California. I admit, though, I like it because it is barely big enough to be considered a fire road, doesn't really look like one, and rides more like a double-track. Heck, one of the most badass double black diamond trails in California is Kamikaze, in Mammoth. That is basically a "how fast are you willing to go" road where those guys reach speeds of up to 60 mph in 2,000 feet of vertical. Scary!

So that's my 2 dinars. Hope I haven't offended.