Declassification of the Bicycle

It strikes me that in this day in age the unyielding pursuit of an identity is the catalyst behind the vast majority of our problems.  The individuals need for uniqueness is driving deep wedges into societies and groups where differences are fabricated for superficial purposes.
Undoubtedly, evidence of such occurrences spread over the entire realm of human experience.  Yet, there is one occurrence where this social casting is of direct relevance to you and me.  The sport of cycling is being divided into categories and even further into sub-categories.  There are numerous reasons behind this movement, company marketing schemes, NORBA race classifications, riders seeking identity, etc., and while these motives seem to have utilitarian purposes, the overall effect it is having on our sport is rather detrimental.  We cannot lose sight of the fact that we are all cyclists.  Deep down whether your primary time on a bicycle is as a commuter in the city, or a mountain biker downhilling on heinous singletrack, we are all moved by the pulse of bliss found in the saddle of a bicycle. 
This should be more than enough to unite us in a concerted effort to maintain the freedom we require to follow our passion.  As other trail/road users develop their opinions of us the spaces that we roam are slowly dwindling.  It is this threat that should now more than ever bring us together as a unified family of cyclists willing and able to throw ourselves and our talents into the fight for the right to bicycle when and where we so desire.  
Forget trying to distance yourself from the other segments of the sport and begin to join your brothers and sisters.  For a bicycle is a bicycle is a bicycle, and no matter how you use it to chase your passion I stand with you, and urge you to stand with me.- Perry Johnson