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Is blogging still a thing?

So there I was, drinking beer and looking at the internet. What ever happened to my blog..... I don't think people even realize that I race mountain bikes for a living. I think people know me as that guy who posts weekly POV videos on YouTube about riding on the edge of some scary cliff in the desert. I am a Vlogger now, do I really need a blog? Well, after a two-year hiatus, I just turned it back on because it made me smile. Let me know what you guys think. Times were simpler then. More projects, more problems. Wouldn't trade it for anything. ​

Silence is Deafening

6/5/2020

6 Comments

 
All of the ad revenue generated by the monetization of this video will be donated to support black cycling groups/initiatives, fostering diversity and inclusivity a sport that we all love. If you are reading this and fall into that category, please shoot me an email. I want to help. 
Please like, comment and share this video so that it gains traction and produces more ad revenue. 
#followcamfriday
I ride bicycles , race bicycles, and make videos about bicycles. I fully realize that this is what you come here to see and to read about. Please take the time to read my words this week. We have reached a tipping point. Here are a bunch of sweet shots of Lars riding his bike in Sedona. We had fun. This blog post has nothing to do with bicycles. 
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I want to be very clear in where I stand on the current issues facing our country.  Racism in any form is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in our modern society. Our country was founded on this racist system of beliefs and it is still prevalent in every aspect of life as we know it today. Sadly, the bike industry/ outdoor industry is one of the least diverse. We can do better. Many outdoor industry companies have stepped up this week and made strong statements and plans of action for change. To them, I give thanks. For those remaining silent, this isn't going away. Do something. 
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To remain silent, and sweep this issue under the rug is doing society a disservice. Not acknowledging a problem that doesn't "directly" affect you is supporting racism. This conversation makes me uncomfortable as your average white guy. We all need to be uncomfortable right now. Oh, this makes you squirm a bit? Good. Imaging how black people feel. The only way we can grow and learn is to have the hard conversations, hold others accountable, and evoke change where we can. It's time to get uncomfortable. 
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Basically it comes down to this. This moment will be remembered for the rest of our lives. Forever. It is a defining moment in our society that will shape history. Ask yourself, how do you want to remember your response to this issue. What did you do? When you look back 20 years from now, will you be ashamed that you remained silent? How will your response shape your kid's lives?  Speak up. Do something.
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So what am I doing? Firstly, I am acknowledging my privilege. I have an advantage because I was born into it. I have worked very hard for everything that I currently have in this life. Still, the color of my skin gives me a leg up on black people in the same circumstances. I don't feel fear when I get pulled over in my van. I dont worry much about getting denied for a loan or getting passed over for a job opportunity, despite being qualified, because of the color of my skin. No one labels me as "a good cyclist.... for a black.... or, for a woman". This sort of mentality isn't even on my radar. I don't have to second guess my worth and wonder if someone is just interested in working with me because " I'm pretty good, for a black" 
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Secondly, I am using my voice and platform for good. I am having those hard conversations behind closed doors. I am also choosing to leverage my large audience to promote a positive message and evoke change. I will loose followers and fans over this issue. It will cost me money. I do not care. If you support racism, I will thank you for unfollowing me right now. We do not need you. There is no place for you here. 
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Thirdly, I am listening. I am learning. Taking to time to educate myself on this issue. Practicing empathy. I can never understand the pain black people are feeling, but I am trying, and offering help where I can. This is just the beginning. This is not a new issue, it's a several hundred year issue that is getting attention because of recent current events. Let's stay just as vigilant tomorrow, next week, next year, ten years from now. Change will not happen overnight, but just because you are not seeing it in your facebook feed every day, doesn't mean racism is over. Keep working. And please don't get distracted by the looters. I am in no way in support of destruction of property, but that can never be a justification for taking human life. I am not in support of violent protest. Obviously. This is just the white noise that is concealing the real issue of continued racism in our country. Justifying a wrong, doesn't make it right. Focus on the real issue. Make change. Vote. Do something. 
6 Comments
Tony Ferlisi link
6/5/2020 10:39:27 am

Thanks for this Nate. So many false starts when trying (as a white dude of privilege and exec. director of a mountain bike advocacy org in the very white rocky mountain west) to take action or even to find the right words. Thanks for speaking up here and being such a solid advocate for our sport. We can do better and although we might not know how, speaking out like you did is something we can do that carries weight right this second. Anyway, come see us. Bring Mears. Take care man. Thanks again.

-Tony

Reply
Chris Brower link
6/5/2020 12:40:26 pm

Thanks Nate, strong words. White noise, sums it all up perfectly.

Reply
nate
6/6/2020 08:25:21 am

Thanks for picking up on the white noise reference. Seemed fitting. Hope you are well brother.

nate
6/6/2020 08:24:14 am

All we can do is try I suppose. Amplify black voices. Work towards change. Do our part to encourage diversity in our sport. Not just today but, every day, moving forward. Thank you for your dedication to advocacy in Colorado! Good man.

Reply
Ben Saheb link
6/5/2020 08:37:10 pm

Thanks for the good perspective and leveraging your platform for a worthy cause. Not that Biking isn’t worthy. Sometimes it’s the only thing worthy but this post in particular hits home nicely. Cheers.

Reply
nate
6/6/2020 08:20:38 am

Thanks for reading Ben. Hope life is treating you well.

Reply



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