We decided that it would be interesting to stop a few folks and interview them as they passed through the vendors area at Pedro's Mountain Bike Festival. Little did we know just how interesting this would get to be. We truly had a great time talking with all the people and we enjoyed and found all of their comments interesting. We are presenting our conversations in precisely the order in which they occurred. Our choices were random and there was no criteria, but we were surprised at our first totally ramdom pick. The one question we tried to ask was, "If you could describe Pedrosfest in what word, what would it be?"



Tom Grimble, President New England Mountain Bike Association: (We had no previous knowledge of his position before stopping him on the street for our "man on the street" interview)

Gary: We are asking typical Pedrosfest Goers, "If you could describe Pedrosfest in what word, what would it be?"

Tom: Well I guess I wouldn't really be your "typical rider," I'm the President of NEMBA! But if pressed I'd have to say, GREAT! The best part is the scene. By that I mean the people, the feeling, and the great visual impact of all the fun events.

Gary: Well then since you are just a little more involved, what would you say is the thing most needed to advance biking here in New England?

Tom: Advocacy! We need more active participation to improve existing trails and to open more. We need more advocacy to educate trail riders, and we need advocacy to educate the public.

Gary: What's your favorite trail here at Pedrosfest?

Tom: Well that would be the Vicious Loop, in spite of the name it's really nice.

Gary: Who's that other biker on the back?

Tom: That'd be my daughter Kate.

Gary: (Kate did not have a lot to say)



Gary: One Word?

Jim Murphy: All Encompassing! There is something here for everybody.

Gary: How many times have you been to Pedrosfest?

Jim: Well my kids have been here 5 times, I have been here three.

Gary: So then your kids got you into Mountain Biking?

Jim: Pretty much.



Gary: Well Jim looking at you I'd guess your kids are about the same age as mine, how are you keeping up?

Jim: Well I guess I am slowing down a bit. I've had some injuries, I had a collarbone a while back.

Gary: So then you're into what? Singletrack? What's your favorite trail then?

Jim: Vicious Loop! It's comfortable! I just take it at an easier pace is all.

Gary: What do you ride Jim?

Jim: A diamond back.

Gary: What are your daughters' names?

Jim: Andrea and Rachel



Then we wandered around and picked another likely suspect... Jim's Daughter Rachel who was on the other side of Vendor's Row...

Gary: So Rachel, your dad tells me you guys got him started in mountain biking....

Rachel: Nope he started!

Gary: OK Then.... So whose this guy over here? You two look like friends are you just riding buddies or are you "close friends?" and where are you from and what brings you here?

Rachel: Meet Pat, We're Close... we're from Central Mass and we're actually volunteers here. We are ride leaders.

Gary: Oh then where's your ride leader jerseys and what rides do you lead?

Rachel: Well, we are just trying to ride around on our own a bit, kind of undercover just for the fun, We lead the Expert Ride at the intermediate pace.

Gary: OK I am impressed! So then if you had to describe Pedrosfest in one word what would it be?

Rachel: Great

Pat: Woodstock with portapoties

Gary: Since you're a real veteran, how would you say this year stacks up in comparison to other Pedrosfests?

Rachel: It's a little more quiet. There are fewer vendors, and I don't know it just seems a little quieter.

Gary: How would you make it better?

Rachel: More entertainment. There used to be bands Friday night and there was a lot more going on at night. It was Real fun!