Living to Ride: A Sociological Study of Freeriders in Missoula, Montana

Marlana Michelle Kosky, The University of Montana

Abstract

Kosky, Marlana M., M.A., Fall 2007 Sociology Living to Ride: A Sociological Study of Freeriders in Missoula Montana Chairperson: Robert W. Balch This paper is an ethnographic description of The Safety Team, a group of freeriders frequenting the Bike Doctor in Missoula Montana. Information about this faction of freeriding’s social world is revealed using the members’ own words and experiences as data. This study is meant to explore the significance of bike riding to the members of Missoula’s freeride “scene,” including its effect on their beliefs, values, and ethics. Qualitative methods are used including participant-observation structured within the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism. Relationships within freeriding are explored, as are associations between this group and members of the larger society such as land managers. The history of mountain biking and freeriding are explored and issues within Missoula’s local backdrop are described. The riders’ perspectives on their sport and its image is described while the future of freeriding is speculated upon using extreme sport predecessors with commonalities such as skateboarding and snowboarding.