Richard Glazer,
  I think you didn't see too many bikers because mountain biking is the
new fad in America. Many people are buying mountain bikes because it is
the IN thing to do. Therefore, you see mountain bikes everywhere here. A
friend of mine back in college last year put a $2000 cannondale on the
back of his car because it 'looked good'... He still hasn't ridden it
yet... sad huh? Oh well... Next thing you know you will be seeing people
riding down the street on a mountain bike drinking espresso talking on
their cellular phone while watching 'friends' on their portable tv and
surfing the net on their laptop.
  It pains me too because the end result has been a steady increase in
the price of mountain bikes with a reduction in craftsmanship. I hate to
seem cynical. It's just an observation. :) I bought a '94 Trek 830XL (In
94) for $400 and the same bike is now $550 and it hasn't even been
changed that much. Oh well... I hope you enjoyed your trip!
Eric
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