Bikefoot: They / Them

THE LEGEND OF BIKEFOOT: THE SASQUATCH CYCLIST

ORIGIN STORY

Deep in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest lives a legend unlike any other. They call them "Bikefoot" – the only sasquatch ever documented with a passion for two-wheeled adventure.

Born during an unusually warm spring in the remote wilderness of the Cascade Range, Bikefoot was always different from the other sasquatches in their clan. While their relatives preferred the traditional sasquatch activities of foraging and forest wandering, young Bikefoot was fascinated by speed and exploration.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY

Bikefoot's life changed forever on a misty morning in 1987. A group of mountain bikers, pioneers of the early off-road cycling movement, had ventured deep into uncharted territory. Exhausted after a grueling climb, they made camp for the night, leaving their bikes propped against ancient cedar trees.

Under the cover of darkness, a curious Bikefoot investigated these strange mechanical contraptions. As dawn approached, the cyclists awoke to crashing sounds and glimpsed a large, furry figure awkwardly attempting to ride one of their bikes down a nearby slope.

Instead of fleeing in fear, Bikefoot was filled with exhilaration. They had discovered their calling.

THE SECRET APPRENTICESHIP

For years afterward, Bikefoot secretly observed human cyclists from afar, studying their techniques and bike maintenance skills. They became a midnight mechanic, occasionally "borrowing" abandoned or forgotten bikes from campgrounds, fixing them up using their surprisingly dexterous hands and returning them in better condition than they found them.

Local cycling shops began reporting mysterious overnight repairs to bikes left outside, and trail builders would discover perfectly crafted berms and jumps appearing in remote areas where no human claimed to have worked.

THE GUARDIAN OF THE TRAILS

By the late 1990s, Bikefoot had mastered cycling in all its forms. Their exceptional night vision and intimate knowledge of the forest allowed him to develop riding skills that no human could match. They became the unofficial guardian of the backcountry trails.

Lost hikers and injured cyclists often reported being guided to safety by what they described as "a large, hairy creature on a bicycle" who would disappear back into the forest before they could get a clear look. Some swore they spotted reflective sunglasses gleaming from between the trees.

THE HELMET STORY

Bikefoot's signature orange helmet – now an iconic part of Their appearance – has its own special history. During a particularly severe winter storm in 2001, Bikefoot rescued a stranded adventure cyclist who had become disoriented in the blizzard. The grateful cyclist left behind an offering: a bright orange helmet with distinctive yellow stripes.

Understanding its protective purpose, Bikefoot adopted it as their own. The bright colors serve a practical purpose, helping their sasquatch family members track their increasingly fast movements through the dense forest.

BIKEFOOT TODAY

Now a full-grown sasquatch in their prime, Bikefoot has become something of a folk hero in cycling communities throughout the Northwest. Their elusive nature means clear photographs are impossible to obtain, but their massive tire tracks – sometimes accompanied by distinctive footprints – appear regularly on the most challenging trails.

Bikefoot rides primarily at dawn and dusk, when the forest light is dim enough for him to move about without detection but still sufficient for technical riding. Their favorite trails are those least traveled by humans, though they've been known to make appearances at midnight during certain full-moon cycling events.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF BIKEFOOT

Bikefoot represents the pure joy of cycling untethered from competition or pretense. They rides not for fame or glory but for the simple freedom of movement and connection with the natural world. As a creature of the wilderness, Bikefoot sees no separation between environmental stewardship and the cycling experience – to protect the trails is to protect their home.

Their approach to obstacles is legendary: where others see impassable terrain, Bikefoot sees creative opportunity. Many trail features now popular in the Northwest were first pioneered by the innovative sasquatch, who uses their unique perspective and physical abilities to reimagine what's possible on a bike.

THE BIKEFOOT CODE

Through subtle communication with their human admirers, Bikefoot has established what cyclists now call "The Bikefoot Code":

1. Leave no trace, except better trails than you found

2. Ride with respect for the forest and all its inhabitants

3. Share knowledge freely, but maintain an air of mystery

4. Help fellow adventurers in need, then disappear before thanks

5. Always wear your helmet (even if you have naturally cushioned fur)

SIGHTINGS AND EVIDENCE

While scientific confirmation of Bikefoot's existence remains elusive, the evidence is compelling to believers:

• Bike tracks appearing in fresh snow where no human has recently passed

• The distinctive sound of joyful hooting carried on the wind during foggy mornings

• Impossibly large skid marks at the bottom of technical descents

• Small gifts of perfectly ripened berries sometimes found next to bikes parked in remote areas

• Trail cameras occasionally capturing blurry images of what appears to be a large, helmet-wearing figure on a bicycle

These days, catching a glimpse of Bikefoot is considered the highest honor in certain cycling circles – an experience that transforms casual riders into lifelong devotees of the trail.

As the unofficial mascot for those who believe in riding beyond boundaries, Bikefoot reminds us all that sometimes the greatest adventures happen just beyond where most are willing to go – and that the spirit of cycling transcends species.

"Ride like no one is watching... because deep in these woods, only Bikefoot is."