wouldn't it be in the interest of our sport to show the largest possible number of people involved in it under a common banner?
I am sure that when it comes to showing the largest possible numbers you just pull AERC membership records and there you have it. Again, I think the problem is more within the sport dealing with a generic term and a definition of a level within the sport using the exact same word.
So my guess is when we have to show numbers as far as trail useage, etc. we would use the entire membership of AERC. I suppose using Lynnes example, we would do ourselves more good and be more effective when it comes to dealing with goverment agencies and with other trail users like mountain bike groups, hikers, etc. to use the term "distance rider" as those numbers would include CTR, RAT, Orienteering, etc. if we have to define ourselves as more than "trail riders" which would include packing and pleasure riders and make number even larger.
