There's probably a really interesting discussion there about identity. I still sort of struggle to identify as a runner. I'm just someone who runs. I don't have a 26.2 sticker on my car, but I do have a 46er sticker. There's a run-bike-run duathlon here in a couple weeks. While I have no identity with duathlons, I'm intrigued. It's 2-25.3-2. I have a nice but not pro or tri bike, and I've never done a transition.
For eight years I refused to put on a helmet while riding a bicycle in Los Angeles. Why? I refused to associate myself with those people. They still bug me no end. I was commuting home one day and three humorless fucks ripped by me... and then slowed down so I passed them. Then there was a downhill so they ripped by me... and then slowed down so I passed them. Then there was another downhill so they ripped by me... and then slowed down. As I passed them I said You know, you guys could say hi or some shit like we like each other. I mean, you've been failing to taillight me for ten miles now. They mumbled "sorry" and fell the fuck back. Fucking hate LA bikers.