Ill be honest I've never understood people who aren't competitive in at least SOME way... the idea of coasting through life not at least TRYING to better yourself in whatever way seems odd to me. I've been a competitor all my life at something or another, so it's just nature to me. I'm sure I'm a type A in many regards, but seeing someone else succeed actually gives me as much or more joy as experiencing it myself (I used to be a clinician for snowboard teachers in Ski school, and a coach for racers) That said, I've been beaten in EVERYTHING I've ever done, from the ring to the slopes on a board to sledding, it's part of what drives some to be better. The idea of looking down on the person that is less of a rider seems foreign to me, just looking down to some extent on the ones not willing to push, compete, improve... whatever you want to call it. You HAVE to be less of a rider to get better, plain & simple... it's not magic.
I suppose if I'm honest with myself, yeah, I do look down on some a little, but it's more looking down on their "drive" than looking down on where they're at. (My brother was a world class athlete when he was younger & just gave it up... he just didn't feel like pushing anymore, I'll never be at his level in a kayak, but I look down on him a little for quitting) I want to ride with people who are excited, smack talk (joking) is 1/2 the fun, and a fun way to push each other. Even the guys on the sally long tracks enjoy some smack talk here & there... RIGHT???:face-icon-small-win