[pct-l] Bikes on PCT

[gwschenk at socal.rr.com]

I wrote that post in a way as to not sound like I was singling out James, which was definitely not the case.

Read posts on this list, and read the trail journals. People are starting illegal fires. I broke up a fire ring last week at Silverwood Lake. It's hard to imagine a worse place for an open fire. People have posted here and in journals many times about ignoring trail closures, including the Deep Creek closure just recently. Every year it is the same song and dance about not wanting to carry bear canisters.

LNT? People feel justified in leaving TP behind. (No pun intended) Water caches become trash heaps. In some places (not all) folks drop off jugs, but don't pick up the empties. You've been through Section E.

It seems hypocritical for us to blast bikers on the PCT, when our own community doesn't respect the trail.

Yes, it is a minority, but it is a significant minority.

Excuse my fulminating.

Gary

---- Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com> wrote: 
> Gary, I just read your post on bikes. It is disappointing to me that you have 
that attitude and concept. You use the terms "we" and "us" implying that most 
other hikers behave as you say you do. The vast majority of hikers that I know 
do not build fires where it is prohibited - when fires are prohibited there is 
good reason. When a trail has been closed - there is a good reason. When bear 
canisters are required - there are good reasons. Yes, it might be "inconvenient" 
to obey the laws/rules, but, as users of the PCT, we must. And it is also our 
responsibility to set an example for those who are new to the PCT. What you 
posted yesterday might well influence irresponsible behavior that will reflect 
on the reputation of the PCT hiking community.

Regarding bikes on the PCT:  Mechanized transport is expressly prohibited by the 
Wilderness Act of 1964 - wheeled vehicles are not permitted in Wilderness areas 
or on the PCT. They are illegal - and for many good reasons.  Just one of them 
is that wheels leave  linear tracks that water will follow, creating ruts. 


MendoRider

________________________________
From: "gwschenk at socal.rr.com" <gwschenk at socal.rr.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Tue, May 3, 2011 11:33:55 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Bikes on PCT

It's hard for us as hikers to complain about bikes on the PCT when we ignore 
trail closures, build illegal fires and refuse to carry bear canisters when 
required. (This is not directed at James, but all of us hikers in general)

How can we make credible complaints to stop the encroachment of bikes and 
dirtbikes on the trail, when we ourselves are so quick to ignore the regulations 
we find inconvenient?

I'm guilty as well, having camped in places where I shouldn't have. I managed to 
rationalize that decision just like the mountain bikers rationalize their 
decision to ride the trail.

So it goes.

Gary
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