[pct-l] Bikes on PCT

[Donna "L-Rod" Saufley]

Funny you should mention all of this.  I'm with you all the way on this one.  I'll add another, since it is something that has a huge impact here at Hiker Heaven and elsewhere on the trail.  Leave No Trace Principles, under "Planning and Preparation" state:

"Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use."
"Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups."

Hikers and certain event planners alike seem to think this principle is not worthy of PCT thru-hikers, who are obviously a privileged group that can/should ignore the principles. Especially since there is a magical two-week period when you should start if you want to finish the trail.  Not. 

L-Rod


-----Original Message-----
>From: gwschenk at socal.rr.com
>Sent: May 5, 2011 8:14 AM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net, Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
>Cc: Donna and Jeff Saufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Bikes on PCT
>
>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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