[pct-l] Mountain Bike Posts

[Edward Anderson]

I think that most of the MBers, realize that they will not get legal access to the PCT or Wilderness Areas or the wilderness parts of the National Parks. Twice, I met "roving Rangers" while riding the PCT/JMT last summer. They were polite and just wanted to verify that I had the bear canisters that were required in some areas (I had two - one for my food and the other for my horse's supplement of processed horse feed) and that I had a Wilderness Permit. If they came upon a Mountain Biker, a citation would be written. The MBers and other bicyclers, also realize, and accept, that they can't ride on sidewalks or on freeways. They know that they will be ticketed and fined if they ride in those places. Much of the PCT, where it passes through National Forests and BLM lands is vulnerable since there is little enforcement.  Those Mountain Bikers who are willing to break the law and ride there anyway know this. And the word gets around.  So, what I have
 suggested is that we document and REPORT all illegal sightings. 


The best way to catch them is at PCT road crossings and trail heads where they boldly park their vehicles, complete with bike racks. One way to be a PCT trail volunteer (in addition to physically working on it), would be to take pictures of everything - the vehicle, including the bike rack and license plate, the PCT post showing the bike emblem with the red slash, the wheel tracks going up the PCT. Then just wait for them to return (these people are day riders who will be gone only a few hours, and many of them just want to fly down hills for the thrill of it). Now take their pictures (with a digital camera that will record the date and time when the pictures were taken) as they return and load their bikes. Take your pictures from a distance, from your parked vehicle. Get good face identification. Now report, with all the evidence, at the District Office of the National Forest where it happened. When the word gets around that they are being watched and
 that the fine is substantial, they will refrain from using the PCT with wheels. They are welcome to use the PCT like the rest of us, legally - to hike or ride a horse. I want to point out, for those who might not be aware, that the PCT was designated as a National Scenic Trail by an act of Congress in 1968 - about seven years before the invention of Mountain Bikes. It is described as a foot trail - for hikers and stock. Any kind of mechanized travel (wheels) is clearly prohibited.  This has recently been verified and upheld by the National Forest Service. The MBers were there in force and they lost in their attempt to gain legal access to the PCT.

MendoRider-Hiker


________________________________
 From: Judson Brown <judsonwb at gmail.com>
To: Nick Thelen <nthelen03 at yahoo.com> 
Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 5:04 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Mountain Bike Posts
 

They aren't another trail user- they are a trail abuser. Any biker on the
PCT is breaking the law, egregioiusly and willingly. They have no reason
whatsoever to expect level-headed and respectful treatment from the *
legitimate* users of the trail, no more than someone trespassing knowingly
on my property should expect civil treatment from me.


On Tue, May 14, 2013 at 4:48 PM, Nick Thelen <nthelen03 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Barry Teschlog Wrote:
>
> And as Mendo Rider as said - REPORT, REPORT, REPORT bikers on the PCT to
> the proper authorities.  Pictures, dates, descriptions, numbers, vandalism,
> damage, etc.  Your report may be the one that provides the final clue as to
> when & where these scofflaws typically poach, which will allow the long arm
> of the Law to find and punish the guilty parties.
>
>
> ________________________________________
>
> Good Afternoon Mr. Teshclog,
>
> Thank you very much for advising the 'Report' approach when it comes to
> encountering another trail user you do not care for.
>
> It is refreshing to read a such a level-headed and appropriate response.
>
> Love,
> Nick
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