[pct-l] bikes on the PCT

[kdpo@pacbell.net (Ken & Marcia Powers)]

The BLM Ranger out of Ridgecrest called himself "Motocop" and was waiting
for winter months when there are no hikers on the PCT to go out and write
big fine tickets for dirt bikes on the PCT. Does that kind of answer the BLM
question?

We followed the tire tracks of a mountain biker when we were hiking farther
north on the ridge above Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. The narrow trail
is on a knife ridge dropping forever on either side and I couldn't believe
anyone rode it. I want to meet that biker if he's still living.

I'm glad that you're careful with the trail, but I think horses really make
a mess of the trail. In fact, I hate horses on the trail!

After reading your rationalizations, I think your conscience is telling not
to ride there.

PS I mountain bike and was caught riding where I wasn't supposed to be. I
was asked to surrender my bike and get it back from the "officials", but I
didn't give up my bike.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Courtway" <scourtway@bpa-arch.com>
To: <PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 10:12 AM
Subject: [pct-l] bikes on the PCT


Greetings folks, time to really get things fired up around here.

Living in San Diego, and being a mountain biker as well as a
PCT hiker, I've found the 23.5 miles southbound from Barrel Spring
to Scissors Crossing a very exciting winter mountain bike ride,
unlike the hell most hikers report northbound in springtime.

Now, before y'all get real fired up, here's why:

1) this stretch of trail in on BLM public domain land - it says
so at the Barrel Springs trailhead, and the verbage in the sign
says you can do anything you want there.

2) I would not even consider riding on well used portions of the PCT,
due to the obvious reasons, but this section gets little use.

3) I take care not to thrash the trail, and havn't advertised the ride to
anyone.

4) I feel bikes, when ridden right, don't do any more damage than horses
to the trail.

4) I would be interested in specific prohibitive information about doing
this,
(not just "there's no bikes allowed on the PCT!!!!!!!") if anyone has any.
I've been on the ethics fence on this one for awhile.  Is it not true use of
trails can
be regulated in State / National Park land, but not BLM public domain land ?

Kind Regards,
Steve


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