[pct-l] Mountain Bikes in National Parks

[dpbraunstein at hotmail.com (Daniel Braunstein)]

I recently returned from living in Lake Tahoe and I must say, biking (I road 
ride) and hiking there was a pleasure. The mountain bikers that I 
encountered on the trail were very polite, and the drivers I encountered on 
the road while riding were polite as well. On the other hand, IMO the exact 
opposite situation exists here in the Big Bear area. I have encountered many 
rude mountain bikers (I know, they're not all bad, just like not all hikers 
are good) on the trail here and in talking to them, my experience is that 
they are never satisfied with the amount of roads or single track given to 
them. All I hear is whining about how the Forest Service is trying to 
eliminate ALL mountain biking, because they won't let them ride on the PCT 
and in the San Grogornio Wilderness. They seem to think that they should be 
allowed access to any place a hiker can go as they think there is no 
difference between the two. BTW, I had the same arguement with a motorcycle 
rider the other day. He couldn't understand how his motorcycle causes more 
harm than my two feet.
A few years ago after the Willow Fire a part of the forest was closed (north 
of Holcomb Creek). The uproar was unreal amongst the bike/motorcycle/jeep 
set. They were screaming about how they were being denied access and that 
the FS intended on keeping it closed and never reopening it. If it wasn't so 
sad it would be laughable.
OK...sorry. I'm done ranting now.

Daniel

>From: "Carolyn Eddy" <ECPG@peoplepc.com>
>To: <dsaufley@sprynet.com>,"Brian McLaughlin" 
><bmclaughlin@bigplanet.com>,"PCT-List" <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Mountain Bikes in National Parks
>Date: Thu, 5 May 2005 12:10:13 -0700
>
>I do gotta say that the bikers around Lake Tahoe are the most polite I've 
>ever seen. Someone needs to go find out how they do it. Might be something 
>in that morning latte.
>
>I'm from Oregon, where the bikes will flatten you first and then ask you to 
>move.
>
>Carolyn Eddy
>"Sweet Goat Mama"
>www.goattracksmagazine.com
>
>
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