Re: [pct-l] Opinion Request

[ROYROBIN@aol.com]

Don --

Responding to your survey:

>1) What do you think about mt. biking?

Looks like fun, but I would rather walk.  A bike is too limiting.  The last
thing I want to do is end up carrying it (plus my other gear) where it won't
carry me or when it breaks.        

>2) Do you also mt. bike?

Nope.  Used to 10-speed on the road, but it was too dangerous.  

>3) Are there any trail access issues in your area and what are the most
important points in these issues?

Close to home, our trails are heavily used by all sorts of hikers, including
kids on tricycles and in strollers.  On trails where cyclists are permitted,
the worst problem is speeding.  The irresponsible few cause significant
injuries to themselves and others.  

Cyclists are not allowed on many parts of the PCT.  People who ride in these
areas are an annoyance at best, though I tend toward a live-and-let-live
stance if they are at least willing to share the trail.  Seeing bike tracks on
the trail in areas where they are not permitted bothers me, perhaps more than
it should.  It destroys the wilderness illusion for me.    
 
>4) Do you have any stories, good or bad, that relate how you have come about
your particular point of view?

Echo Lake area in 1997, on the PCT.  Politely informed a cyclist who was not
having much fun anyway, trying to navigate a difficult section of trail, that
bikes were not permitted  there.  Oops!  The intelligible parts of his
response made it clear that he was aware of the signs.  This canned my day
more than his, I suspect.  

Fortunately, this kind of encounter is the exception.  Most trail users,
including bikers and  packers, are happy to be there and try to make the
experience pleasant for everyone.  On the other hand, I've met some pretty
belligerent mules and jacks on the trail ...  but they probably didn't
volunteer to be there.  

I guess the bottom line is, abide by any restrictions on the trail.  If you
don't agree with them, try to get them changed rather than disregarding them.
There just may be a good reason for them.  Pack your "golden rule" with you
when you hit the trail.  It weighs practically nothing.       
* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List |  http://www.backcountry.net   *

==============================================================================