Bikes in national parks

[Butch Crain]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/us/19bikes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Drifter]

Can't imagine why that would be a problem...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pp4-IJiBE0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Seriously, I think it's great that they are considering opening up trails to mountain bikes. But not all of them. Mountain bike backpacking sounds pretty cool, but can definetly see where hiking boot backpackers would have a huge problem with that. Sounds like a compromise is in order.

Noticed it stated in the article that the decisions would be on a more local level. This is good.

[JTarver]

I agree it's something that should be compromised on, but I can also agree that it's not fair to shut off mtn. bikers to ALL trails. There are alot of Mountain biking trails, that any hiker would be free to walk on, even though the trails are specifically made for mountain bikers. So to shut bikers off to trails isn't fair is alot of respects. Unless of course, the bikes are degrading the flora and causing injury to hikers, and advancing degredation of the aesthetic. You have bikers that could care less about the environment out there too I realize. It's definately a touchy sitatution, and one that would have to ba handled with thought to everyone.
Joe

[Butch Crain]

If anyone is passing through Ruston, Louisiana, the Lincoln Parish Park trail is very similar to the trail in Drifter's video, minus the raised bridge jumps, but otherwise very technical, with lots of roller coaster terrain - http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-state ... 51crx.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I gave up the hard charging rides there after a broken collarbone and a couple of cracked ribs - don't heal nearly as fast as I used to. But it's still fun a couple times a year - even at my grandpa pace.

Having said that, I'm afraid that I'm as ambivalent about the original subject as I am about the firearms issue. James Ramseur is the LPP super and does a great job of maintaining the trail, even moving trail laterally when there's just no other way to recover from erosion. It's doubtful that the NP system is going to consistently have staff on hand that have James' background as a cyclist or the resources and support available to keep NP trails in good shape. It's defintely a good thing that it will be handled on a case by case basis.

[jboyd]

Maybe "Change" really is coming. Now that is politics I can get into.

Thanks for post this. I passed it along on a couple Mountain Biking forums I frequent.



Jay

[RomanLA]

This discussion started on backpackinglight.com a couple days back. As you can imagine, it got pretty ugly...definitely more backpackers than mountain bikers. I think I'd prefer mountain bikes to horses though. They both destroy the trails, but at least the bikes don't poop! The big thing is they need to make sure the trails are closed to both bikes and horses when they're wet. They probably need to alternate bike and horse access like they do at Tsali too. I imagine the bikes would spook the horses pretty bad. I choose to hike the trails that most people wouldn't want to bike anyway. Eagle Rock Loop is open to bikes, but definitely didn't see any...that would be a rough ride! lol

[Richard]

If bikers feel discriminated against, dogs are not allowed on trails in the Buffalo NR even with leashes. I have to resort to taking dogs to a sandbar in the middle of the Arkansas River.
http://good-times.webshots.com/slidesho ... KDferbyA5r" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[seark]

Personally, I agree with the case by case basis and letting the local management take the lead on decision making. Ecosystems, visitation, resources and threats vary tremendously from one NP to another. Blanket rules just don't fit. Arkansas Post allows walkers, leashed dogs and bicycles on all trails - but the terrain is mostly level and visitation is moderate. Size is more conducive to management. It is also one of the few areas with trails and sidewalks available for area residents to get exercise.

I've seen Arkansas State Parks also move from strictly hiking trails to embracing more mountain bike, horse and multi-purpose trails. Response overall has been very good. (If you haven't tried the new Cane Creek State Park trail - I highly recommend it. The loop around the lake is very hilly on one side of the lake and a flat, levee top ride on the other - and it is open to bikes, hikers, and leashed dogs. I think it is about 18 miles for the full loop.)

The critical point is that conservation of natural areas and public access to same is enough of a challenge. We need to band together as outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers rather than allow in-fighting amongst us give the advantage to those who are more interested in exploiting natural resources for short-term profits. That means sometimes we need to share the trail (or the water) and be not only tolerant but supportive of each other. I remind myself of this while riding the wake of boats with motors and cringing from the blasts of distant shotguns during duck season. Without the efforts of hunters and anglers, many of my favorite destinations would not have been protected from development nor have access that allows me to enjoy them.

[rynorris]

That's what happens when you let guns in Nat'l Parks. It's a real slippery slope ya'll.

[sugarmtngal]

Great topic Butch, thanks. In the article; Mr. Ellers of the Int'l Mtn Bikin Association, CO has good intentions with his idea of opening up Mtn Bikin Trails to the young and new bike enthusiast; however, it sure is difficult riding on soft horse trails (Pea Ridge was a fun mtn bike ride but my bike kept sinking and getting stuck on the horse trails when it was warm!). Also a challenge to ride fast and hard on trails with hikers and runners impairing ones vision. Each state probably will have to set the standards for the hikers, bikers, and horseriders to share the trails amicably. Yea, more mtn bike trails.

Richard - dogs are a whole different topic; start a new thread.....

[jboyd]

Sugarmountaingal wrote: "Also a challenge to ride fast and hard on trails with hikers and runners impairing ones vision"

The Hiker - Equestrian - Bike dilemma is really not that hard to overcome, though as long as no one is willing to give, it will always be a problem.

In NC, the Tsali trails have addressed the "Sharing" issue with great success. If separate trails are not feasible, then allotted sharing is the answer. The Tsali trails are made up of 4-5 different trails in the same area. A couple of the longer more popular trails are divided for specific use on specific days. Example: (not accurate) One of the trails is specific for bikes only on M-W-F and then available for equestrian & hikers on T-T-S-S. The other trial is in reverse mode during the same period, regardless of when you are there and what your mode of transportation is, there is always one of the two trials available. I think the other 2-3 trails are shared in some other fashion.

If it a competition between the horse or this guy, I'm betting on the horse :)


Jay

[Lifejacket]

Example: (not accurate) One of the trails is specific for bikes only on M-W-F and then available for equestrian & hikers on T-T-S-S. The other trial is in reverse mode during the same period, regardless of when you are there and what your mode of transportation is, there is always one of the two trials available.
Jay

Just wondering whats not accurate the days of the week or the lawsuits?

[jboyd]

Just wondering whats not accurate the days of the week or the lawsuits?

Ok I stand corrected. But in my defense, spell check does not catch trail/trial. btw.... that is a little brain problem I have. When I need to type trail, it will almost always come out as trial. May be Freudian from past indescretions

And yes, I was referring to days of the week. Thanks for calling me out

Jay

[sugarmtngal]

Interesting to know that guidelines have been enacted for the Mtn Biker, Hiker, and Horseback Rider...... and I'm sure it makes everyone happy..................Who decides on the calendar? What Committee or Board or Council is involved in the decision making?

I concur with your comments JBoyd.........Are you familiar with St. Charles, Ill (Chicago area)?

[jboyd]

JBoyd.........Are you familiar with St. Charles, Ill (Chicago area)?

I have been to St. Charles, and my son lives in Oak Park, but I actually live in Anna, IL in the very south end of IL. Across the river from Cape Girardeau, MO.