How do you STOP, a Trail Sanitizer?

Hey Mikie. After riding GE today with H^B and seeing what this Mike guy has done I have some observations and suggestions. 1st, we've got to give him credit on trimming back all that brush above the switchback that we never got to a couple years ago. He did a lot of work! Since he's already sprayed what he views as obstacles, he should be gently persuaded to not remove them for 2 reasons; lack of obstacles encourages more moto use (which has always been part of GE and always will) and the motos will be able to carry more speed which causes more trail damage; and mountain bikes will also be able to reach much greater speeds and will increase mtb damage to the trail by less than skilled riders.

Also, if he plans to remove roots and rocks by digging them out, that will cause greater trail erosion, as someone pointed out in this thread, because those roots and rocks hold the trail bed together. Perhaps he can be convinced to cut the roots at ground level and leave all the rocks where they are. He should also be encouraged to remove all the orange ribbons from branches he cuts so they are not an eyesore and trash on the side of the trail and to at least stop spraying rocks and roots which are not even on the trail! He's sprayed stuff that nobody would notice because it's off the trail or just on the edge! Now the needlessly sprayed stuff becomes an instant and dangerous distraction since your eye automatically goes to the orange rock instead of watching the trail!

When I see him, I'll try to bring these ideas home. I know people are just blowing off steam and expressing frustration over this situation but certainly non-violent, non-aggressive means should be employed and no acts of vandalism against his property should occur. I do like the idea of trail adoption. If it works on GE we may give that some serious thought for AT.
 
Maddog, I appreciate your rock solid reply. Trails change due to mother nature (rain, fire, etc) or human (motorized or other tools), but they eventually revert back, and forth, ..unless someone puts concrete pavers on the trail bed :gag: (sorry just can't get past that one)

Also, much respect on getting out there for the therapy/healing after your mother's passing. Been through a few cases of that recently, pondering mortality and all, it's sometimes hard to get motivated, but biking in the wilderness, appreciating what we have, has been a good natural medicine. Cheers bro :thumbsup:
 
Redman said:
How can I get coordinates to said trails? I am bored with whats legal in that area.
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You're bored with Car Wreck, Mentally Sensitive, Rock-It, Lynx, 5-Oaks, Meadows, Stairs, Lizard, Rattlesnake and T and A? OK. I am sure Strand can show you a few more to add to your repertoire. I've done about 6 others that are off menu, and I want to add a few more. Some are great and ridden frequently by the masses (Telonics, Art School, Repo Man) and others are primitive. Most are tougher than their legal counterparts. There are about 20 regularly ridden trails in the area that will definitely challenge your skills and courage. (waving smiley)
 
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Maddog you are absolutely correct that Mike deserves some kudos for his work. Volunteering your time and doing trail work for the benefit of others deserves recognition. Not all that he has done is bad. He just has a totally different view of what the trail should look like (or bike path should I say) than most of us.

Having witnessed and been part of the interactions the past couple weekends though I can tell everyone there is no reasoning with our man Mike. He has his vision of what he wants the trail to be and just doesn't care what others think. We all know that our man Mikie is a true ambassador for our sport and has a way with words. Knowing this I've sorta stayed in the background during these interactions cause I know he represents our cause better than myself and my short temper and foul mouth can do. Mike however wants us all to bow at his presence and perhaps pay an admission fee for his services. When put on the spot by Mikie & then Ross his reasoning was ridiculous to say the least. I could maybe understand if he were focusing on a place like Tapia where you've got tons of people riding and a real liability and threat for closure. Places like Golden Eagle & AT are in the middle of nowhere and ridden by those in the know only who are willing to travel to experience real mountain biking. If Mike finds his way to AT(doubtful cause it takes guts and skill to ride it) I for one volunteer to clip my brake lines and go first...
 
@Mikie, :poop: happens sometimes, know what I mean... ;)

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herzalot said:
You're bored with Car Wreck, Mentally Sensitive, Rock-It, Lynx, 5-Oaks, Meadows, Stairs, Lizard, Rattlesnake and T and A? OK. I am sure Strand can show you a few more to add to your repertoire. I've done about 6 others that are off menu, and I want to add a few more. Some are great and ridden frequently by the masses (Telonics, Art School, Repo Man) and others are primitive. Most are tougher than their legal counterparts. There are about 20 regularly ridden trails in the area that will definitely challenge your skills and courage.
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I guess I should have been more specific.... trails north of the 133. I shall venture south of the 133 more often. Or maybe I just don't know exactly where all the trails you mentioned are.
 
On the flip side, it would be nice if the equestrians would be respectful and not ride so soon after the rains ... I rode Oaks today and many trails are thoroughly beaten up from the horses. Common sense says 1,300 pounds of horse and rider is going to do damage.
 
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