#!markdown
Hi NatBrown, I like the way you phrased your response so as not to ignite an
unintentional fury - that's not me, though, so you're quite safe! Thank you
for your thoughtful question. The thing is, as I walk, I cannot help but
notice the mud holes have tire tracks leading in and leading out. Then one can
see where the bicycles have avoided the mud pit and created a "secondary"
trail around an adjacent tree, etc. More tree roots become exposed and new mud
pits created. Whilst not an expert Per Se, as a trained horticulturalist (and
having earned my living as a horticulturalist since 1974) I have been in awe
of our forests for over 30 years. In my 30 years of walking and hiking, I'm
comfortable with my statement that the droves of bicycles have damaged the
trails more deeply than horses, walkers, etc. Last week, when walking, as I
stood holding my dogs for the bicyclists to pass, I counted 14 in one group.
As they pushed forward, mud spewed out from under their wheels. I was dressed
for wet, and didn't mind getting mud splattered, so there was no conflict.
stepping aside and holding my pups for them to pass. You are quite right, I'm
not a mountain biker (though I'd probably go for the rush if I were a much
younger woman!). I get the challenge, and the thrill. And I appreciate the
efforts the biking community have made towards trail upkeep and redesigns. I
would also be interested in a 'proper, authoritative source' but I think,
ultimately, the anecdotal and physical evidence support my thoughts.
Feb. 3, 2015, 12:36 p.m. - Shirleygail
#!markdown Hi NatBrown, I like the way you phrased your response so as not to ignite an unintentional fury - that's not me, though, so you're quite safe! Thank you for your thoughtful question. The thing is, as I walk, I cannot help but notice the mud holes have tire tracks leading in and leading out. Then one can see where the bicycles have avoided the mud pit and created a "secondary" trail around an adjacent tree, etc. More tree roots become exposed and new mud pits created. Whilst not an expert Per Se, as a trained horticulturalist (and having earned my living as a horticulturalist since 1974) I have been in awe of our forests for over 30 years. In my 30 years of walking and hiking, I'm comfortable with my statement that the droves of bicycles have damaged the trails more deeply than horses, walkers, etc. Last week, when walking, as I stood holding my dogs for the bicyclists to pass, I counted 14 in one group. As they pushed forward, mud spewed out from under their wheels. I was dressed for wet, and didn't mind getting mud splattered, so there was no conflict. stepping aside and holding my pups for them to pass. You are quite right, I'm not a mountain biker (though I'd probably go for the rush if I were a much younger woman!). I get the challenge, and the thrill. And I appreciate the efforts the biking community have made towards trail upkeep and redesigns. I would also be interested in a 'proper, authoritative source' but I think, ultimately, the anecdotal and physical evidence support my thoughts.