Mac,
I'm Mathew, President of the NSMBA. Thank you for your input. On Monday morning, I read the email you sent us Sunday night and forwarded it to the board of directors for discussion. Work has been very busy for me for the past three days, and I have not had a chance to respond.
As you have probably read on our website, the current Bridle Path project is intended to enhance the trail, specifically targeting drainage and structure replacement, with the goal of enhancing the experience for a wide range of users of the trail.
While Bridle Path is considered the "beginner/intermediate" XC trail on the North Shore, it requires an advanced to expert level of skill and fitness to ride in its current state. The work that is underway (including the climbing only lines, the directional signage, and the removal of certain trail features) is designed to create a trail that fits the "beginner/intermediate" expectation, as well as inspire and enable more people to experience nature and lead active outdoor lives. These two excellent values are community specific, not NSMBA or MEC specific.
We have also taken careful consideration to keep a number of technical sections of the trail for those users who choose to challenge themselves.
As always, I know the NSMBA can't make everyone happy with the work we do, but its very important for me to hear your feedback, understand your point of view and let you know why we have made the decisions we have. As the internet isn't the best forum for discussion, I'd be happy to meet you on the trail so we can walk/ride the sections in question and discuss. Please feel free to send me an email at [email protected] to set up a time. Thanks!
Mathew