[pct-l] Mountain Bikes and Trail Damage

[gschenk1 at roadrunner.com]

---- Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net> wrote: 
> Just as there are laws against mountain bikers on the PCT, which any hiker can confirm are difficult to enforce.  "Gosh, officer. I'm really sorry.  He startled me coming so fast around the curve, with no warning, and I jumped back into the brush.  I must have stepped on a stick that flew into his rear wheel spokes.  It was just an accident." 

That's uncalled for.

The PCT is a wilderness trail, and machinery should not be allowed. I've never had a negative encounter with a mountain biker yet, even on the PCT, but I've yet to see one yield the right of way, unless they are headed up a steep hill and walking the bike anyway.

The damage done is obvious. There's a place for many types of recreation in the mountains, but is it asking too much to have one trail for non-mechanized recreation?

Gary