[pct-l] Fw: Bikes on PCT - current information!

[Edward Anderson]

Wednesday morning I had a long telephone conversation with Jerry Stone. He is a Back Country Horseman in my Unit (Antelope Valley) and is also the liaison between the BCH and the PCTA. Jerry and I have worked as volunteers on several PCT trail maintenance projects. This summer he spent about a month with BCH Bill Carter and about 20 others clearing thousands of down trees in the Mammoth area.

We discussed the current "hot topic" of Mountain Bikes being allowed on the PCT.  Yesterday, Jerry had a phone conversation with Liz Bergeron (Executive Director of the PCTA). They discussed the bike controversy at length. As I understand, the U.S. Forest Service had originally placed a "temporary ban" on bicycle use of the PCT as it passes through the lands under their jurisdiction. 

"Temporary" - having agreed to review that ban once every two years - which they have done - always rejecting bicycle use. What is new, and current, is that the Mountain Bikers are now DEMANDING that the next review should be a PUBLIC review. Liz mentioned to Jerry that the Mountain Bikers will be present in force, with their lawyers. She will need the support of Back Country Horsemen, other equestrians, and hikers to make our case and keep the PCT free from legal use by bikes. 

This will be the time for all of us who use and love the PCT, and the very special and unique experience that it offers, to give our much-needed support - and try to also be present at the proposed public review. 

I would like to mention that the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail was dedicated by the National Trails System Act of 1968. It is for foot traffic - reserved for hikers and equestrians. In those days, there were NO Mountain Bikes at all - they came much later.
I, personally, have no problem with the legal use by Mountain Bikers of the tens of thousands of miles of trails and dirt roads that they now use.  I just want to protect the precious treasures that we still have, those few that still survive, - including the PCT and the Wilderness Areas. I welcome the Mountain Bikers to come and enjoy those areas - but either on foot or while riding a horse, as some of them already do. 

MendoRider-Hiker