10 New Rules of Universal Trail Etiquette (5 so far)
1. Don’t trail build.
Unless you are a trail builder, ride (or hike) it as you see it. Don’t build little ramps or bridges. Better bikers now have to put up with your ramp and cannot bunny hop at speed, or traverse rocks you cannot imagine are ridable. I’ve seen some really cool ancient stone walls torn up so people can step or ride across a tough section. Trail building is an art. Unless you’ve been trained, you probably make matters worse by building river crossings, log ramps and what have you. There’s plenty of gifts to ride here. But if you have to clear brush or treefall, that’s another story.
Unless you are a trail builder, ride (or hike) it as you see it. Don’t build little ramps or bridges. Better bikers now have to put up with your ramp and cannot bunny hop at speed, or traverse rocks you cannot imagine are ridable. I’ve seen some really cool ancient stone walls torn up so people can step or ride across a tough section. Trail building is an art. Unless you’ve been trained, you probably make matters worse by building river crossings, log ramps and what have you. There’s plenty of gifts to ride here. But if you have to clear brush or treefall, that’s another story.
2. Don’t bring bottles into the woods.
Broken glass sucks. I noticed someone broke quite a bit of glass up near Bluff Head, (not westwoods - but still in Guilford’s woods). Whomever gets a thrill out of breaking beer bottles into a pristine ravine does not deserve to go outside.
Broken glass sucks. I noticed someone broke quite a bit of glass up near Bluff Head, (not westwoods - but still in Guilford’s woods). Whomever gets a thrill out of breaking beer bottles into a pristine ravine does not deserve to go outside.
3. Get a stick and push your dog’s poop off of the trail.
Dogs, especially puppies can get very sick sniffing poop - parvo, kennel cough, what have you. Also its worse than ever lately. There’s a dog woman that lets out about 10 dogs on the trail and sits in her van and smokes cigarettes. Occasionally, I used to hit poop with my bike tire and laugh. Now its not funny when its every time I ride. Last week I saw this little tot got a shoefull. It’s much worse when you have a size 1 shoe.
Dogs, especially puppies can get very sick sniffing poop - parvo, kennel cough, what have you. Also its worse than ever lately. There’s a dog woman that lets out about 10 dogs on the trail and sits in her van and smokes cigarettes. Occasionally, I used to hit poop with my bike tire and laugh. Now its not funny when its every time I ride. Last week I saw this little tot got a shoefull. It’s much worse when you have a size 1 shoe.
4. Be considerate.
I’ve heard recently that now downhill bikers have the right of way in many parks. It doesn’t matter. If you smile, and acknowledge bikers or hikers, they will more than likely offer to give you the trail. You should do the same whether on a bike or feet. Banking that goodwill will stand you in good stead in the long run. Now I’m no boy scout, but bad will breeds bad will, and you will pay - whether its a key across your car at the trailhead, or a vote not to open land for public use. Spread good vibes.
I’ve heard recently that now downhill bikers have the right of way in many parks. It doesn’t matter. If you smile, and acknowledge bikers or hikers, they will more than likely offer to give you the trail. You should do the same whether on a bike or feet. Banking that goodwill will stand you in good stead in the long run. Now I’m no boy scout, but bad will breeds bad will, and you will pay - whether its a key across your car at the trailhead, or a vote not to open land for public use. Spread good vibes.
5. Don’t build little rock statues.
They look stupid, fall onto the trail, and destroy animal homes. If you see a rock pile, knock it over. The little critters who like to live under rocks will thank you.
6. Give Notice.
Now that people wear headphones more, this is harder to do. Just let someone know you are overtaking them. It scares the bejesus out of people when you wait until you are a few feet away. Tell hikers how many more bikers are behind you. Hikers tell bikers the same.
I’ve got 4 more to go, let’s get some input.
Rambling
Monday, October 29, 2007