Another Can of Worms

[JamR]

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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I’ve been sitting on this issue for a while now and we were all hoping that the messages being put out to the public on these web-sites, and the number of people we have spoken with in the field would have helped the issue subside; however unfortunately this has not been the case.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]This is not just a mountain biker problem, but I’m only addressing mountain bikers at this time since this is a biking forum. We have already been handling other user groups in the same manner or by direct contact of the known clubs.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I’ve stated it too many times to count that mountain bikers have a lot of control over whether or not they have access to trails. Now with the hot issue going on in P.V. about potentially banning mountain bikes from their trails; it won’t be long until other areas follow suit if they are successful up there.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Here’s the problem. It is typically a small percentage of any user group that creates problems for the rest of the group, and it is not limited just to mountain bikers. However there is still fairly large number of riders who seem to be bent on almost assuring that access for bikers be limited of eliminated.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Many of us have worked extremely hard to achieve better and more quality access for all user groups in a manner that still protects the habitat and the wildlife. To that end, over the past two years we have added numerous new rides, mountain bike clinics, epic rides, night rides; and have gained the approval of several previously unauthorized trails, and are working on more for the future.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]However the number of bikers who insist on trespassing or riding unauthorized trails is not subsiding; and unfortunately in some areas is increasing. This is now leading to increased enforcement which has been seen recently in Laguna Coast, and will be seen very shortly in other areas.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Many people post here about mixed or unclear messages by the land managers, but this not the case. I’m going to share with everyone three photos that are typical of the more than 500 that we have in our possession from the past three months. There are no mixed messages here since the gates that these riders climbed over had no-less-than four signs telling them that it was not legal to enter the area. Photos like this span all time frames from with riders in the area from 5:00 am to well past 10:00 pm.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Land managers all over the area are depending on self-policing and peer pressure to help curb these actions, and especially with the recent fires; if we’re not very careful we could suffer long term losses as a group.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Every responsible mountain biker has an obligation to begin effecting some peer pressure on people they see breaking the rules and giving our sport a bad name. If you know any of these riders, please ask them to stop these actions for their own sake and for our sports sake. Heavy enforcement may unfortunately be the next logical step for these issues, which in itself will not garner any increased credibility for our sport.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]It’s time for the 95% of the good riders to start putting enough pressure on the 5% of the bad riders to simply stop these actions.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]We have so many great trails and areas to ride, there’s just absolutely no reason to poach closed areas or non-sanctioned trails.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]If you know any of these riders, have a chat with them. We’re all hoping that peer pressure will start to work so we don’t have to resort to harsher means.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Maybe a weekly Wall-Of-Shame post would be a better start as opposed to bringing in heavy law enforcement to start impounding bikes…….hmmmmm [/SIZE][/FONT]
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[ODB]

Originally Posted by JamR

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Maybe a weekly Wall-Of-Shame post would be a better start ...[/SIZE][/FONT]

Wow, i really hope you're being facetious.

[CPATCRASH]

Keep posting pictures. Mayne other riders will recognize them and give there 2 cents. Although they probably don't care.

[JamR]

Originally Posted by ODB

Wow, i really hope you're being facetious.

Actually I'm not.....When there is so much at stake and so much talk about bringing in heavy law enforcement or reducing biking access; it's a much less abusive step.

So many positive steps have taken place over the past decade, I would not want to see it go backwards.

Please help out but effecting peer pressure within our own group.

Once bikers start getting arrested, it will be too late to stop the bad press.

We really need everyone's help here.

Thanks

[andy aka rut]

I agree, keep posting the photos.
It's time we start calling "them" out.

I use "them" as others that have no issues with hopping fences.

[tkblazer]

i knew those lycra clad riders were up to no good, (referring to the last picture)

[ddmansprty]

It would be cool if we could some how manage to create areas that are just for MTB's. There are several areas in Southern California that are set aside for just hikers, or hikers and equestrian use. It is difficult to share trails when our sport is faster, and creates a danger for other groups using the same trails. I will admit that I am an avid hiker and MTB'er. I totally understand both sides of the issue. However, IF I decide to hike, I always hike on trails specifically designated for hiking. This is not to take away from the issue about riding in restricted areas. The state/local government does a lousy job addressing all types of recreation in our local mountains, and the access, or lack of, for MTB'ers is not in our favor. Perhaps if they land was distributed more evenly for all groups, we would not have these problems. I guess the real issue is you can't make all groups happy.

[ODB]

So, giving photographic ammo to groups who want to cut our access AND turning on fellow mountain bikers is a good idea how? ... You realize you're not going to change anyone's behavior through this exercise, don't you? You'll only serve to embolden user groups who already have a dim view of the MTB community. Why not break out a speed gun, too, and start calling riders out for going over the 15 mph speed limit designated for most multi-use trails? Good god, man.

[CalEpic]

I disagree. I'm not advocating poaching but putting people's pic's up on the internet crosses the line.

Not cool.

This is not the answer.

C

[JamR]

Originally Posted by ddmansprty

It would be cool if we could some how manage to create areas that are just for MTB's. There are several areas in Southern California that are set aside for just hikers, or hikers and equestrian use. It is difficult to share trails when our sport is faster, and creates a danger for other groups using the same trails. I will admit that I am an avid hiker and MTB'er. I totally understand both sides of the issue. However, IF I decide to hike, I always hike on trails specifically designated for hiking. This is not to take away from the issue about riding in restricted areas. The state/local government does a lousy job addressing all types of recreation in our local mountains, and the access, or lack of, for MTB'ers is not in our favor. Perhaps if they land was distributed more evenly for all groups, we would not have these problems. I guess the real issue is you can't make all groups happy.

Well made points

[guero]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

I disagree. I'm not advocating poaching but putting people's pic's up on the internet crosses the line.

Not cool.

Untwist your panties. I'm not advocating poaching. This is not the answer.

C

the antithesis to this would be to post pictures of the people to 'look out for' on the trails snapping pix....still not cool....kinda reminds me of cameras at intersections...

[2wheel_lee]

I hope they can get some good shots of me riding. The only action shots I have are usually on my DH bike, and I want more XCish pictures for my collection.

Just kidding. I'm not a poacher. Poser yes, poacher no. But I wholeheartedly understand the reason why people poach.

As Craig said. Posting pictures of offenders is out of line. This isn't that TV show "Cheaters."

[dstepper]

I will gladly volunteer to patrol illegal trails with my camera and record any poaching.

[spookydave]

Originally Posted by dstepper

I will gladly volunteer to poach illegal trails with my camera and record any poaching.

There, I fixed that for you.

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by dstepper

I will gladly volunteer to patrol illegal trails with my camera and record any poaching.

how do you know where the illegal trails are?

[Skeeter]

So posting pics of the 5% of riders that poach is going to somehow stop these riders from poaching?
i don't see how that works.

No matter what the activity there is always a small percentage that is going to go against the mainstream and do as they please. We run into the same issues w/ OHV motorcycles, jetski's, etc. There's always a mainstream fighting to offset what the minority is invaribly going to do.