Full Armor Mountain Bikers on the Mt. Waterman Trail Saturday Afternoon

Just a mild rant. Instead of riding Waterman Saturday, I chose to hike the trail with wife and dog late PM.

Full helmet, body armor riders descending gave us a head's up. Kudos for that. But us hiking up. The trail etiquette is pull over for hikers. Don't expect uphill hikers to pull over for you. More of a big deal is a) doodz tossed a LOT of dirt around skidding the turns. Very, very bad form, especially on what is usually a pristine trail. Stay away. and b) you pissed off some other hikers down trail to the extent they posted up on their hiking forum. Must of been carrying too much speed.

Here is some food for thought. I got full body armor and a full faced helmet. But I also use them on trails where I may get tossed (i..e- uber-high speed or technical terrain). Waterman is neither. Max speed only OK on week days when you see no cars in the parking lot = no hikers. The problem with the full armor is hikers just don't dig meeting a Star Wars Storm Trooper.

I really am not a crusty old guy, but I have been riding San Gabs single-track for 29 years and I have a vested interest in keeping trails open to mountain bikers. Plus as a hiker, I don't want mt bikers pissing me off. Peace out.

 

If the dudes were wearing lycra would that make you less pissed off?

 

I think you are posting on the wrong forum. You'll get further with your agenda here. http://www.sierraclub.org/

 

I knew I'd stir you guys up. But it's all just plain truths.

Message is be cool when you ride.



p.s. there is nothing cool about leaving big skid marks on a pristine trail.

 

His complain has merit and effects ALL of us. People that he is complaining about for skidding turns and poor etiquette is bad for all of us. They are the ones who give people like Sierra Club the ammo to get bikes banned from trails.

While I disagree with his stance on the armor, people should be allowed to ride in whatever they like to fell comfortable for the trail that are on.

 

I'm heading off to the Sierra, so done posting

I ride with full armor sometimes. middle Merrill, sunset ridge, etc . i also know when I have a full face helmet, hikers just seem less warm and fuzzy. and the same seemed the case Saturday PM. easier to appear friendly when your smile is not hidden by the mask

last food for thought. if mt waterman ski area opens up the lifts, will this result in 1000% more riders? or will they try to keep people on their own groomed trails? anybody have any idea?

 

Let's face it, if you wear a full body armor on a multi use trail, you look like a douche. And everyone knows you think you're too cool to yield the right of way to other users. You might be the most respectful guy in the world but 98% of the time that isn't the case. This is how stereotypes are started.

 

damn if that's the case I'm a major douche

 

Let me ask you this, why would you need or want to wear body armor on a multi use trails? They're never that extreme. Are you that accident prone? It's like wearing a tuxedo to a job interview, It's overkill. I'm not talking knee pads or elbow pads. I'm talking a Pressure Suit, chest protector, shin guards, Leatt, full face, goggles, etc.

 

I dont get why YOU care what someone else wears. If they feel more comfortable why does it matter.

Same could be asked of why do you need flat pedals, why do you need rear suspension, why do you need gears, why do you need a suspension fork ect...

 

Duhno what's up with what happened to the OP, but I see folks packin serious armor thru a multi-use trail to drop off some feature. Unshuttled free-ridin

 

Ha, that's a trick question! You don't need rear suspension, gears, or a suspension fork for 90% of trails.

:beer:

 

I'm sorry, I'm just saying it's a perception thing. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. I'm just saying that people see the full armor and automatically assume your there to tear it up.

 

Why not? Safety first bro! What does it matter to you if someone is all geared up?

 

BTW, I know what trail the OP is talking and it's just a trail. Nothing too technical about it.

 

Please read #13

 

say mr front suspension , geared, dropper post bike :lol:

 

It won't matter if you wear a Troy Lee full face, a Bell half shell helmet or a San Diego Chargers football helmet...someone isn't gonna like what you wear, how you ride or where you ride. Forget what everyone else thinks. Just ride and enjoy your time on the trail. Follow common sense and dont rip through blind corners but If hikers don't like mountain bikers they can go hike the PCT.

People worry about what others think too much...

 

Yep, judging people no bueno.

 

Very few MTBers ride Waterman Trail because it is short and a long drive for a short ride. All the stuff I used to ride (Burkhart Trail) across the street from Waterman Trail is now Wilderness and off limits to bike. Many wanted Waterman Trail to be included in that last wilderness plan and I am surprised in did not get included as it is surround by wilderness designated forest. Waterman is a very popular hiking trail to get to 3 peaks so hikers rule that trail.

The reason we see DH bikes on Waterman now is due to the lifts. Granted Waterman Trail is probably is a better ride than what the lifts have to offer but the many complains of people leaving the lift area to ride Waterman almost lost Mt Waterman Ski area its permit to start lift assist riding. So there is a back story here that should be taken into consideration. Ride the lifts with armor but when you ride Waterman Trail loose the armor as it is a smooth buff beginner level downhill so please be slow and respectful because we have a lot to loose out there. I have a feeling that many of the above comments are from people that have never rode Waterman Trail.

Dean