New Trails discovered?

[Divscotty]

We decided rather than do one of our favorite trails this weekend we would do a lilttle exploring.

Our favorite trail has become quite sandy from logging and heavy equipment using the area and horses have mucked up nearly the rest of the trail.

What a treat we discovered - 7 plus miles of sweet single track one direction through mature forest and some of it old growth with sugar pine, cedar, douglas fir, ponderosa pine and wild flowers too numerous to meniton. We saw rabbits, grouse, snakes, deer and elk. And the best of all for 3 days we only saw 2 other people and no signs that say NO BIKING. But then their are no signs that say biking is ok either. I figure responsible riding and trail care and will help keep our new spot open.

Yes Oregon has some very nice spots that just need to be discovered. I cannot wait to ride it again. A drop rig would sure be nice it's either all uphill or all downhill either direction. I'm just getting too old for 7 plus miles of uphill.

MBD

[thanita]

Yeah, it's great to ride new trail, makes things exciting. We have lots of access issue around here, 'cause we're near the city and trail user conflict is a hot topic.

Hopefully, the sweet trail you found is not on contestable land - you should find out! Maybe they would even give you permission to expand the trail system . . . hm.
T

[Divscotty]

The land is all National Forest. I could contact the local district office and supply them with a trail number.... I suppose.

I would just hate in some respects to bring too much attention to what is apparently not an issue with this particular trail.

Sometimes when you bring a up a topic - people are then required to answer and I often don't like the answer.

I'll think on it. My current rational... a trail that bisects this trail is clearly marked - no bicycles, motors, or horses and denotes the respective trail number.

Divscotty

[thanita]

Hm. That's a tough one. Maybe see who the person you'd be dealing with is like before saying anything about riding there? Kindof backwards, but . . .
Access schmaxxis. Ugh.
T

[Divscotty]

The sad story is I'm painting the kitchen this weekend rather than riding. But hitting a poker ride next weekend.

MBD

[jhl99]

thanita,
I take issue with your statement:
"We have lots of access issue around here..."

Of course in the Greater Pgh. area there are some issues, but in general we, in SW PA have excellent riding oportunites. I would think that convenient trials next to large urban areas will always have some user and access issues--that is what we have in Pgh.

Within 3 hour drive, we have excellent ATB opportunities....
To the North: Allegheny National Forest
To the NE: At least 5 different State Forests, with limited restrictiions on ATBs.
To the East, Forbes St Forest and the Ski Areas, 7 Springs, Hidden Valley, Blue Knob and Laurel Mtn.
To the South: WV, a state that is extremely active in promoting mountain biking, including the Monegahelia Nat. Forest.
To the West: The area around Athens OH and the Wayne Nat. Forest.

Not to mention that PA is one of the leading states with Rails to Trail milage.

The above list is without the State Gamelands, which are under the new 'designated route' rule!

Admittedly, these are not places that you can ride after work, but for weekend trips, the possiblities are endless.

Divscotty--
I'm with you, if an intersecting trail is marked no bikes, but the trail you are on isn't, I would consider the trail legal. The National Forests, as far as I can tell, classify bikes as 'foot traffic', with exception of Wilderness Areas, in which case bikes are strickly forbidden.

[Divscotty]

I actually do stay off wilderness trails. Lots of people don't. I just don't need the trouble and their are many more trails that are legal to ride than I will ever have time to and most are quite beautiful. Most Wilderness trails around here are super steep anyway.

MBD

[thanita]

MOUNTAIN BIKERS everywhere have lots of access issues, and despite successes, it is definitely an uphill battle. Although Western PA is much luckier than some because of geography (lots of places to ride), there are constant threats to curtail our ability/legitimacy to ride, esp around town. For people without transportation, that's a biggie.

I envision access as a national issue, overall, and mountain bikers from all states should work towards this goal - this isn't a state to state competition.
T