Obstacles

[aredee]

We've been having a problem down here with people clearing natural obstacles from the trails (logs, rocks, etc). Racing is really big at these trails and it is the racers and promoters that are suspect. Now I'm not looking for some North Shore type crap, but c'mon, just because you can't take the chance of bending a high dollar chainring, don't turn the trails into a damn road course.

Any suggestions?

Create "optional sections"?

Sniper? Cameras? Booby Traps?

It's just frustrating that people don't want to take the time to learn how to properly overcome a log. It is such a killer feeling to be able to clear a good sized obstacle with no hint of metal ever being touched.

BAH!

[Divscotty]

What part of the country do you ride in. Nobody around here could move that many rocks. Here is in Oregon.

[Browne]

Round these parts, the only way to get obstacles out of the trail is to saw them out!

Seriously, one reason we have a lot of logpiles in our park is because we aren't allowed to cut in the park.

Also, since this is Pennsylvania, the folks around here tend to enjoy these obstacles. Even the racer-types consider it training. But they're usually headed to WV to race.

I've found that general portions of the country don't enjoy technical terrain. I'm originally from Indiana where trail obstacles were shunned.

As fara as advice, I'd say find those logs and put 'em back in the trail!

-Michael

[chuck]

Sniper? Cameras? Booby Traps?
I've been trying to trap some boobies for some time now, which traps do you use?

[Fergie]

I know the feeling, you build a fantastic trail with great obstacles and technical sections, then one day, poof! half the logs are cut, things are ramped, and rocks are missing... While the urge is to start splitting heads with a rock shox McLeod tool, the number 1 priority is to stop the wussification.

Step 1 is often just to make sure that people know that they are NOT doing trail work, they are ****ing up a perfectly good trail. Get the word out to the shops, clubs, riding groups, etc. Tell every rider you meet that someone screwed up the trial, and "everyone is mad that some jerk ruined everyone's favorite log!" - Peer pressure works! Also, a sign or two is a good idea (place the sign into the trail a few hundred feet to minimize vandalism.) Speaking of signs, letting people know that a trail is for intermediate, or advanced riders sometimes makes it more obvious that obstacles belong, and make the trail what it is. Also keep an ear out, because the person who removed the obstacle will probably brag to their friends about the great 'work' they did.

Step 2 is to repair damage, and try to prevent further damage. Return logs that were removed - however, if they moved it, they can move it again, and it is always easier to just toss the log away then to place it back. At least it lets them know that someone wants the log there. Sometimes, a few finish nails or large staples can dull those saws, but it can really backfire down the road when you forget about them.

Also, if the obstacle is harder then most of the rest of the trail, or is an expert obstacle on a beginner trail, then building a correct go-around in advance can keep the obstacle, and make only one trail around it rather then two or three. Beginner trails must be for beginners, and unless it is your private trail, you have to be realistic about obstacles that only one or two riders can do.

Step 3 is to get more people riding the logs and other obstacles. A lot of people don't realize that almost any rider can learn to hop a foot high log in half an hour or less. Then logs become 'practice' rather then problems. Stopping on group rides and encouraging your friends and other riders to "try it again" (even if they made it the first time) is a great way to get people to start thinking of obstacles as fun, rather then frustration. Also other riders will see you practicing, and get the idea.

Note - almost all of this also applies to people who cut lame little trails where they don't belong, or build short-cut trails.

Good Luck with the cutters, and have pity on the fools!
Fergie

PS If you are ever in the north of NYC area, check out the Sprain Ridge Park in Yonkers, NY. It is a small park, but there is probably over 200 logs and as many switchbacks in an area about 1000 feet wide, by 3 miles long! Check out www.wmba.org for a map an directions

[captain]

i have encountered some of the same problems on our trails here in Chico, CA. the trails are very rocky and would be considered expert mtn. bike trails. there have been a few rocks and roots cut out in places where they add to the difficulty of the trail. this one specific root was great, in that if cleared the section before it and carried your speed you could pop off of it and land on a perfect transition. if you didn't come up to it correctly, of course it would be a hinderence. but that still doesn't excuse the fact that somebody was removing a natural obstacle. another problem that occurs when someone removes these "obstacles" is erosion. I agree that we need to educate novice riders on the ramifications of trail modification.

[thomas f brown]

contrary to the title of my post i neither abhor speed nor racing but when you eliminate an obstacle in order to maintain speed or or train for a race the disservice is to yourself cuz the next time, at least here in jersey, WE will implement a larger obstacle which is much heavier and more difficult to clean and WE do so know the type who destroy the attractive 4 foot circumference log or kicker type root that gives a good boost for airborne heroes. the speed freak and the racing geek ought to know that unless you only race on one course you may encounter obstacles that warrant a good obstacle training ground. my two cents looks and sounds like everyone elses but repetition is one key to learning. leave it or clean it. t b

[pmweller]

Not sure what the rules are elsewhere. But here in Maryland there are many trails that are shared by hikers and equestrians. One general rule is if a horse can't get over the obstacle and there is no walk around, then the obstacle must be removed. So many of our trails include walk arounds for the tougher obstacles. That way if you want to try the obstacle you can, if not, you can go around. Of course if there is no walk around and you can't make the obstacle, then you dismount your bike and walk over the obstacle. This is what I used to do before I could make many obstacles.

On another note about racing. I've seen some mountain bike race courses that you can do on a cyclocross bike. Not sure what's up there. I think any race course should be technical enough that you have to use a mountain bike to get through it. If you are racing, that implies that you have the technical know how to either go over the obstacle, or quickly dismount, run over it, and then continue the race.