Tim
aka sptimmy43
I think that park staff employed by the state, counties, or whomever should take some responsibility in providing regular (daily) trail condition updates and posting signs. Blanket closures would unnecessarily limit trail use during times when restrictions would be unreasonable due to unseasonably warm and dry weather or sub-freezing weather that renders the trails fully rideable. In turn, I would think the closures would be disregarded and become ineffective.
I am not a proponent of more rules or government involvement when it comes to most things but we pay exorbitant sums of money in taxes in this state and expecting some service from those who are paid to provide it is not unreasonable. I also find it a bit hard to swallow when I hear general statements like "park staff has taken notice of trail damage and and is not happy." WTF does that mean!? I have never seen a park employee on a trail at 6 mile or most of the other places I ride (when conditions permit). Ironically, I see MCPS staff at Harshorne all the time and for some reason that park has the reputation of being uncared for. Maybe if the park staffs were more involved then trail users would care more. The appearance now is that no one cares. I'm in no way saying that gutting muddy trails is ok but when the perception is that the park service is disinterested then why should anyone else care? Again, I'm just playing devil's advocate. I don't ride mud but I do think there is a perception out there that no one cares. I don't think 99% of trail users realize that trail maintenance is provided by volunteers. Those of us on this site definitely represent a fringe demographic of cycling.
I am also tired of cyclists taking the brunt of the blame. I get that bike tires leave unmistakable tracks but I have seen quite a lot of deep foot prints and hoof prints in mud, as well. Oh and let's not forget about the dog crap and horse crap that litters the trails...
I am not a proponent of more rules or government involvement when it comes to most things but we pay exorbitant sums of money in taxes in this state and expecting some service from those who are paid to provide it is not unreasonable. I also find it a bit hard to swallow when I hear general statements like "park staff has taken notice of trail damage and and is not happy." WTF does that mean!? I have never seen a park employee on a trail at 6 mile or most of the other places I ride (when conditions permit). Ironically, I see MCPS staff at Harshorne all the time and for some reason that park has the reputation of being uncared for. Maybe if the park staffs were more involved then trail users would care more. The appearance now is that no one cares. I'm in no way saying that gutting muddy trails is ok but when the perception is that the park service is disinterested then why should anyone else care? Again, I'm just playing devil's advocate. I don't ride mud but I do think there is a perception out there that no one cares. I don't think 99% of trail users realize that trail maintenance is provided by volunteers. Those of us on this site definitely represent a fringe demographic of cycling.
I am also tired of cyclists taking the brunt of the blame. I get that bike tires leave unmistakable tracks but I have seen quite a lot of deep foot prints and hoof prints in mud, as well. Oh and let's not forget about the dog crap and horse crap that litters the trails...