Re: [at-l] bikes on trail

The Wizard wrote:
	"Question: what should be the proper response to encountering a herd of
bikers on the AT?  Probably just nothing, I guess, esp if you're
alone.  Just a matter of  having a precomputed strategy instead of reacting
by surprise when it happens."

I would just get out of the way (unless there are more of you than 
them).  But seriously, you should report the incident (date time 
location) to the ATC or the local Club. Hard to do if you are thru 
hiking, but most of us aren't. Pictures would be nice too, though 
most judges let offenders off with a warning or minimal fine.

If there is a high frequency of unapproved use reported in a certain 
location, measures will be taken by ATC and the locals to try and 
solve or reduce the problem. I know this sounds a little Polyanna, 
and there are times when I've really wanted to see if I still 
remember my HS football days, but better to work thru the channels 
rather than starting a turf war.  OTOH, I figure a piece of 1/16' 
black wire rope about 6.5 ft off he ground would really do the job...

If you want to take action personally, you can stop by the local bike 
store and schmooze with the help.  They often have maps showing area 
trail rides, and are often in touch w/ the biking community.  Of 
course you could also volunteer with your local trail club to be a 
Monitor or Maintainer of a section of the trail....

Cosmo
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