Trail Ethics (Part Two)

In my last Trail Ethics article I highlighted the dilemma of riding a mountain bike when it has been raining, but this is not the only dilemma we face. The list of 10 tips from IMBA included one about not riding on illegal trails. IMBA said, "Don't Ride On Closed Trails: Whether it is to protect the environment or for rider safety, a closed trail is off limits for a reason. Riding closed trails is not only illegal; it gives mountain bikers a bad reputation." This is especially important when you are riding with a club that includes advocacy as part of its mission. FATRAC's motto: Protect, Preserve and Enjoy the trails you ride" means that we hold ourselves to a higher standard than individuals. In the Sacramento area, this means that we need to stay off of horse trails. Some equestrians are already prejudiced against mountain bikers. When they encounter cyclists on trails that are closed to us, or even see tire tracks on their beloved horse trails, they get very agitated and try to get the rules enforced more strictly. Please stay off of horse trails and FATRAC will be stronger in our advocacy to open up new trails to us.