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Mountain Bikers Ride in Heavy Rain, Ignoring IMBA Rules of the Trail
Of course, IMBA's Rules of the Trail are just for show, anyway. They
know that no one follows them, and IMBA does nothing to enforce them. Mike I expected to do this ride alone, but fortunately there were two other souls who didn't mind braving the rain, the mileage, and my horrendous navigating and decided to come along. I admit I was a bit nervous when I saw an unfamilliar name with no BBTC rides under his belt sign up for today's ride. And I was even more nervous when the first words out of his mouth this morning involved the the phrase "second time on the bike since November". Gulp. I turned away to hide my obvious look of concern -- he did read the 50 miles and 6 hours part of the ride description, did he not? When I looked back I noticed that on further inspection Bill looked very fit and his red OCLV Fuel spoke of someone who is serious about his XC riding. And yes he was. After the introductions were over, I led Bill and Stephanie through a quick tour of some Snoqualmie Ridge double-track then down towards Salish Lodge and onto the SVT. Next stop, Tolt-MacDonald Park! We boogied up IAB -- graciously acknowledigng all of the riders who yielded to those of us going uphill -- and proceeded to get lost. It was BIll's first time to Tolt and Steph's first time in 2 years and, well, God knows I don't know my way around up there. We ended up riding Oxbow, Shaefer, MLR, some of the Burn (mostly cleared now), Mystery, and a few other choice trails (some a couple times due to my poor navigating) and putting in about 6 miles or so of singletrack. The rain started to come just as we began working our way back to the 5-way and starting our descent on IAB. A quick snack at the group cabin, then back onto the SVT. Next stop, Tokul-West. The rain was coming down pretty hard and we were getting pretty dirty. Tokul West would likely be muddy. Bill said goodbye at the beaver dam washout on the SVT and Stephanie and I headed up into the woods. I'm not an ace at Tokul West, but I can work my way from the entrance up to the base of Bon-Bon. We were a ways into the ride and the rain was coming down pretty steadily so we settled into a whirlwind tour of Tokul West: up Bon-Bon, over to Outback and down to Full Bench and out Sgt Wells. Good times. The horses have really made a mess of upper Bon-Bon and upper Full Bench was a swamp, but aside from my endoing on one of the switchbacks on Full Bench, all was well. Back down to the SVT, another snack, and then back to Snoqualmie Ridge for a trip to the Snoqualmie Brewery Taproom for some Green Nitro Pale Ale and a corned beef sandwich & Irish stew. Thanks again to Stephanie and Bill for coming out today. Everyone knows how strong a rider Stephanie is, and it's good to get those long rides in with her. And I hope to see Bill on other BBTC rides -- a great addition to the local riding crew! Mileage: 46.9 miles Elevation Gain: 3,015 feet Saddle Time: 5 hours Total Time: 6 hours, 15 minutes Calories Burned: 4500 Now it's on to Orcas tomorrow for a ride-it-all trip on Mt Pickett and Mt Constitution. Thanks for reading, Trail Care CrewTrail SolutionsIMBA EpicsBike PatrolInternationalIMBA CanadaIMBA StorefrontsAbout IMBAMembershipContactsNewsResourcesTrail FinderLogin IMBA Rules of the Trail The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible. 1. Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies. 2. Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in. 3. Control Your Bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations. 4. Always Yield Trail. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely. 5. Never Scare Animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked. 6. Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. === I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8 years fighting auto dependence and road construction.) Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of! http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande |
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