Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site arizona.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!hao!noao!arizona!rogerh
From: rogerh@arizona.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Mountain Bikes & The Environment (the use of wilderness)
Message-ID: <16647@arizona.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 17-Oct-84 23:43:09 EDT
Article-I.D.: arizona.16647
Posted: Wed Oct 17 23:43:09 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 19-Oct-84 01:58:53 EDT
References: <951@druri.UUCP>
Organization: Dept of CS, U of Arizona, Tucson
Lines: 26


In response to that article by someone in Colorado who defends himself 
against the charge of cactus-bashing by snotting off at "college students"

Look, I been a workingman, now I'm a college student, so watch your mouth, bub.

I don't care how much cactus you got now -- if you stomp on it, you're gonna
be living in a naked wasteland in a few years.  That doesn't matter to me, but
other people are going to be living in the wasteland you created.  A case in 
point:  one of my favorite Alpine meadows, Jefferson Park up in Oregon, has 
gone from a flower-filled wonderland to a hardpan erosion pit in three years 
thanks to stupid users.  For heaven's sake, people (foot people and tire 
people), stay on the trails!  Stay off the vegetation (as much as you can)!
Be careful -- there are just too many of us.  Please!

There are some simple things you can do to preserve the woods: stay on the 
trails; in heavily-travelled areas, use existing campsites; use stoves instead 
of campfires.  In very heavy-use areas, consider wearing smooth soled shoes 
(eg running shoes) instead of Vibram (does this apply to mountain bikes?).

I think that mountain bikes are about like boots: use them respectfully, 
no problem; be stupid, much damage.  Let's exert some social and moral 
pressure to make sure they're used well.
	
	Roger Hayes
	Tucson, Arizona