Latest mountain bike news

The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
Big South Fork mountain bike trail a success
Oct 12, 2007
A red and silver mountain bike with wide tires, front suspension, and disc brakes, positioned on a white background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
All wheel drive mountain bikes
Oct 11, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Missing Marin mountain biker
Oct 10, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Loading GPS routes in Garmin Training Center for Mac
Oct 9, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Community
Take a kid mountain biking day: Tomorrow!
Oct 5, 2007
Culture
Week of contests: Final day
Oct 5, 2007
A DVD cover for the film "2 Solo," featuring a close-up of a cyclist wearing a helmet and sunglasses, along with two mountain bikers riding on a dirt path. The title "2 Solo" is prominently displayed in blue, and the cover also includes branding from sponsors like Nike and Trek, as well as a note that it is from the producers of "Off Road to Athens."
Culture
Week of contests: Day 4
Oct 4, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Load GPS routes on your Garmin Edge Cycling GPS
Oct 3, 2007
  6
A DVD case for a cycling workout titled "Cycling Pedaling Strength," featuring an image of a cyclist in action on the cover. Next to it, a black DVD disc is placed in a clear case. The disc is labeled "Singletrack MENDS."
Community
Week of contests: Day 2
Oct 2, 2007
A shiny bicycle cassette resting inside an open cardboard box, showcasing its intricate gear teeth and central sprocket. The box has a light brown color and is partially closed, with the cassette visible from above. The background is a dark surface, emphasizing the metallic shine of the cassette.
Community
Week of contests
Oct 1, 2007
Redline D660
Culture
The bikes of Interbike (Updated)
Sep 27, 2007
  3
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Allen Sports: The Navigator GPS System
Sep 27, 2007
A group of people at a trade show examining a large, modern bicycle wheel displayed on a stand. The wheel features a sleek design with a carbon fiber look, and one person is interacting with it while others watch. The background includes additional cycling equipment and attendees engaged in conversation.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Tag Wheels: Mags are back
Sep 27, 2007
Mountain bike suspension fork displayed on a black wall. The fork features two silver aluminum stanchions with black and red branded lower legs. It includes adjustment knobs at the top and a sleek design suitable for off-road biking. A nearby sign provides additional information about the product.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Suspension round-up
Sep 27, 2007
A silver metal canister labeled "IMBAX" with a red "X" on top, accompanied by a circular disc with a red "X" and the word "MEET," and a circular stack of textured, replaceable inserts. The items are displayed on a white tablecloth.
Culture
IMBA Ride Centers
Sep 27, 2007
  1
Interior view of a mountain bike hall of fame exhibit featuring bicycles mounted on the walls, historical photographs, and informational panels detailing inductees and the history of mountain biking.
Culture
Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Induction 2007
Sep 27, 2007
Image of a mountain bike fork displayed against a yellow background, featuring black and red color accents. A product information card labeled "WOTAN" is attached to the fork.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magura Wotan: This one's for you Bomb
Sep 26, 2007
A black Bell helmet displayed on a mannequin head, attached to a metal stand beside a table with promotional materials. The background is dark, and people can be seen in the distance.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
High-end Helmet Cam: V.I.O. POV.1
Sep 26, 2007
A person holding a handheld GPS device in a display setting, with several similar devices showcased on a stand in the background. The display features a wooden backdrop and informational signs about the products.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 705 Preview
Sep 26, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GoPro Helmet Cam: Rad
Sep 26, 2007
A white mountain bike displayed at an event booth, featuring a sleek design, black tires, and a water bottle holder. The background includes promotional banners with cycling-related messages.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Half Camelbak, Half Waterbottle: Sip Stream
Sep 26, 2007
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Tire balls: Fewer flats, lower maintenance
Sep 26, 2007
Close-up view of a metal bike frame with visible components such as the crankset, chain, and gears. The image shows the intricate details of the mechanical parts, highlighting the craftsmanship and design of the bicycle. The background is dark, and there are tools and information displays nearby.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Wicked Racin: The Dualrailleur
Sep 26, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Wounded Warrior Project: Supporting Vets
Sep 26, 2007
A silver mountain bike with visible dirt on the tires is positioned next to a table covered with a fall-themed tablecloth. On the bike's frame rests an orange Halloween pumpkin helmet. In the background, another bike and a red bicycle frame can be seen.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Carver Bikes: 650B Cycles
Sep 26, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
End Singletrack Prohibition: Donate to the IMBA Legal Fund
Sep 25, 2007
Logo of Interbike, a trade show for the bicycle industry, featuring the word "interbike" in bold, white letters on a dark textured background.
Culture
Interbike 2007: Pre-game
Sep 24, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
One more reason to wear a helmet: Bear attacks
Sep 20, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
Finding the perfect loop
Sep 19, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
New trails coming to Philpott Lake, VA: You can help!
Sep 18, 2007
A Garmin Edge 305 bike computer displaying metrics such as time (02:16:46), speed (38.6 km/h), total distance (64.6 km), elevation (364 m), and heart rate (139 bpm) on a dark screen with a gray casing.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Convert your Garmin Edge cycling data here!
Sep 17, 2007
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**Alt Text:** A chart outlining a trail difficulty rating system, including categories for trail width, tread surface, average trail grade, maximum trail grade, and natural obstacles. The system ranges from easiest (white circle) to extremely difficult (double black diamond), with specific criteria for each rating level.
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain bike trail difficulty ratings
Sep 14, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Economic impact of mountain biking
Sep 13, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
This bike could be a bait bike
Sep 12, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
How's your bike handling?
Sep 11, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Tara Llanes needs your help!
Sep 10, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
MTB Race Through a Brewpub!
Sep 6, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Summer isn't over yet: Women's MTB Clinics and New Trails
Sep 5, 2007
A person wearing a cycling helmet and sunglasses sits on a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery. Another mountain bike is parked nearby, and a bike saddle hangs from a tree branch in the background.
Mountain Bike Trails
Bull Mountain and Jones Creek Ridge
Sep 4, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Interbike 2007: I'm there
Aug 31, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
Bad mountain bike crash at Nisene Marks
Aug 30, 2007
Culture
GPS helps save injured mountain biker
Aug 29, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
To catch a bike thief
Aug 28, 2007
A rocky landscape featuring a smooth granite surface with patches of green vegetation around the edges. In the foreground, a large log is positioned on the rock, and a faint path winds across the terrain leading into the background, where lush trees are visible. Overcast skies create a soft, muted light in the scene.
Mountain Bike Trails
Georgia International Horse Park: Site of 1996 Olympics MTB
Aug 27, 2007
  1
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
Epic trail construction: Israel
Aug 24, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Culture
MTB News Round Up: August 23, 2007
Aug 23, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
Too good to be true: Free lift-serviced downhill!
Aug 22, 2007
The National Park Service has <a href="http://www.imba.com/news/mtb_news_wire/10_07_07_big_south_fork.html">given the thumbs</a> up after a year-long trial project allowing mountain bikes in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Mountain bikes were allowed on the Grand Gap Loop Trail through a shared use plan (no bikes on weekends) and during this period there were no complaints from hikers. Based on these results the park service may potentially open more trails to shared mountain bike usage. This is definitely great news but I'm a little skeptical about the analysis used in a projects like this. I mean, if there had been 1 complaint would they have said the project was a failure? What about if the mountain bikers complained about the hikers picking wildflowers or walking their dogs off leash? Would that get hikers banned? Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there are good objective measures in place for assessing trail usage. Instead of weighing "complaints," perhaps land managers could look at trail impact (horses would lose here) or user group popularity (in many locations hikers would lose on this count). Anyway, kudos to the courteous bikers of Big South Fork, perhaps we can show more land managers that we can share the trails with everyone else.
Mountain Bike Trails
What makes a mountain bike trail difficult?
Aug 21, 2007
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