With virtually every aspect of our sport affected by Coronavirus at the moment — at the beginning of the season in the northern hemisphere, no less — there’s plenty of disappointment to go around. For each of us, mountain biking means something different, and we all have our most cherished facets of this pastime. While it’s still unclear when things will get back to “normal,” clearly we’ll be much happier when we can enjoy our favorite parts once again.
Up until a week ago I would have said it was group rides. But since certain states like NJ have either closed all parks (including state, county & municipal) or like DE that require a 14 day quarantine for out-of-stater, it’s become an issue of access. And, while I fully recognize the need to reduce the spread of the disease, closing trails is IMHO completely misguided. I’ve heard all the theoretical arguments about how long airborne droplets are in the air, how they can linger, etc. etc. but that just doesn’t apply to the outdoors environment especially with just the slightest breeze. Particles disperse very rapidly outdoors. And riding in someone’s airborne wake, i.e. that you could inhale a sufficient amount of dispersed air from a rider ahead of you (who is healthy enough to be riding their MTB)? Sorry, I just don’t buy it. It’s one thing to limit people congregating on trails or anywhere else. But to shut people out of parks all together is not healthy for the community or the individual. Rant over.
I’m currently not allowed to venture more than 200 meters from my home, and then only to the grocery store — with a signed note stating that I understand the government decree. I am going to enjoy riding in any capacity, for any reason, on any surface or bike, alone or otherwise. I’d happily ride an outdated DH bike with flat tires on pavement tight now if I could do so without being fined. Until then, it’s all about trainer sweat and wheelie practice.
I feel pretty lucky to be honest. I live in WNC near “North Pisgah” (Pisgah NF Grandfather District). The local bike park is still pretty slammed but after the students in Boone went home a lot the traffic thinned out. Things have still been pretty busy on weekends in the more highly trafficked trails. I typically ride in Pisgah, in the Wilson’s Creek area, where it was rare for me to see other riders much on weekdays. The trails in “North Pisgah” are much less maintained than in the Ranger District closer to Asheville but are still awesome! However, I am really trying to ride much less aggressively. I’ve been riding my gravel bike a lot on the FS roads. I figure at least get my cardio back up to snuff for when things are less crazy.
Resume ? i never stopped . To be fair i live in an area that is NOT closed and hardly anybody is there during so called NORMAL times .
I miss being happy to see folks from other countries and areas on the trails.
I talked yesterday to a man from Carbon county Montana whose son is an avid enduro rider. Carbon county has had very few cases of the virus, but is next to Yellowstone county (Billings area) which has abut 10 times the number of cases. Over the weekend he was on some local trails and met several people camping out from Billings. He’s not worried abut them using the trails but using the grocery stores and gas stations which might pose a danger to the local communities. I live in Jefferson county, which only has had 2 cases reported and none in the past week, and near Lewis and Clark county which has had 16 cases reported – none in the past few days. But, the Helena trail system is a draw from all over, including Gallatin county, which has about 1/3 of the total number of cases in the state (due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, which was still drawing lots of outside visitors until it was shut down at the request of the surrounding communities). One result of the virus is that visitors to low incidence areas will be less welcome where previously they were greeted with open arms.
I live 1/2 mile from the Great Divide trail. Last year I met riders from New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, England, Switzerland, Australia, and many other states. I don’t think that’s likely to happen this year.
I miss group rides but that is closely followed by pushing myself on the trails. I have been holding back knowing needing to see a doctor right now is not good. I miss my boys I ride with. Fortunately trails are still open here but the parking lots are closed. Everyone is just park on the roads or streets outside trail areas.
For what it is worth in these strange times, I have found some sucess on locating private lands. which There are many rough and very skinny single track deer trails to ride on. Hunting season is over and for a small fee or favor I can ride anytime I want. Just another option to explore.
My local trails with over 65 miles of singletrack and only 8 miles from my door are closed. I can ride at a county park an hour away and only 10 miles of trails…… my new favorite spot.
I miss lots of things; all the local folks and post ride beer and food, checking on the condition of the numerous man made features, clearing overgrowth, down trees, etc. Especially miss riding after the latest sweet rain and the last few cool mornings before the hot, humid weather of the next 6 months.