Yet Another Study: Bikes Do No More Damage Than Hikers or Horses

Once again, a study intended to measure the relative impacts of different trail users has concluded that "certain impacts to mountain bike trails, especially width, are comparable or less than hiking or multiple-use trails, and significantly less than impacts to equestrian or off-highway vehicle trails."

Opponents of multiple use trails are quick to assert that bikes destroy the environment and natural terrain. But again and again, this is refuted by studies on the matter. In fact, such assertions on the evils of bicycles in the forest are just myths perpetuated by folks who cannot stand the idea of sharing trails with other user groups. I think these people would be happier if they just formed an exclusive country club with private trails on private land.

Fortunately, here in Nevada County, we have a great community ethic when it comes to trails. Cyclists work hand in hand with the equestrian community to build, share and enhance trail riding opportunities. And the vast majority of our trail inventory is designated as multiple use.

Scotts Flat Recap

BONC had another great effort on the Scott's Flat Trail last Sunday. BONC joined forces with the Nevada Onions team to clear this badly overgrown trail. Lots of lopping and trimming as two power hedgetrimmers blazed along. We cleared the section from the boat launch heading west to the dam.

This spring, we can do some additional work to repair the muddy sections on this trail. In the meantime, it would be useful you could bring handheld clippers on our rides down there and trim back the trail east of the boat launch just a bit at a time.

Thank you to all participants! It is great we showed NID that we can successfully work on projects like this. It bodes well for other NID trail projects.

Extending Hallelujah Trail

The fine folks at the Gold Country Trails Council and the Tahoe National Forest plan to work on the Hallelujah Trail on Saturday, November 4th starting @ 9AM. Please join us!

Meet at Skillman Campground and be sure to bring gloves, long pants, water and snacks. Map of approximate meeting location.

Once the Hallelujah extension is complete, it will add a great non-motorized, all-singletrack loop to the local trail inventory. View a map of trails in this area.