mtn bike question

[kpc]

So, I was riding in a new area today. There was a steep hill up to a small bridge with thick brush on either side of the path. The path had been churned up badly by park ranger jeeps and golf carts and horsey hooves. Very thick mud. I walked it because it was too slippery and i think that one is not "supposed" to churn up mud any more than it is. Is this true and is there a way to climb uphill thru mud without sliding backward?

[Irulan]

if the trails are that wet, you probalby need to stay off of them until they firm up. I know I know, tell that to everyone else too.:rolleyes:

Do you have a local club or land manager that makes decisions about trail closures due to wet/mud/slop?

Irulan

[SheSpeeds]

You probably shouldn't ride a trail that terribly muddy if you can avoid it. If you must, for the trails sake, ride through the center. Don't try to skirt the edge of the mud where the ground is relatively still untouched. That just makes the muddy section wider. I know sometimes I'm hypocritical with this, but as often as possible it's best to ride right through the middle, keeping the area as compact as possible. The ground will recover sooner.

[kpc]

Only a few small areas were wet, low areas. The rest was fine. Hate to give up riding for a few small sections. But I guess I'll find alternative routes when muddy.
As for closing the trails, we don't have anyone taking the initiative. Heck, it was the rangers in their jeeps and golf carts who tore the section up. And some horses. I saw NO bike "prints" or shoe prints, just tire tracks and U shapes. It's an out of the way place, i'd not found it before. I think the rangers use it because it's one of very few bridges over a large road. Maybe they can't close it, but I've never seen a trail closed sign any time of the year.