Mountain Biking Questionnaire

[bcipam]

1) What type of trails do you prefer to ride? (x-country...downhill...lift-access resort stuff...shuttles only...singletrack only...)

I prefer a combination of factors - A perfect trail to me has some fire road, climb, downhill and singletrack. Not flat and boring but not overly technical.

2) Of those listed below, what three factors are most important for you in deciding which trails to ride?

ease of access/close to home, nice scenary and potential wildlife sightings.

I would never go "off trail" and create new trail , at least where I live. It is potentially hazardous to wildlife and native plants and just not right. I am fortunate to have access to private trails so I do at times enjoy the fact I am (with my friens) the only user but I aslo lke to do some trails where I can meet up and socialize with other riders. Depends on the mood. I don't need a trail to be particularly "well groomed" ruts, sand and tree roots can be fun "hazards."

3) Have you ridden trails through or on private property? Have you ever had any conflicts with landowners and how did you handle this?

Never without authority or permission. Even with permission, I have to deal with authority. I explain who I am and why I am there. I would never argue with the law. As docent, I run across trespassers all the time. Some are cool some get testy. I just explain the situation, call the authorities and allow them to handle the problem


4) Have you ever encountered cattle while mountain biking? How did you handle this?

Yes. I usually turn around and go back. Cows look sweet but can be mean!


5) Do you think ranchers should be required to have gates/steps over fences on public grazing land that is also used for mountain biking?

Unclear as to the purpose. Would this prevent cattle from leaving the area? Then yes.


6) Would you be willing to stop riding your favorite trail if you knew that your activity was causing an endangered species to decrease in numbers?

Yes.


7) Are you familiar with invasive and noxious weeds that could be spread by mountain biking activity?


Yes. I have done enough trail maintenance and know English Thistle and Mustard is easily spread by mountain bikers and others. It's a problem.

8) Recently on a popular trail in Kamloops that cuts across a biker-friendly rancher's property, a barbed wire fence was cut through where most bikers stop to lift their bikes over. Do you:

a) agree strongly

b) agree somewhat

c) niether agree nor disagree

d) disagree somewhat

e) disagree strongly

with the decision of whoever cut the fence? No I don't - it should not be cut.



If it had been your friend who cut the fence and they did it because they got a flat tire when they lifted their bike over it the last time you rode the trail, would that change your view of their decision?

No.