yes, it can really be a loaded issue. In the realm of user conflict, all it takes is one negative encounter to create a permanent bad impression.

The hard part is educating riders who don't care about good bike behavior, whether they aren't yielding, frightening or startling people or horses, leaving trash around or just riding in a manner that's destructive: it doesn't have be that way.

Sometimes it's just ignorance too... like skidding, some folks think it's cool or just how you ride, but there are plenty of ways to avoid skidding, which just tears up trails and creates washboards.

Or permanent damage, it's really sad what's happening to the desert around Moab from all the use.

(granted these articles are a bit of a rant, but if you can filter the rant there's some good information)

http://www.dreamride.com/24hrrace2.html

http://www.canyoncountryzephyr.com/d...04/24-hour.htm

Hope this doens't sound like too much of a rant. Most of the trail I ride are old horse packer and dirt bike trails up in the mountains.

Irulan