having been a backpacker for years, don't even get me started on horse trail damage.

What troubles me is that certain parts of moutain biking CAN damage trails, and this is where it's up to us to be good riding citizens.

Some of the biggest "mistakes" that mountain bikers make are cutting corners, skidding or riding brakes too hard, creating "barney" trails - making a new line around an obstacle instead of walking, riding when conditions are such that you damage the trail ( heavy mud, wet) or riders creating fall line, erosion prone trails where it's inappropriate.

Yes, I suppose I am somewhat of a XC purist I guess. I'm not a perfect rider, but I try to be aware.

What is kind of fun is to go some of the areas where the dirt bikes ( motorcycles) have been making trails for years, fall line, crazy stuff, and put on some armor and just have a fun day, knowing that you don't have to worry about anything, the trails have been that way for years.

Sanitizing ( cleaning up/simplifying of obstacles) really torques me off, whether it's done by other riders, or more so if it's done by hikers.
here's a sad tale of trail sanitizating:
http://www.petefagerlin.com/skyline1.htm

I'll putmy soap box away now.

Irulan