trail cuts

[quiet]

I'm a MORE newb but I've been riding a while. As a MORE member what, if anything, should I do about trail cuts? If I'm not using the right words I mean where people make their own short cuts in a trail. For example, near the beginning of the Fountainhead trail where the up-hill switchback is cut. Should I do something about it, or leave it until a trail-maintenace day? I'm not suggesting confronting people who make the cuts, just thought maybe block it off so others aren't tempted. I was just wondering.

[Widebody Driver]

That spot has been a recurring problem. We built the switchback there primarily to eliminate erosion problems where the trail reverses direction uphill across the fall line. The added benefit was to make that section more easily rideable by less technically proficient riders.

The erosion problem seems to have been solved. Although the trail seems, to me, to be quite rideable there, we continue to have problems with people taking a shortcut.

Feel free, when you see evidence of the shortcut, to obliterate it. Covering it with leaves and deadfall will hide it (for a while :mad: ).

I suspect that most people who take the shortcut just haven't been enlightened on trail etiquette. There are ways that they can be educated that are non-confrontational.

Generally speaking, I always appreciate minor acts of trail maintenance. In fact, if you're eager to do more serious trail maintenance, keep October 19th open...the first (of two) maintenance days at Fountainhead.

Stu Moulton
Fountainhead Liaison

[quiet]

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely be at the Fountainhead trail-maintenance days.