The Grand Canyon National Park is a treasured part of the American landscape that draws an enormous crowd each year. In 2004, there were 1,336,505 vehicles counted at the South Rim alone. Because of the extensive crowd of visitors each year, particularly in the summer, it is necessary to enforce regulations that maintain the safety of the visitors, while preserving the area for future crowds.
Recently, the Arizona Trail has been symbolically finished with the hammering of a golden stake. With about 800 miles of non-motorized trail from
However, “Bicycles are not allowed on any rim hiking (foot) trails or on any trail below the rims.� (GRNP 1988 Backcountry Management Plan, Section H (15), Page 12). Trails in the canyon are incredibly steep and narrow, and well used. Rules like this are intended to ensure the safety of trail users, and in wilderness areas, to prevent environmental impact. Bikes can potentially damage the soil and cause erosion which has a lasting and negative impact on the environment. In the Grand Canyon, the trails are crowded (especially in the summer) with mule trains and hikers each day, and with cliffs plunging hundreds of feet alongside the trail, bicyclists are incompatible with mule trains and hikers, due to the risk of spooking the animals or losing control of your bike.
Fortunately, if you are trying to complete the Arizona Trail, there are options to legally traverse the canyon with your bike.
1. There is Trans-Canyon Shuttle service that runs between the North and South Rim once each day and can carry your bike across while you hike across with the rest of your belongings. Unfortunately, there are not facilities on either side to store your bike and you will have to make arrangements for someone to pick up your bike. Reservations are required and it costs $65 dollars to get your bike across. Call 928-638-2820. This is not an option during the winter season.
2. It is possible to hike your bike (strapped onto your back) across the canyon without ever letting the wheels touch the ground across the canyon as well. It is advisable to get in touch with the backcountry ranger’s office if you are going to attempt this. It is possible they can help facilitate your needs and steer you in the right direction so you do not violate any park regulations.
3. There is also a (paved) 171 mile detour around the canyon that is possible. These roads are considered dangerous by most cyclists.
You can get in very serious trouble for violating the National Park Regulations. In 1995, 5 cyclists from Sedona got caught red-handed riding their bikes down the North Kaibab Trail. They were apprehended, searched and found to have marijuana and illegal mushrooms. A helicopter evacuated them out of the park and they had to pay 240 dollars for the helicopter ride. This made national headlines. With a plea bargain, they got the drug charges dropped and a 250 dollar fine was suspended. They were forced to give up their bicycles, which are said to still be down in the ranger’s station on rollers.
            The Riding the Spine team was also caught riding their bikes in the canyon, and camping without a permit (Class B Misdemeanors). Two undercover federal agents followed us to the 24 Hours in Old Pueblo race to serve us a summons. We are required to donate $500 dollars to Grand Canyon Search & Rescue Fund, spend 2 days in jail, we will have 5 years of unsupervised probation, and we will be banned from all National Parks for 5 years as well.
               During the 5 year probationary period we are not allowed to use any images or descriptions of biking/camping in the Grand Canyon on any internet site magazine, newspaper, or any other publication. We were required to withdraw all photographs, video footage and journal entries about riding our bikes/camping in the canyon. Furthermore, we have to publish this entry on our site describing the penalties that we incurred, as well as conveying the ethics and reasons why cycling in areas such as the Grand Canyon/wilderness areas is prohibited. The judge was also real keen on having us take a picture in front of the court and post it somewhere on the website.
I was browsing the web and came across a really thorough article on mountain bike trail ethics that I wanted to share with the readers. It comes from the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association and was posted February 8, of this year. They are located online and their web address is: http://www.copmoba.org/trail_ethics.htm.
Mountain Bike Ethics
1. STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS to avoid trampling native vegetation and fragile desert soil. Minimize potential erosion to trails by not using muddy trails or shortcutting switchbacks.
2. SHOW COURTESY AND RESPECT TO ALL TRAIL USERS. We’re all members of the trail family seeking quality experiences. We must learn to share. Our motivations are not different than those of other trail users regardless of our mode of travel. Show concern for a clean, quiet backcountry experience.
Keep the trails as natural as possible.
3. YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY TO OTHER NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONISTS, and allow adequate room for motorized vehicles that may need to pass you.
4. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION when approaching or overtaking others and make your presence known well in advance.
5. MAINTAIN CONTROL of your bike at all times.
6. DO NOT DISTURB wildlife or livestock.
7. DO NOT LITTER. Pack out what you pack in, and pack out more than your share whenever possible.
8. RESPECT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, and leave gates as you found them.
9. BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. Destination and travel speed will be determined by your ability, equipment, terrain, and the present and potential weather conditions.
10. DO NOT TRAVEL SOLO when bike packing in remote areas. Leave word of your destination and when you plan to return.
11. OBSERVE THE PRACTICE OF MINIMUM IMPACT BICYCLING by “taking only pictures and memories and leaving only waffleprints.”
12. USE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Enjoy the trails and remember to keep the singletrack single!
oulala!
tough, they don’t play around in the states ey? listen, I think your travel is an elation for people not a crime; c’mon, how many million cars in 2004 around the canyon, THAT is the real crime. it’s probably true that your dead would have given ideas to a few bikers or campers, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be as bad for the canyon than the pack of cars that come pollute the area. good luck to you guys, you have all my and many others’ support, I hope you get over this and keep going; south America will be awesome, looking forward to the next posts.
oulala!
tough, they don’t play around in the states ey? listen, I think your travel is an elation for people not a crime; c’mon, how many million cars in 2004 around the canyon, THAT is the real crime. it’s probably true that your dead would have given ideas to a few bikers or campers, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be as bad for the canyon than the pack of cars that come pollute the area. good luck to you guys, you have all my and many others’ support, I hope you get over this and keep going; south America will be awesome, looking forward to the next posts.
oulala!
tough, they don’t play around in the states ey? listen, I think your travel is an elation for people not a crime; c’mon, how many million cars in 2004 around the canyon, THAT is the real crime. it’s probably true that your dead would have given ideas to a few bikers or campers, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be as bad for the canyon than the pack of cars that come pollute the area. good luck to you guys, you have all my and many others’ support, I hope you get over this and keep going; south America will be awesome, looking forward to the next posts.
“Bikes can potentially damage the soil and cause erosion which has a lasting and negative impact on the environment.”
This is a misrepresentation. A large body of research indicates that bikes, ridden responsibly, have less impact on soils than boots or hooves.
“Bikes can potentially damage the soil and cause erosion which has a lasting and negative impact on the environment.”
This is a misrepresentation. A large body of research indicates that bikes, ridden responsibly, have less impact on soils than boots or hooves.
“Bikes can potentially damage the soil and cause erosion which has a lasting and negative impact on the environment.”
This is a misrepresentation. A large body of research indicates that bikes, ridden responsibly, have less impact on soils than boots or hooves.
We saw nothing. We heard nothing and we know nothing. Good luck guys. T.J. and Will
We saw nothing. We heard nothing and we know nothing. Good luck guys. T.J. and Will
We saw nothing. We heard nothing and we know nothing. Good luck guys. T.J. and Will
Bummer! I’m glad it all worked out alright though. Let’s try to avoid legal issues in Mexico… I hear the federals can be a little more difficult to work with.
Bummer! I’m glad it all worked out alright though. Let’s try to avoid legal issues in Mexico… I hear the federals can be a little more difficult to work with.
Bummer! I’m glad it all worked out alright though. Let’s try to avoid legal issues in Mexico… I hear the federals can be a little more difficult to work with.
Hello,
I have mountain biked from Mexico to Utah using parts of the Arizona Trail on two separate occasions. Both times I crossed the Grand Canyon by foot, with my bicycle attached to my pack. Approaching the canyon by bike, on quiet forest paths, then crossing it under my own power was an amazingly rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.
I want to thank the folks at the NPS for allowing bicycles in the canyon. This makes an unsupported Arizona Trail thru-ride possible. Some of us don’t like the idea of shuttling bikes around the canyon. Indeed, it is often not an option since the weather window for AZT thru-riding often results in arriving on the north rim while it is not open to vehicles. Riding 170+ paved miles around the canyon is more dangerous and not in the spirit of the cross state Arizona Trail, in my opinion.
As Jacob has outlined in his post, riding bikes in the canyon is not allowed for many reasons. I agree with those reasons (minus the “environmental damage” aspect that Mark refuted). Given this situation, I will update my Arizona Trail website with information about legal ways to thru-bike the Grand Canyon.
On my first Arizona Trail trip, Lee Blackwell and I were in contact with the NPS and backcountry office so that we were certain we were following the rules. Even with this, on both crossings I had rangers sound a false alarm thinking that I might be riding, not carrying my bike. Only when the rangers saw that my bicycle was disassembled and attached to my pack did they call off the alarm. They do indeed take enforcement of this rule very seriously.
Nevertheless, both crossings went smoothly (minus some sore shoulders and hips) and they were both a highlight of my Arizona Trail experience.
Scott Morris
Hello,
I have mountain biked from Mexico to Utah using parts of the Arizona Trail on two separate occasions. Both times I crossed the Grand Canyon by foot, with my bicycle attached to my pack. Approaching the canyon by bike, on quiet forest paths, then crossing it under my own power was an amazingly rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.
I want to thank the folks at the NPS for allowing bicycles in the canyon. This makes an unsupported Arizona Trail thru-ride possible. Some of us don’t like the idea of shuttling bikes around the canyon. Indeed, it is often not an option since the weather window for AZT thru-riding often results in arriving on the north rim while it is not open to vehicles. Riding 170+ paved miles around the canyon is more dangerous and not in the spirit of the cross state Arizona Trail, in my opinion.
As Jacob has outlined in his post, riding bikes in the canyon is not allowed for many reasons. I agree with those reasons (minus the “environmental damage” aspect that Mark refuted). Given this situation, I will update my Arizona Trail website with information about legal ways to thru-bike the Grand Canyon.
On my first Arizona Trail trip, Lee Blackwell and I were in contact with the NPS and backcountry office so that we were certain we were following the rules. Even with this, on both crossings I had rangers sound a false alarm thinking that I might be riding, not carrying my bike. Only when the rangers saw that my bicycle was disassembled and attached to my pack did they call off the alarm. They do indeed take enforcement of this rule very seriously.
Nevertheless, both crossings went smoothly (minus some sore shoulders and hips) and they were both a highlight of my Arizona Trail experience.
Scott Morris
Hello,
I have mountain biked from Mexico to Utah using parts of the Arizona Trail on two separate occasions. Both times I crossed the Grand Canyon by foot, with my bicycle attached to my pack. Approaching the canyon by bike, on quiet forest paths, then crossing it under my own power was an amazingly rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.
I want to thank the folks at the NPS for allowing bicycles in the canyon. This makes an unsupported Arizona Trail thru-ride possible. Some of us don’t like the idea of shuttling bikes around the canyon. Indeed, it is often not an option since the weather window for AZT thru-riding often results in arriving on the north rim while it is not open to vehicles. Riding 170+ paved miles around the canyon is more dangerous and not in the spirit of the cross state Arizona Trail, in my opinion.
As Jacob has outlined in his post, riding bikes in the canyon is not allowed for many reasons. I agree with those reasons (minus the “environmental damage” aspect that Mark refuted). Given this situation, I will update my Arizona Trail website with information about legal ways to thru-bike the Grand Canyon.
On my first Arizona Trail trip, Lee Blackwell and I were in contact with the NPS and backcountry office so that we were certain we were following the rules. Even with this, on both crossings I had rangers sound a false alarm thinking that I might be riding, not carrying my bike. Only when the rangers saw that my bicycle was disassembled and attached to my pack did they call off the alarm. They do indeed take enforcement of this rule very seriously.
Nevertheless, both crossings went smoothly (minus some sore shoulders and hips) and they were both a highlight of my Arizona Trail experience.
Scott Morris
TREEHOUSES ARE ILLEGAL ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
BIKES ARE BAD AND CAUSE EROSION
nevermind the spreading pavement that neatly collects all the water and sends it into a too small drainaged. Or the skyscraping eco naz nature center and its banks of chemical toilets……REALLY GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
Thank equal opportunity for all the RETARD RANGERS
that think what you did is a serious problem
YOU GUYS SHOULD GO TO THE PRINCIPALS OFFICE and there should be serious reperations to that CU%$ rangerette that
obviously had a stick up her a%$ or her man-gina.
Pushing a bike, or riding it only on the flats is going to do serious damage to the envrionment that can’t be repaired or be even noticed in a few months time.
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED
TREEHOUSES ARE ILLEGAL ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
BIKES ARE BAD AND CAUSE EROSION
nevermind the spreading pavement that neatly collects all the water and sends it into a too small drainaged. Or the skyscraping eco naz nature center and its banks of chemical toilets……REALLY GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
Thank equal opportunity for all the RETARD RANGERS
that think what you did is a serious problem
YOU GUYS SHOULD GO TO THE PRINCIPALS OFFICE and there should be serious reperations to that CU%$ rangerette that
obviously had a stick up her a%$ or her man-gina.
Pushing a bike, or riding it only on the flats is going to do serious damage to the envrionment that can’t be repaired or be even noticed in a few months time.
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED
TREEHOUSES ARE ILLEGAL ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
BIKES ARE BAD AND CAUSE EROSION
nevermind the spreading pavement that neatly collects all the water and sends it into a too small drainaged. Or the skyscraping eco naz nature center and its banks of chemical toilets……REALLY GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
Thank equal opportunity for all the RETARD RANGERS
that think what you did is a serious problem
YOU GUYS SHOULD GO TO THE PRINCIPALS OFFICE and there should be serious reperations to that CU%$ rangerette that
obviously had a stick up her a%$ or her man-gina.
Pushing a bike, or riding it only on the flats is going to do serious damage to the envrionment that can’t be repaired or be even noticed in a few months time.
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED
I was sorry to hear about your troubles. It seems to me that a cross country traveler must at times bend the requirements of the laws (like camping) and be tolerated by those that enforce them. It seems to me that the punishment was excessive. By comparison, my truck was recently totaled by a driver who ran a red light: his fine was $500, no supervision. I could have been killed. How does that compare to what you did?
good luck on the rest of the journey. I’ll be reading along.
I was sorry to hear about your troubles. It seems to me that a cross country traveler must at times bend the requirements of the laws (like camping) and be tolerated by those that enforce them. It seems to me that the punishment was excessive. By comparison, my truck was recently totaled by a driver who ran a red light: his fine was $500, no supervision. I could have been killed. How does that compare to what you did?
good luck on the rest of the journey. I’ll be reading along.
I was sorry to hear about your troubles. It seems to me that a cross country traveler must at times bend the requirements of the laws (like camping) and be tolerated by those that enforce them. It seems to me that the punishment was excessive. By comparison, my truck was recently totaled by a driver who ran a red light: his fine was $500, no supervision. I could have been killed. How does that compare to what you did?
good luck on the rest of the journey. I’ll be reading along.
I cant believe they wasted the resources sending someone to the Kona Old Pueblo 24! I participated in the Kona 24. You guys were a lot of help I noticed you help dig the retention for the showers, direct the hords of campers to the open camping sites and I am sure many thing I did not see. Wish the judge would take all the work into consideration. Keep updating your travels. A lot of us are following your travels. Watch out for the Federalies they make the rules up as they go. Good riding and safe travels.
I cant believe they wasted the resources sending someone to the Kona Old Pueblo 24! I participated in the Kona 24. You guys were a lot of help I noticed you help dig the retention for the showers, direct the hords of campers to the open camping sites and I am sure many thing I did not see. Wish the judge would take all the work into consideration. Keep updating your travels. A lot of us are following your travels. Watch out for the Federalies they make the rules up as they go. Good riding and safe travels.
I cant believe they wasted the resources sending someone to the Kona Old Pueblo 24! I participated in the Kona 24. You guys were a lot of help I noticed you help dig the retention for the showers, direct the hords of campers to the open camping sites and I am sure many thing I did not see. Wish the judge would take all the work into consideration. Keep updating your travels. A lot of us are following your travels. Watch out for the Federalies they make the rules up as they go. Good riding and safe travels.
wow. so things are cleared up enough to get back on the road, right? i sure hope so. i’ve been pretty darn stoked to follow along with your adventure and hope you are able to pursue it as long as you want. keep us posted.
…& may the wind be at your back.
McD
wow. so things are cleared up enough to get back on the road, right? i sure hope so. i’ve been pretty darn stoked to follow along with your adventure and hope you are able to pursue it as long as you want. keep us posted.
…& may the wind be at your back.
McD
wow. so things are cleared up enough to get back on the road, right? i sure hope so. i’ve been pretty darn stoked to follow along with your adventure and hope you are able to pursue it as long as you want. keep us posted.
…& may the wind be at your back.
McD
hey i think its really cool wat u guys r doing it sounds like alot of fun and i hope u guys have a great time biking the whole way.i was also thinking of doing something like your trip with some of my friemds
hey i think its really cool wat u guys r doing it sounds like alot of fun and i hope u guys have a great time biking the whole way.i was also thinking of doing something like your trip with some of my friemds
hey i think its really cool wat u guys r doing it sounds like alot of fun and i hope u guys have a great time biking the whole way.i was also thinking of doing something like your trip with some of my friemds
At least you three got a warm bed and meals for a couple of days 🙂 !!!!!
At least you three got a warm bed and meals for a couple of days 🙂 !!!!!
At least you three got a warm bed and meals for a couple of days 🙂 !!!!!
roflmao, dumbest rule ever, what a huge piece of sh!t.America only, no offense.
roflmao, dumbest rule ever, what a huge piece of sh!t.America only, no offense.
roflmao, dumbest rule ever, what a huge piece of sh!t.America only, no offense.
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As a cyclist who also hikes the Grand Canyon fairly frequently, I feel for you guys to some extent, but have to agree that biking into the Grand Canyon is not a good idea- the trails are challenging and steep for an experienced hiker, and you would be off your bike frequently to negotiate them! Those rules are really for your protection (as well as the protection of others- and those of you who think it’s TEH SUXX0R really don’t know what the $#%@^ you are talking about). Come back and hike the Canyon when your prob is over-
As a cyclist who also hikes the Grand Canyon fairly frequently, I feel for you guys to some extent, but have to agree that biking into the Grand Canyon is not a good idea- the trails are challenging and steep for an experienced hiker, and you would be off your bike frequently to negotiate them! Those rules are really for your protection (as well as the protection of others- and those of you who think it’s TEH SUXX0R really don’t know what the $#%@^ you are talking about). Come back and hike the Canyon when your prob is over-
As a cyclist who also hikes the Grand Canyon fairly frequently, I feel for you guys to some extent, but have to agree that biking into the Grand Canyon is not a good idea- the trails are challenging and steep for an experienced hiker, and you would be off your bike frequently to negotiate them! Those rules are really for your protection (as well as the protection of others- and those of you who think it’s TEH SUXX0R really don’t know what the $#%@^ you are talking about). Come back and hike the Canyon when your prob is over-
Why can’t Grand Canyon N.P. expand on the rules for cyclists enforced by Glacier N.P. (cyclists off certain sections from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm)? If rangers are so keen on tracking down scofflaws, why can’t they put that same energy into providing escorted crossings of the canyon? The mule trains require a trail boss. They can do the same for cyclists.
Why can’t Grand Canyon N.P. expand on the rules for cyclists enforced by Glacier N.P. (cyclists off certain sections from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm)? If rangers are so keen on tracking down scofflaws, why can’t they put that same energy into providing escorted crossings of the canyon? The mule trains require a trail boss. They can do the same for cyclists.
Why can’t Grand Canyon N.P. expand on the rules for cyclists enforced by Glacier N.P. (cyclists off certain sections from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm)? If rangers are so keen on tracking down scofflaws, why can’t they put that same energy into providing escorted crossings of the canyon? The mule trains require a trail boss. They can do the same for cyclists.
“Let our people travel light and free on their bicycles”. — Edward Abbey
“Let our people travel light and free on their bicycles”. — Edward Abbey
“Let our people travel light and free on their bicycles”. — Edward Abbey
Guys,
I am a long-time mountain biker from AZ and CO and I totally respect the ride and the endurance it takes to do what you are doing, as well as the exhileration of the journey and the fact you are sharing your notes with the world.
I am also a very experienced Grand canyon hiker and even spent a summer rebuilding the Bright Angel Trail with a forect crew. Having said this, I hope you learned a valuable lesson getting busted in the Canyon, and are not smirking about it over beers. Camping without a permit is one thing, but digging treads into the trail and thereby inviting every yahoo in the world to follow your lead, whether or not they know what they are doing is a disgraceful, ghorrible thing for any so-called environmental activists to do. Its like batting a seal or pissing oil into the Arctic refuge.
This is a very fragile aand overpoulated park as it is. I know you feel the sting of the law on this one, but don’t think the Spirits of the havasupai aren’t going to fix your Karma if you don’t do it yourselves- you really f***cked up and created a dangerous impression for others to follow.
I trust you guys are really sorry fopr what you did, and will work hard to protect the Canyon as well as other amazing places along your journey. I suggest you never, ever even think of smirking about how you got away with this one, and make a donation and web link to the Grand Canyon Trust. Let’s see if you have the cajones.
Best Wishes and Safe Journey! Be really careful in Mexico, escpecially on the border! I suggest you don’t even think of camping out within 100 miles of the border without a police and media escort- it is really that dangerous now.
Guys,
I am a long-time mountain biker from AZ and CO and I totally respect the ride and the endurance it takes to do what you are doing, as well as the exhileration of the journey and the fact you are sharing your notes with the world.
I am also a very experienced Grand canyon hiker and even spent a summer rebuilding the Bright Angel Trail with a forect crew. Having said this, I hope you learned a valuable lesson getting busted in the Canyon, and are not smirking about it over beers. Camping without a permit is one thing, but digging treads into the trail and thereby inviting every yahoo in the world to follow your lead, whether or not they know what they are doing is a disgraceful, ghorrible thing for any so-called environmental activists to do. Its like batting a seal or pissing oil into the Arctic refuge.
This is a very fragile aand overpoulated park as it is. I know you feel the sting of the law on this one, but don’t think the Spirits of the havasupai aren’t going to fix your Karma if you don’t do it yourselves- you really f***cked up and created a dangerous impression for others to follow.
I trust you guys are really sorry fopr what you did, and will work hard to protect the Canyon as well as other amazing places along your journey. I suggest you never, ever even think of smirking about how you got away with this one, and make a donation and web link to the Grand Canyon Trust. Let’s see if you have the cajones.
Best Wishes and Safe Journey! Be really careful in Mexico, escpecially on the border! I suggest you don’t even think of camping out within 100 miles of the border without a police and media escort- it is really that dangerous now.
Guys,
I am a long-time mountain biker from AZ and CO and I totally respect the ride and the endurance it takes to do what you are doing, as well as the exhileration of the journey and the fact you are sharing your notes with the world.
I am also a very experienced Grand canyon hiker and even spent a summer rebuilding the Bright Angel Trail with a forect crew. Having said this, I hope you learned a valuable lesson getting busted in the Canyon, and are not smirking about it over beers. Camping without a permit is one thing, but digging treads into the trail and thereby inviting every yahoo in the world to follow your lead, whether or not they know what they are doing is a disgraceful, ghorrible thing for any so-called environmental activists to do. Its like batting a seal or pissing oil into the Arctic refuge.
This is a very fragile aand overpoulated park as it is. I know you feel the sting of the law on this one, but don’t think the Spirits of the havasupai aren’t going to fix your Karma if you don’t do it yourselves- you really f***cked up and created a dangerous impression for others to follow.
I trust you guys are really sorry fopr what you did, and will work hard to protect the Canyon as well as other amazing places along your journey. I suggest you never, ever even think of smirking about how you got away with this one, and make a donation and web link to the Grand Canyon Trust. Let’s see if you have the cajones.
Best Wishes and Safe Journey! Be really careful in Mexico, escpecially on the border! I suggest you don’t even think of camping out within 100 miles of the border without a police and media escort- it is really that dangerous now.
For those who don’t know- Ed Abbey tried to subdivide his last property pbefore he died an alcoholic in Tucson. Don’t be HYPOCRITICAL and say you are an outdoors lover if you can’t follow some basic rules to protect what you love! This is not aimed at the spine riders who learned their lessons as much as the tyhoughtless big-city Yahoos who think its cool to move every inch of dirt around and leave it a mess for the next generation.
And because of this escapade, don’t even expect any more lenient action on the part of Government. Parks are overrrun and under-staffed. they will make it harder, not easier if people keep blowing off the rules.
It only takes a couple of yahoos to ruin it for the rest of us- don’t be one of them!
For those who don’t know- Ed Abbey tried to subdivide his last property pbefore he died an alcoholic in Tucson. Don’t be HYPOCRITICAL and say you are an outdoors lover if you can’t follow some basic rules to protect what you love! This is not aimed at the spine riders who learned their lessons as much as the tyhoughtless big-city Yahoos who think its cool to move every inch of dirt around and leave it a mess for the next generation.
And because of this escapade, don’t even expect any more lenient action on the part of Government. Parks are overrrun and under-staffed. they will make it harder, not easier if people keep blowing off the rules.
It only takes a couple of yahoos to ruin it for the rest of us- don’t be one of them!
For those who don’t know- Ed Abbey tried to subdivide his last property pbefore he died an alcoholic in Tucson. Don’t be HYPOCRITICAL and say you are an outdoors lover if you can’t follow some basic rules to protect what you love! This is not aimed at the spine riders who learned their lessons as much as the tyhoughtless big-city Yahoos who think its cool to move every inch of dirt around and leave it a mess for the next generation.
And because of this escapade, don’t even expect any more lenient action on the part of Government. Parks are overrrun and under-staffed. they will make it harder, not easier if people keep blowing off the rules.
It only takes a couple of yahoos to ruin it for the rest of us- don’t be one of them!
Pingback: Biking Bis - Bicycle Touring and More
Pingback: Biking Bis - Bicycle Touring and More
Pingback: Biking Bis - Bicycle Touring and More
Hey do you have the GPS coordinates for mountain biking the Grand Canyon North Rim to the South Rim? LOL – just kidding!
You now can proudly say you folks were the first to bike the Grand Canyon!
Funny thing is that they allow mules on the trails!!!
Bravo!
Hey do you have the GPS coordinates for mountain biking the Grand Canyon North Rim to the South Rim? LOL – just kidding!
You now can proudly say you folks were the first to bike the Grand Canyon!
Funny thing is that they allow mules on the trails!!!
Bravo!
Hey do you have the GPS coordinates for mountain biking the Grand Canyon North Rim to the South Rim? LOL – just kidding!
You now can proudly say you folks were the first to bike the Grand Canyon!
Funny thing is that they allow mules on the trails!!!
Bravo!
Whatever people’s feelings or opinions may be, what it all really comes down to is this: DID YOU BREAK THE LAW OR NOT? Seems to me that willfully violating the posted laws is asking for trouble, even if you don’t like the laws.
Good luck on your trip, and stay out of trouble.
Whatever people’s feelings or opinions may be, what it all really comes down to is this: DID YOU BREAK THE LAW OR NOT? Seems to me that willfully violating the posted laws is asking for trouble, even if you don’t like the laws.
Good luck on your trip, and stay out of trouble.
Whatever people’s feelings or opinions may be, what it all really comes down to is this: DID YOU BREAK THE LAW OR NOT? Seems to me that willfully violating the posted laws is asking for trouble, even if you don’t like the laws.
Good luck on your trip, and stay out of trouble.
Agreed that the mules do damage too. Part of the long history of the Canyon and they were there before mountain bikes were invented. There is a sordid history of greed (including a poisoned spring) in the Canyon where men try to rule- but the Canyon always wins. Except for the Supai Tribe who are ancestral to the area and live like happy hobbits at the bottom.
Anyway, I am looking forward to your writings from the border- which is a whole other crazy ball game and a hot topic in AZ today. Cuidado Hombres y Buena Suerte
Agreed that the mules do damage too. Part of the long history of the Canyon and they were there before mountain bikes were invented. There is a sordid history of greed (including a poisoned spring) in the Canyon where men try to rule- but the Canyon always wins. Except for the Supai Tribe who are ancestral to the area and live like happy hobbits at the bottom.
Anyway, I am looking forward to your writings from the border- which is a whole other crazy ball game and a hot topic in AZ today. Cuidado Hombres y Buena Suerte
Agreed that the mules do damage too. Part of the long history of the Canyon and they were there before mountain bikes were invented. There is a sordid history of greed (including a poisoned spring) in the Canyon where men try to rule- but the Canyon always wins. Except for the Supai Tribe who are ancestral to the area and live like happy hobbits at the bottom.
Anyway, I am looking forward to your writings from the border- which is a whole other crazy ball game and a hot topic in AZ today. Cuidado Hombres y Buena Suerte
Whao dudes,
Those who make the laws are not always right.
Even Jesus got arrested. Hope Gods green earth is good to you south of the border.
Rock on y buenos suerte!
Whao dudes,
Those who make the laws are not always right.
Even Jesus got arrested. Hope Gods green earth is good to you south of the border.
Rock on y buenos suerte!
Whao dudes,
Those who make the laws are not always right.
Even Jesus got arrested. Hope Gods green earth is good to you south of the border.
Rock on y buenos suerte!
i’ve ridden my road bike cross country and my mtn. bike on the az trail. i’ve backpacked in the wonderous grand canyon.
hopefully the spine guys get it.
hopefully they learned something about wilderness.
wilderness is america’s greatest treasure.
wilderness needs as much protection as possible,
as well as greater appreciation.
maybe next time the guys visit the canyon they will slow down, learn about the canyon, and savor the beauty. good luck fellas.
i’ve ridden my road bike cross country and my mtn. bike on the az trail. i’ve backpacked in the wonderous grand canyon.
hopefully the spine guys get it.
hopefully they learned something about wilderness.
wilderness is america’s greatest treasure.
wilderness needs as much protection as possible,
as well as greater appreciation.
maybe next time the guys visit the canyon they will slow down, learn about the canyon, and savor the beauty. good luck fellas.
i’ve ridden my road bike cross country and my mtn. bike on the az trail. i’ve backpacked in the wonderous grand canyon.
hopefully the spine guys get it.
hopefully they learned something about wilderness.
wilderness is america’s greatest treasure.
wilderness needs as much protection as possible,
as well as greater appreciation.
maybe next time the guys visit the canyon they will slow down, learn about the canyon, and savor the beauty. good luck fellas.
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Pingback: VIDEO UPDATE: Police investigate arsons, two arrested in El Tri riot case, Santa Cruz bikers ride into trouble at the Grand Canyon | Sentinel Multimedia | Santa Cruz Sentinel
Pingback: VIDEO UPDATE: Police investigate arsons, two arrested in El Tri riot case, Santa Cruz bikers ride into trouble at the Grand Canyon | Sentinel Multimedia | Santa Cruz Sentinel
Since you started so far north, you probably reviewed your journey and educated yourself on where you can go and where you can’t go even before you began.
I assume you knew the rules and chose to blow them off.
And you were caught.
As for all the whiners about how cars cause more damage than mountainbikes ought to spend a little more time building mountainbiking trails like I do and a little less on the Web.
As for all the hard work you did at Kona, well, everyone else who was working got paid. Unless you volunteered for the gig, I don’t think your work there deserves a merit badge.
And frankly, the punishment was fair. $500 and stay from national parks for a few years ought to teach you a lesson about rules.
Myself, I’m jealous you’re doing what you’re doing. That’s great for you; just respect the law and you shouldn’t have to go through this again.
Frankly, I don’t get to pedal everywhere I want to either; but I don’t complain much about it.
Since you started so far north, you probably reviewed your journey and educated yourself on where you can go and where you can’t go even before you began.
I assume you knew the rules and chose to blow them off.
And you were caught.
As for all the whiners about how cars cause more damage than mountainbikes ought to spend a little more time building mountainbiking trails like I do and a little less on the Web.
As for all the hard work you did at Kona, well, everyone else who was working got paid. Unless you volunteered for the gig, I don’t think your work there deserves a merit badge.
And frankly, the punishment was fair. $500 and stay from national parks for a few years ought to teach you a lesson about rules.
Myself, I’m jealous you’re doing what you’re doing. That’s great for you; just respect the law and you shouldn’t have to go through this again.
Frankly, I don’t get to pedal everywhere I want to either; but I don’t complain much about it.
Since you started so far north, you probably reviewed your journey and educated yourself on where you can go and where you can’t go even before you began.
I assume you knew the rules and chose to blow them off.
And you were caught.
As for all the whiners about how cars cause more damage than mountainbikes ought to spend a little more time building mountainbiking trails like I do and a little less on the Web.
As for all the hard work you did at Kona, well, everyone else who was working got paid. Unless you volunteered for the gig, I don’t think your work there deserves a merit badge.
And frankly, the punishment was fair. $500 and stay from national parks for a few years ought to teach you a lesson about rules.
Myself, I’m jealous you’re doing what you’re doing. That’s great for you; just respect the law and you shouldn’t have to go through this again.
Frankly, I don’t get to pedal everywhere I want to either; but I don’t complain much about it.
I am an old ex bicyclist tourer I am amazed of the stupidity of modern cyclist,traveling alone,wearing dark clothes,in mountain shadows where visibility in summer or winter blinds drivers. There are roads where bikes don’t belong, Hwy 9 near Santa Cruz. Common sense is necessary to avoid tradegy.
I am an old ex bicyclist tourer I am amazed of the stupidity of modern cyclist,traveling alone,wearing dark clothes,in mountain shadows where visibility in summer or winter blinds drivers. There are roads where bikes don’t belong, Hwy 9 near Santa Cruz. Common sense is necessary to avoid tradegy.
I am an old ex bicyclist tourer I am amazed of the stupidity of modern cyclist,traveling alone,wearing dark clothes,in mountain shadows where visibility in summer or winter blinds drivers. There are roads where bikes don’t belong, Hwy 9 near Santa Cruz. Common sense is necessary to avoid tradegy.
Bikes, when ridden by most mtbikers do NOT increase erosion more than horse and mule hooves, that’s for sure. The National Park’s hardline stance against riding on trails is frustrating to say the least, especially when you know what you’re doing and you will not cause harm.
With that said, it is unfortunate that a great deal of riders and tourists in general are accidents waiting to happen, so the parks have to play it safe and not let anybody ride so they can avoid lawsuits by hikers who would be knocked into the Canyon when a group of Midwest tourists came down the trail, chugging mountain dew and destroying the place. A lot of people riding mtbikes these days have the wrong idea about things and don’t do a good job of protecting the natural environment, they have the old, “I’m conquering nature” attitude about things and are likely to have bought the SUV and mtbike on the same day.
This is obviously not you guys however, you guys are the real deal.
The real injustice here is the terribly unreasonable punishment you guys received, not being allowed in NPS sites for 5 years. What a waste. What you did broke a few rules and is a serious matter but you are not a threat to NPS and should be allowed to experience the parks. Too bad you couldn’t trade the ban for a thoughtful and productive time spent working off your debts to the parks in some beneficial way.
You didn’t mean any harm, but you got to pay the price. Don’t let this incident jade you though. Learn from it and keep on your journey, be safe and keep being positive.
Bikes, when ridden by most mtbikers do NOT increase erosion more than horse and mule hooves, that’s for sure. The National Park’s hardline stance against riding on trails is frustrating to say the least, especially when you know what you’re doing and you will not cause harm.
With that said, it is unfortunate that a great deal of riders and tourists in general are accidents waiting to happen, so the parks have to play it safe and not let anybody ride so they can avoid lawsuits by hikers who would be knocked into the Canyon when a group of Midwest tourists came down the trail, chugging mountain dew and destroying the place. A lot of people riding mtbikes these days have the wrong idea about things and don’t do a good job of protecting the natural environment, they have the old, “I’m conquering nature” attitude about things and are likely to have bought the SUV and mtbike on the same day.
This is obviously not you guys however, you guys are the real deal.
The real injustice here is the terribly unreasonable punishment you guys received, not being allowed in NPS sites for 5 years. What a waste. What you did broke a few rules and is a serious matter but you are not a threat to NPS and should be allowed to experience the parks. Too bad you couldn’t trade the ban for a thoughtful and productive time spent working off your debts to the parks in some beneficial way.
You didn’t mean any harm, but you got to pay the price. Don’t let this incident jade you though. Learn from it and keep on your journey, be safe and keep being positive.
Bikes, when ridden by most mtbikers do NOT increase erosion more than horse and mule hooves, that’s for sure. The National Park’s hardline stance against riding on trails is frustrating to say the least, especially when you know what you’re doing and you will not cause harm.
With that said, it is unfortunate that a great deal of riders and tourists in general are accidents waiting to happen, so the parks have to play it safe and not let anybody ride so they can avoid lawsuits by hikers who would be knocked into the Canyon when a group of Midwest tourists came down the trail, chugging mountain dew and destroying the place. A lot of people riding mtbikes these days have the wrong idea about things and don’t do a good job of protecting the natural environment, they have the old, “I’m conquering nature” attitude about things and are likely to have bought the SUV and mtbike on the same day.
This is obviously not you guys however, you guys are the real deal.
The real injustice here is the terribly unreasonable punishment you guys received, not being allowed in NPS sites for 5 years. What a waste. What you did broke a few rules and is a serious matter but you are not a threat to NPS and should be allowed to experience the parks. Too bad you couldn’t trade the ban for a thoughtful and productive time spent working off your debts to the parks in some beneficial way.
You didn’t mean any harm, but you got to pay the price. Don’t let this incident jade you though. Learn from it and keep on your journey, be safe and keep being positive.
thanks for doing that guys…It is interesting to see everybody’s reaction to this and i can only hope in the future that back country mountain biking in our national parks will be just as embraced as hiking
a few pints are on me if you roll through Tempe on your way south
ride well.
thanks for doing that guys…It is interesting to see everybody’s reaction to this and i can only hope in the future that back country mountain biking in our national parks will be just as embraced as hiking
a few pints are on me if you roll through Tempe on your way south
ride well.
thanks for doing that guys…It is interesting to see everybody’s reaction to this and i can only hope in the future that back country mountain biking in our national parks will be just as embraced as hiking
a few pints are on me if you roll through Tempe on your way south
ride well.
I see this action as a total slap in the face for those of us that work our asses off trying to get LEGAL mountain bike access to even dirt roads in national parks. What an arrogant attitude. In addition to jail time and fines, what about five years spent lobby congress on bike advocacy issues?
I see this action as a total slap in the face for those of us that work our asses off trying to get LEGAL mountain bike access to even dirt roads in national parks. What an arrogant attitude. In addition to jail time and fines, what about five years spent lobby congress on bike advocacy issues?
I see this action as a total slap in the face for those of us that work our asses off trying to get LEGAL mountain bike access to even dirt roads in national parks. What an arrogant attitude. In addition to jail time and fines, what about five years spent lobby congress on bike advocacy issues?
Spine Riders,
I’ve been following your trip recently with mixed emotions. Largest is jealousy; I’d love to make the trip you are doing. Then there is great respect and admiration I have for you guys undertaking and completing lots of North America by mtn bike thus far. I also feel a bit of camaraderie since I’m a banana slug too. Go slugs! I enjoyed meeting Goat in the ssaz07 race last month.
Finally and unfortunately, I started to feel disappointment when I read your description (recently removed) of biking the Grand Canyon – against the NPS rules – which may not be perfect, but the rules are there to maintain a functioning arrangement between ALL trail users and the canyon ecosystems – as much as possible. In Arizona we take pride in being able to share a lot of excellent trails between multiple users, and this means sacrifices and agreements are reached between the users to keep the whole thing working. So, I also feel somewhat protective of our trail system against newbies arriving here to endanger its management structure.
I think the penalties you received are just. The judge’s requirements that you explain yourselves on your website is really progressive, and cool, in my opinion (and it will probably add greatly to your story when you write a book or lecture on your trip someday). You knew the risk of breaking the law, and your decision to do it was quite premeditated as I recall from your (now removed) earlier blog entries (belittling rangers and NPS managers was a kind of immature approach). So in the end, you got to bike the canyon which most of us will never get to do, and in return you are paying the high price for it. It was a choice you all decided to make, and you knew there could be a cost.
It seems like your team is accustomed to frictional engagement with authority (living in the redwood boughs for 4 years is quite an accomplishment), so in the grand perspective its probably not a real big deal for you anyway. When I was in SC, I got busted for mtn biking across Gray Whale Ranch (when it was still private property). I did my community service hours at the Predatory Bird Research Group on campus.
Best of luck with the rest of your trip and your upcoming engagement with the US Border Patrol. Ride on!
Spine Riders,
I’ve been following your trip recently with mixed emotions. Largest is jealousy; I’d love to make the trip you are doing. Then there is great respect and admiration I have for you guys undertaking and completing lots of North America by mtn bike thus far. I also feel a bit of camaraderie since I’m a banana slug too. Go slugs! I enjoyed meeting Goat in the ssaz07 race last month.
Finally and unfortunately, I started to feel disappointment when I read your description (recently removed) of biking the Grand Canyon – against the NPS rules – which may not be perfect, but the rules are there to maintain a functioning arrangement between ALL trail users and the canyon ecosystems – as much as possible. In Arizona we take pride in being able to share a lot of excellent trails between multiple users, and this means sacrifices and agreements are reached between the users to keep the whole thing working. So, I also feel somewhat protective of our trail system against newbies arriving here to endanger its management structure.
I think the penalties you received are just. The judge’s requirements that you explain yourselves on your website is really progressive, and cool, in my opinion (and it will probably add greatly to your story when you write a book or lecture on your trip someday). You knew the risk of breaking the law, and your decision to do it was quite premeditated as I recall from your (now removed) earlier blog entries (belittling rangers and NPS managers was a kind of immature approach). So in the end, you got to bike the canyon which most of us will never get to do, and in return you are paying the high price for it. It was a choice you all decided to make, and you knew there could be a cost.
It seems like your team is accustomed to frictional engagement with authority (living in the redwood boughs for 4 years is quite an accomplishment), so in the grand perspective its probably not a real big deal for you anyway. When I was in SC, I got busted for mtn biking across Gray Whale Ranch (when it was still private property). I did my community service hours at the Predatory Bird Research Group on campus.
Best of luck with the rest of your trip and your upcoming engagement with the US Border Patrol. Ride on!
Spine Riders,
I’ve been following your trip recently with mixed emotions. Largest is jealousy; I’d love to make the trip you are doing. Then there is great respect and admiration I have for you guys undertaking and completing lots of North America by mtn bike thus far. I also feel a bit of camaraderie since I’m a banana slug too. Go slugs! I enjoyed meeting Goat in the ssaz07 race last month.
Finally and unfortunately, I started to feel disappointment when I read your description (recently removed) of biking the Grand Canyon – against the NPS rules – which may not be perfect, but the rules are there to maintain a functioning arrangement between ALL trail users and the canyon ecosystems – as much as possible. In Arizona we take pride in being able to share a lot of excellent trails between multiple users, and this means sacrifices and agreements are reached between the users to keep the whole thing working. So, I also feel somewhat protective of our trail system against newbies arriving here to endanger its management structure.
I think the penalties you received are just. The judge’s requirements that you explain yourselves on your website is really progressive, and cool, in my opinion (and it will probably add greatly to your story when you write a book or lecture on your trip someday). You knew the risk of breaking the law, and your decision to do it was quite premeditated as I recall from your (now removed) earlier blog entries (belittling rangers and NPS managers was a kind of immature approach). So in the end, you got to bike the canyon which most of us will never get to do, and in return you are paying the high price for it. It was a choice you all decided to make, and you knew there could be a cost.
It seems like your team is accustomed to frictional engagement with authority (living in the redwood boughs for 4 years is quite an accomplishment), so in the grand perspective its probably not a real big deal for you anyway. When I was in SC, I got busted for mtn biking across Gray Whale Ranch (when it was still private property). I did my community service hours at the Predatory Bird Research Group on campus.
Best of luck with the rest of your trip and your upcoming engagement with the US Border Patrol. Ride on!
As I gaze out my window at the glorious views of the Colorado National Monument (Grand Junction,CO), I can only be thankful for all the rules the NPS so stridently enforce in our little neck of the woods. I live within .25 miles of the park and without a defined set of rules, we would loose what we hold so dearly. So what if I can’t walk my dog in the Monument? Who cares if I need to ride my bike on BLM land or in the National Forest? The characteristics that make these places unique must be protected. This is my home. Please respect that. We have many other opportunities available for our outdoor activities. Just leave the National Parks alone.
As I gaze out my window at the glorious views of the Colorado National Monument (Grand Junction,CO), I can only be thankful for all the rules the NPS so stridently enforce in our little neck of the woods. I live within .25 miles of the park and without a defined set of rules, we would loose what we hold so dearly. So what if I can’t walk my dog in the Monument? Who cares if I need to ride my bike on BLM land or in the National Forest? The characteristics that make these places unique must be protected. This is my home. Please respect that. We have many other opportunities available for our outdoor activities. Just leave the National Parks alone.
As I gaze out my window at the glorious views of the Colorado National Monument (Grand Junction,CO), I can only be thankful for all the rules the NPS so stridently enforce in our little neck of the woods. I live within .25 miles of the park and without a defined set of rules, we would loose what we hold so dearly. So what if I can’t walk my dog in the Monument? Who cares if I need to ride my bike on BLM land or in the National Forest? The characteristics that make these places unique must be protected. This is my home. Please respect that. We have many other opportunities available for our outdoor activities. Just leave the National Parks alone.
I’m an avid cyclist–road mostly, but mtb too. I can even see the attraction. But in the last 20 years of hiking GC, using the main crossing trails to get to the backcountry, I’ve come to dread them because of the yahoos–rock-throwers, trail cutters, illegal campers, non-permit hikers, squirrel-feeding families. Every form of don’t-know-the-rules or don’t-care-about-the-rules. I also know how fragile that area is and that any kind of illegal camping or anything off-trail destroyed something. The trails themselves are battered by people and mules, so they can take it. The ride sounds like a stunt. For the “environment”? Come on. A stunt’s a stunt. If you get caught, deal with it. I actually wish the rangers would pay as much attention to some of the other issues there, but I know there aren’t enough of them. I think I could actually see the appeal of the stunt–but only if I didn’t know anything or care at all about Grand Canyon. But I do.
I’m an avid cyclist–road mostly, but mtb too. I can even see the attraction. But in the last 20 years of hiking GC, using the main crossing trails to get to the backcountry, I’ve come to dread them because of the yahoos–rock-throwers, trail cutters, illegal campers, non-permit hikers, squirrel-feeding families. Every form of don’t-know-the-rules or don’t-care-about-the-rules. I also know how fragile that area is and that any kind of illegal camping or anything off-trail destroyed something. The trails themselves are battered by people and mules, so they can take it. The ride sounds like a stunt. For the “environment”? Come on. A stunt’s a stunt. If you get caught, deal with it. I actually wish the rangers would pay as much attention to some of the other issues there, but I know there aren’t enough of them. I think I could actually see the appeal of the stunt–but only if I didn’t know anything or care at all about Grand Canyon. But I do.
I’m an avid cyclist–road mostly, but mtb too. I can even see the attraction. But in the last 20 years of hiking GC, using the main crossing trails to get to the backcountry, I’ve come to dread them because of the yahoos–rock-throwers, trail cutters, illegal campers, non-permit hikers, squirrel-feeding families. Every form of don’t-know-the-rules or don’t-care-about-the-rules. I also know how fragile that area is and that any kind of illegal camping or anything off-trail destroyed something. The trails themselves are battered by people and mules, so they can take it. The ride sounds like a stunt. For the “environment”? Come on. A stunt’s a stunt. If you get caught, deal with it. I actually wish the rangers would pay as much attention to some of the other issues there, but I know there aren’t enough of them. I think I could actually see the appeal of the stunt–but only if I didn’t know anything or care at all about Grand Canyon. But I do.
I can no longer afford to enter national parks b/c of the high cost of the entrance fees. I do recall the GC natl park. I recall the foul stench of the bright angel trail. Donkey’s driven by fat asses pissing green.
I also recall the park service officers fining me without cause b/c they assumed I had camped in the grounds and pointed at some old fire pit they claimed was mine. They brought out dogs to sniff my car and a portable lab to test my tobacco.
In the end I was denied due process by the federal judge at the time(I was young and nieve). I actually had to cut the check to him, personally. I think I still have the canceled check around here somewhere.
Maybe this might have been the oppurtunity to take back your right to be in there. Sure it might be a long legal battle, all the way to the supreme court. But sooner or later, someone’s going to have to take the “feddies” on, or the only one allowed in the park will be oil drillers and tourists from countries who own U.S. treasury bonds.
I can no longer afford to enter national parks b/c of the high cost of the entrance fees. I do recall the GC natl park. I recall the foul stench of the bright angel trail. Donkey’s driven by fat asses pissing green.
I also recall the park service officers fining me without cause b/c they assumed I had camped in the grounds and pointed at some old fire pit they claimed was mine. They brought out dogs to sniff my car and a portable lab to test my tobacco.
In the end I was denied due process by the federal judge at the time(I was young and nieve). I actually had to cut the check to him, personally. I think I still have the canceled check around here somewhere.
Maybe this might have been the oppurtunity to take back your right to be in there. Sure it might be a long legal battle, all the way to the supreme court. But sooner or later, someone’s going to have to take the “feddies” on, or the only one allowed in the park will be oil drillers and tourists from countries who own U.S. treasury bonds.
I can no longer afford to enter national parks b/c of the high cost of the entrance fees. I do recall the GC natl park. I recall the foul stench of the bright angel trail. Donkey’s driven by fat asses pissing green.
I also recall the park service officers fining me without cause b/c they assumed I had camped in the grounds and pointed at some old fire pit they claimed was mine. They brought out dogs to sniff my car and a portable lab to test my tobacco.
In the end I was denied due process by the federal judge at the time(I was young and nieve). I actually had to cut the check to him, personally. I think I still have the canceled check around here somewhere.
Maybe this might have been the oppurtunity to take back your right to be in there. Sure it might be a long legal battle, all the way to the supreme court. But sooner or later, someone’s going to have to take the “feddies” on, or the only one allowed in the park will be oil drillers and tourists from countries who own U.S. treasury bonds.
I LOVE RULES
LET GOVERNMENT HAND THEM DOWN
WITHOUT OUR BENEVOLENT AND WONDERFULL OVERLORDS
WE HAVE NOTHING.
its sad to see such a volume of response saying you got what
you desere. “come on guys ben dover and take it and play by the rules….its really in everyones best interest”
this kind of talk must come from some kind of pheminized neo fecal matter.. can’t they see The system is flawed. Well slavery of mankind must be a willing choice in this day and age. I mean if you told a ngr in the 1800’s well rules are rules, you can’t help but think that they would feel it was deeply wrong. i mean really.
and here people are condoning….they must be the kind of overseer who sucks from the governments tit…status quo
I hope hoards of masked metal cowboys pedal their asses thru that big old piece of erosion totin six guns…and that all NP and NM are once again wastelands.
I LOVE RULES
LET GOVERNMENT HAND THEM DOWN
WITHOUT OUR BENEVOLENT AND WONDERFULL OVERLORDS
WE HAVE NOTHING.
its sad to see such a volume of response saying you got what
you desere. “come on guys ben dover and take it and play by the rules….its really in everyones best interest”
this kind of talk must come from some kind of pheminized neo fecal matter.. can’t they see The system is flawed. Well slavery of mankind must be a willing choice in this day and age. I mean if you told a ngr in the 1800’s well rules are rules, you can’t help but think that they would feel it was deeply wrong. i mean really.
and here people are condoning….they must be the kind of overseer who sucks from the governments tit…status quo
I hope hoards of masked metal cowboys pedal their asses thru that big old piece of erosion totin six guns…and that all NP and NM are once again wastelands.
I LOVE RULES
LET GOVERNMENT HAND THEM DOWN
WITHOUT OUR BENEVOLENT AND WONDERFULL OVERLORDS
WE HAVE NOTHING.
its sad to see such a volume of response saying you got what
you desere. “come on guys ben dover and take it and play by the rules….its really in everyones best interest”
this kind of talk must come from some kind of pheminized neo fecal matter.. can’t they see The system is flawed. Well slavery of mankind must be a willing choice in this day and age. I mean if you told a ngr in the 1800’s well rules are rules, you can’t help but think that they would feel it was deeply wrong. i mean really.
and here people are condoning….they must be the kind of overseer who sucks from the governments tit…status quo
I hope hoards of masked metal cowboys pedal their asses thru that big old piece of erosion totin six guns…and that all NP and NM are once again wastelands.
dont give the government any more power
veto everything
VOTE NO ON MORE GOVERNMENT
dont give the government any more power
veto everything
VOTE NO ON MORE GOVERNMENT
dont give the government any more power
veto everything
VOTE NO ON MORE GOVERNMENT
i hope that everything goes well on your trip. cheers maco
i hope that everything goes well on your trip. cheers maco
i hope that everything goes well on your trip. cheers maco
Is a bummer, but they should have known the risk, and likely did. We all gamble every day with evaluating risk, be it speeding in our cars, or taking a load before heading into the pub, etc. That said, I do not at all agree with the outright ban on bikes in GC on many of the trails. My view, and that of scores others involved in trail advocacy, is that 99% on the environmental damage was committed by those who built the trails. After that, it’s pretty much negligible in terms of further impacts. It seems the rules on this set of trails was reflective of public safety issues, not concerns about environmental damage. It’s really the politics of such public lands, not science. When you see the hordes – and I do mean hordes – of people in such places like GC or Yosemite, and so many others, traversing these “sensitive” trails on fat feet inside fatter boots, or trains of 1000 pound mules or horses, or staff in their 4×4 trucks, if not Caterpillar bulldozers, it’s pretty hard to get too excited about claims of environmental damage by a couple of 2.1 knobby tires rolling across trails built with steel tool and tread upon by thousands of feet, and tons of weight, over the years. Give me a break,.
Is a bummer, but they should have known the risk, and likely did. We all gamble every day with evaluating risk, be it speeding in our cars, or taking a load before heading into the pub, etc. That said, I do not at all agree with the outright ban on bikes in GC on many of the trails. My view, and that of scores others involved in trail advocacy, is that 99% on the environmental damage was committed by those who built the trails. After that, it’s pretty much negligible in terms of further impacts. It seems the rules on this set of trails was reflective of public safety issues, not concerns about environmental damage. It’s really the politics of such public lands, not science. When you see the hordes – and I do mean hordes – of people in such places like GC or Yosemite, and so many others, traversing these “sensitive” trails on fat feet inside fatter boots, or trains of 1000 pound mules or horses, or staff in their 4×4 trucks, if not Caterpillar bulldozers, it’s pretty hard to get too excited about claims of environmental damage by a couple of 2.1 knobby tires rolling across trails built with steel tool and tread upon by thousands of feet, and tons of weight, over the years. Give me a break,.
Is a bummer, but they should have known the risk, and likely did. We all gamble every day with evaluating risk, be it speeding in our cars, or taking a load before heading into the pub, etc. That said, I do not at all agree with the outright ban on bikes in GC on many of the trails. My view, and that of scores others involved in trail advocacy, is that 99% on the environmental damage was committed by those who built the trails. After that, it’s pretty much negligible in terms of further impacts. It seems the rules on this set of trails was reflective of public safety issues, not concerns about environmental damage. It’s really the politics of such public lands, not science. When you see the hordes – and I do mean hordes – of people in such places like GC or Yosemite, and so many others, traversing these “sensitive” trails on fat feet inside fatter boots, or trains of 1000 pound mules or horses, or staff in their 4×4 trucks, if not Caterpillar bulldozers, it’s pretty hard to get too excited about claims of environmental damage by a couple of 2.1 knobby tires rolling across trails built with steel tool and tread upon by thousands of feet, and tons of weight, over the years. Give me a break,.
The canyon was just a simple challenge- now get through the Mexican Border without getting shot!!!
Best wishes:
http://www.azstarnet.com/news/171899.php
(TEXT REPLACED WITH HYPERLINK BY ADMIN)
The canyon was just a simple challenge- now get through the Mexican Border without getting shot!!!
Best wishes:
http://www.azstarnet.com/news/171899.php
(TEXT REPLACED WITH HYPERLINK BY ADMIN)
The canyon was just a simple challenge- now get through the Mexican Border without getting shot!!!
Best wishes:
http://www.azstarnet.com/news/171899.php
(TEXT REPLACED WITH HYPERLINK BY ADMIN)
i think that endangering hikers by riding skinny trails in a National Park is rude, disrespectful and trashy. i dont care how fat they are. the earth is all of ours and we have to respect everyones rights to enjoy it. what makes you more important than hikers? i think it is arrogant.
i think that endangering hikers by riding skinny trails in a National Park is rude, disrespectful and trashy. i dont care how fat they are. the earth is all of ours and we have to respect everyones rights to enjoy it. what makes you more important than hikers? i think it is arrogant.
i think that endangering hikers by riding skinny trails in a National Park is rude, disrespectful and trashy. i dont care how fat they are. the earth is all of ours and we have to respect everyones rights to enjoy it. what makes you more important than hikers? i think it is arrogant.
i also think it is egotistical and ‘asking for it’ to post a video and diary on the internet for all to see bragging about it. you guys got everything you deserved.
i also think it is egotistical and ‘asking for it’ to post a video and diary on the internet for all to see bragging about it. you guys got everything you deserved.
i also think it is egotistical and ‘asking for it’ to post a video and diary on the internet for all to see bragging about it. you guys got everything you deserved.
http://www.dirtchurch.com/weblog/2007/03/we_wanna_be_fre.html#comment-62460588
http://www.dirtchurch.com/weblog/2007/03/we_wanna_be_fre.html#comment-62460588
http://www.dirtchurch.com/weblog/2007/03/we_wanna_be_fre.html#comment-62460588
Jeeze, duders. People read an AP article and freak straight the f#$k out.
Miss ya guys. Hope yer not takin’ the soapboxers too personally or gettin any more like bitter old men. Use this space to relax.
…
…
…
aaaaahhhhhhh….
There.
Jeeze, duders. People read an AP article and freak straight the f#$k out.
Miss ya guys. Hope yer not takin’ the soapboxers too personally or gettin any more like bitter old men. Use this space to relax.
…
…
…
aaaaahhhhhhh….
There.
Jeeze, duders. People read an AP article and freak straight the f#$k out.
Miss ya guys. Hope yer not takin’ the soapboxers too personally or gettin any more like bitter old men. Use this space to relax.
…
…
…
aaaaahhhhhhh….
There.
“Bicycling is not allowed on any rim hiking trails or on any trail below the rim, according to the Grand Canyon National Park management plan.”
So it’s better to bicycle OFF of the trails, where the cryptobiotic soil and untouched ground is? I don’t think so.
As for the 48 hrs in jail, luckily you’re young enough to shrug it off as a learning experience, and now you have a story that will last you a lifetime.
And how about those guys who had to pay $240 for the helicopter evac out of the park, when they weren’t injured and didn’t need rescuing? Hell, the tours in Vegas will run you $400 and up, sounds like a bargain, even though the park service was using the most expensive means to remove them. Maybe they should airlift drug dealers to the county lockup, and charge them the airlift fee, too? How many hikers get hurt each year and need rescuing? Dozens and dozens, but they still let em all keep traipsing their dumb asses down there anyway. Well yeah, you gotta get all the money you can out of em. Stop the hiking and the park will dry up. Why not though, cause hiking leads to some people getting lost and or hurt? You have to protect people from themselves, right?
It’s interesting to see how the mtb ethics pretty much goes completely against the rules of the National Park Service.
1. STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS to avoid trampling native vegetation and fragile desert soil.
2. SHOW COURTESY AND RESPECT TO ALL TRAIL USERS. We’re all members of the trail family seeking quality experiences. We must learn to share. Our motivations are not different than those of other trail users regardless of our mode of travel. Show concern for a clean, quiet backcountry experience.
Keep the trails as natural as possible.
3. YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY TO OTHER NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONISTS, and allow adequate room for motorized vehicles that may need to pass you.
4. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION when approaching or overtaking others and make your presence known well in advance.
5. MAINTAIN CONTROL of your bike at all times.
6. DO NOT DISTURB wildlife or livestock.
7. DO NOT LITTER. Pack out what you pack in, and pack out more than your share whenever possible.
8. RESPECT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, and leave gates as you found them.
9. BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. Destination and travel speed will be determined by your ability, equipment, terrain, and the present and potential weather conditions.
10. DO NOT TRAVEL SOLO when bike packing in remote areas. Leave word of your destination and when you plan to return.
12. USE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Sorry for the rant, but this all just makes me sick. If these guys had driven the whole way in a 2 mpg Ford Excursion Expedition or whatever, they’d have never raised a single eyebrow, as they’d be JUST LIKE the other 25 million herd-minded sheep in this country. Oy.
“Bicycling is not allowed on any rim hiking trails or on any trail below the rim, according to the Grand Canyon National Park management plan.”
So it’s better to bicycle OFF of the trails, where the cryptobiotic soil and untouched ground is? I don’t think so.
As for the 48 hrs in jail, luckily you’re young enough to shrug it off as a learning experience, and now you have a story that will last you a lifetime.
And how about those guys who had to pay $240 for the helicopter evac out of the park, when they weren’t injured and didn’t need rescuing? Hell, the tours in Vegas will run you $400 and up, sounds like a bargain, even though the park service was using the most expensive means to remove them. Maybe they should airlift drug dealers to the county lockup, and charge them the airlift fee, too? How many hikers get hurt each year and need rescuing? Dozens and dozens, but they still let em all keep traipsing their dumb asses down there anyway. Well yeah, you gotta get all the money you can out of em. Stop the hiking and the park will dry up. Why not though, cause hiking leads to some people getting lost and or hurt? You have to protect people from themselves, right?
It’s interesting to see how the mtb ethics pretty much goes completely against the rules of the National Park Service.
1. STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS to avoid trampling native vegetation and fragile desert soil.
2. SHOW COURTESY AND RESPECT TO ALL TRAIL USERS. We’re all members of the trail family seeking quality experiences. We must learn to share. Our motivations are not different than those of other trail users regardless of our mode of travel. Show concern for a clean, quiet backcountry experience.
Keep the trails as natural as possible.
3. YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY TO OTHER NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONISTS, and allow adequate room for motorized vehicles that may need to pass you.
4. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION when approaching or overtaking others and make your presence known well in advance.
5. MAINTAIN CONTROL of your bike at all times.
6. DO NOT DISTURB wildlife or livestock.
7. DO NOT LITTER. Pack out what you pack in, and pack out more than your share whenever possible.
8. RESPECT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, and leave gates as you found them.
9. BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. Destination and travel speed will be determined by your ability, equipment, terrain, and the present and potential weather conditions.
10. DO NOT TRAVEL SOLO when bike packing in remote areas. Leave word of your destination and when you plan to return.
12. USE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Sorry for the rant, but this all just makes me sick. If these guys had driven the whole way in a 2 mpg Ford Excursion Expedition or whatever, they’d have never raised a single eyebrow, as they’d be JUST LIKE the other 25 million herd-minded sheep in this country. Oy.
“Bicycling is not allowed on any rim hiking trails or on any trail below the rim, according to the Grand Canyon National Park management plan.”
So it’s better to bicycle OFF of the trails, where the cryptobiotic soil and untouched ground is? I don’t think so.
As for the 48 hrs in jail, luckily you’re young enough to shrug it off as a learning experience, and now you have a story that will last you a lifetime.
And how about those guys who had to pay $240 for the helicopter evac out of the park, when they weren’t injured and didn’t need rescuing? Hell, the tours in Vegas will run you $400 and up, sounds like a bargain, even though the park service was using the most expensive means to remove them. Maybe they should airlift drug dealers to the county lockup, and charge them the airlift fee, too? How many hikers get hurt each year and need rescuing? Dozens and dozens, but they still let em all keep traipsing their dumb asses down there anyway. Well yeah, you gotta get all the money you can out of em. Stop the hiking and the park will dry up. Why not though, cause hiking leads to some people getting lost and or hurt? You have to protect people from themselves, right?
It’s interesting to see how the mtb ethics pretty much goes completely against the rules of the National Park Service.
1. STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS to avoid trampling native vegetation and fragile desert soil.
2. SHOW COURTESY AND RESPECT TO ALL TRAIL USERS. We’re all members of the trail family seeking quality experiences. We must learn to share. Our motivations are not different than those of other trail users regardless of our mode of travel. Show concern for a clean, quiet backcountry experience.
Keep the trails as natural as possible.
3. YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY TO OTHER NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONISTS, and allow adequate room for motorized vehicles that may need to pass you.
4. SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION when approaching or overtaking others and make your presence known well in advance.
5. MAINTAIN CONTROL of your bike at all times.
6. DO NOT DISTURB wildlife or livestock.
7. DO NOT LITTER. Pack out what you pack in, and pack out more than your share whenever possible.
8. RESPECT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, and leave gates as you found them.
9. BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. Destination and travel speed will be determined by your ability, equipment, terrain, and the present and potential weather conditions.
10. DO NOT TRAVEL SOLO when bike packing in remote areas. Leave word of your destination and when you plan to return.
12. USE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Sorry for the rant, but this all just makes me sick. If these guys had driven the whole way in a 2 mpg Ford Excursion Expedition or whatever, they’d have never raised a single eyebrow, as they’d be JUST LIKE the other 25 million herd-minded sheep in this country. Oy.
Pingback: Backcountry.com: The Goat » Blog Archive » Banned From National Parks for 5 Years
Pingback: Backcountry.com: The Goat » Blog Archive » Banned From National Parks for 5 Years
Pingback: Backcountry.com: The Goat » Blog Archive » Banned From National Parks for 5 Years
You’re not daring you are selfish. You should be banned from UCI and Granny Gear events for 5 years as well.
You’re not daring you are selfish. You should be banned from UCI and Granny Gear events for 5 years as well.
You’re not daring you are selfish. You should be banned from UCI and Granny Gear events for 5 years as well.
i agree with eric, everyone seems to forget about the wolf you had killed in alaska because of this stupid trip. Do research before you have ideas, and then think about wether the idea is a good one or not. Their are almost 7 billion people worldwide, there are less then 120,00o Grey wolves worldwide, and now one is dead beacuse one of 7 billion had a dumb idea.
i agree with eric, everyone seems to forget about the wolf you had killed in alaska because of this stupid trip. Do research before you have ideas, and then think about wether the idea is a good one or not. Their are almost 7 billion people worldwide, there are less then 120,00o Grey wolves worldwide, and now one is dead beacuse one of 7 billion had a dumb idea.
i agree with eric, everyone seems to forget about the wolf you had killed in alaska because of this stupid trip. Do research before you have ideas, and then think about wether the idea is a good one or not. Their are almost 7 billion people worldwide, there are less then 120,00o Grey wolves worldwide, and now one is dead beacuse one of 7 billion had a dumb idea.
C’mon, that’s ridiculous!!! If I were you guys, I would hire a lawyer and fight it…. man, I just think they get a little carried away…..
C’mon, that’s ridiculous!!! If I were you guys, I would hire a lawyer and fight it…. man, I just think they get a little carried away…..
C’mon, that’s ridiculous!!! If I were you guys, I would hire a lawyer and fight it…. man, I just think they get a little carried away…..
I dunno, seems like the regulations are a little picky, but I know from experience whenever I venture out into the great outdoors, it is always wise to research and rules and regulations…
I dunno, seems like the regulations are a little picky, but I know from experience whenever I venture out into the great outdoors, it is always wise to research and rules and regulations…
I dunno, seems like the regulations are a little picky, but I know from experience whenever I venture out into the great outdoors, it is always wise to research and rules and regulations…
The real crime here is that you guys rode the canyon and just had to brag about it by posting it on your blog…..next time you do it, keep it to yourselves and just have a good laugh about it over some beers!!
The real crime here is that you guys rode the canyon and just had to brag about it by posting it on your blog…..next time you do it, keep it to yourselves and just have a good laugh about it over some beers!!
The real crime here is that you guys rode the canyon and just had to brag about it by posting it on your blog…..next time you do it, keep it to yourselves and just have a good laugh about it over some beers!!