Growth of sport makes for tight trail squeeze Deana Lancaster News Reporter Alancaster@nsnews.com It’s the goal: rolling down steep . Over rocks, roots and fallen logs and launching from drop-offs without putting down your feet, getting off your bike, or crashing. They call it Flow Ri Like so much of what is happening now in mountain biking, the term was coined on The Shore. Although the vast majority of North Shore residents may not realize it, our litde com- munity is world famous for its network of trails — considered :, by many to be some of the * steepest and most technical ter- rain that can be tackled on two wheeis. Not a month passes that one of the sport’s major magazines doesn’t run some- thing about riding on The Shore. But the things that draw riders from across Canada, the U.S. and Europe — the steep downhill; the tight, muddy sin- gletrack; natural obstacles; and more recently, adrenalizing man-made stunts and struc- tures — are the very same fac- tors threatening the future of the sport. “It’s the ecology I worry about,” says Graham Knell, habitat and «ail coordinator for the Districe of North Vancouver. When the ground is saturat- - ved — as it so often is here — fat, knobby tires can cut deep into the soil. Wet conditions typically make riding more “treacherous, but. with fenders and disc brakes and the advent of dual suspension, there are few places and times of year thar The Shore’s riders can’t do their thing. ~. And che popularity of the “sport: —- which used to be “viewed as “extreme” — is -. growing. “The number of riders grows exponentially. Some days I actually feel a little pan- icky when I think about it,” says Knell. ‘ 2 Strnetures: ladders, bridges, _ teeter-totters, log rides: and jumps — have become, the other. hot topic between land managers and riders. Although in some cases, a bridge or stunt “may protect the soil or stream - below, a rider too nervous to tuy_it may~ cause erosion’ by going around it, or by cutting _anew trail. For land managers, the big: ger issue about stunts has been liability. Ie’s called “duty of care”: ~ landowners’ responsibility to ensure that people are “reason- ,ably safe” while on their prop- erty regardless of whether the person entering the land was a, .: paying. customer, somcone: using the land without charge,’ “or a trespasser. But thanks to the construc- ‘: tion of the Trans Canada Trail, the.. provincial, government . o000 Want to see what it’s all about? Cowan and some of his fellow riders now bring Shore riding to the streets with the Flow Show. They’re doing it at the Whistler Summer Sessions, July 8 to 16. Look for them in the Whistler Village Square at 11 a.m., 1, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily. COWAN continues to spend hours every week maintaining his trails and keeping them safe for himself and other riders. : Observe the rules of the trail when riding © AROUND the world, thousar ds of kilometres of great trails have been closed because of the irre- sponsible riding of a few. The International Mountain Biking Association has formu- lated the following Rules of the Trail, in an effort to promote — environmentally sound and socially responsible mountain bik- ing: : E Ridc on open trails only. Respect trail and road closures and avoid trespassing on pri- vate land. The way you ride will influence trai] management decisions and policies. @ Leave no trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on sanctioned trails, you should not ride under conditions where you will leave eviderice of your passing, such as on certain soils after a rain. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practise . low-impact cycling. This also means staying on existing trails’ and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as nwuwch as you pack in. Control your bike. - Inattention for even a second can cause problems. “8 Always yield the trail. Make known your. approach well in. advance. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don’t startle oth- ers. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around cor- ners or in blind spots. .. @ Never spook animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sud- den movement, or a loud noise. ‘This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders, ask if you’re uncertain. @ Plan ahead. : : Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry neces sary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well- executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offence to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.