|
"Don't move that
Rock, Get Better!" This morning, I was riding down the trail, trying to
flow with the rocks, and looking forward to and I'll admit dreading a bit,
my favorite rock hop on Roller Coaster Trail. I rode past the spot before
I realized that the rock was gone. Someone had removed it from the trail.
I was disappointed and a bit angry at the folks who removed it. I know who
you are. Not by name, but by profile. You are probably young, not too
experienced in mountain bike trail riding, and new to these trails. How do
I know? Because I was much the same (maybe not so young), when I removed
those very same rocks ten years or so ago. I (with some unnamed help)
moved those rocks for much the same reason that you did: because it makes
it easier to ride the trail. Well, I discovered that I was wrong when I
rode that trail again a week later and those very same rocks were back
because someone (or a bunch of someones) wanted them there and actually
placed them there and enjoyed them there. I realized then and I hope (if
you are reading this) that you realize now, that those rocks were there
for a reason. That reason was not to make the trail easier, but to make
the trail more challenging. There are plenty of easy trails in the
southern Dona Ana Mountain. The inner loop trail trail is one. It was
designed to accommodate and challenge mountain bike riders of lesser
skills. However there are trails that are difficult and are designed to
meet needs and skills of more serious riders. When there is a challenge
like a rock in the trail, many many riders enjoy testing their skill
against THE ROCK or a series of rocks. That makes it fun and makes the
trail worth returning to time and time again. If you see a rock that looks
like it shouldn't be there, maybe you should ask passing biker how they
should negotiate the obstacle . You will not only learn something. You may
form a friendship. You may not currently have the skill that it takes to
negotiate some of the obstacles on the trail. However one day, you might
and think of how you will feel when one of your favorites is gone. We will
return those rocks to there rightful place and hopefully you will learn to
appreciate them as much as I. So Please don't move the rocks, just keep
riding you'll get better.
Mike Lorimer
Las Cruces Rim Rattlers
|