I’m not real sure how I feel about this:

BOISE, Idaho — From the Fourth of July Lake trail, mountain bikers catch some of the widest views of the comb-like peaks of the Boulder-White Cloud mountains, but only if they can take their eyes off the wrist-twisting shale as the trail cuts across the picturesque Alpine basin.

Yet, to the dismay of fat-tire aficionados, bikes would be barred from Fourth of July and 85 miles of other nearby singletrack — the narrow, challenging trails prized by hard-core riders — under a bill gaining steam in Congress.

On one hand, we want as many people as possible to enjoy the wild areas–access and exposure to these areas raises awareness of the need to preserve them. On the other hand, those tires can make a mess of a soft spot in the trail…..and before the bikers start cussing, I know–the horses (and Claude’s size 14 waffle-stompin’ boots) make at least as big of a mess, and they are allowed in.

Comments?

Tags: Politics