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'
<br /> When it isn't possible to offer a variety of trail
<br /> •" styles,consider creating different experiences within a
<br /> I 111
<br /> single trail corridor. Technical features can be added
<br /> 14
<br /> to the side of an intermediate trail as an optional path
<br /> for advanced riders who are seeking more challenging
<br /> lines.Careful design techniques will ensure that these P.
<br /> features are compatible with other visitor uses. f
<br /> w - Emphasize Skill Instead of
<br /> 4 Consequence
<br /> + The primary appeal of technical trails is personal chal-
<br /> # lenge. Riders want to test their skills and improve
<br /> y their abilities.This appeal is heightened by the risk of
<br /> " falling or crashing. But the consequences of falling—
<br /> $ -- potential injury—are not so appealing. Fortunately, I I
<br /> • I _ -. Add those consequences can be managed to some degree
<br /> _ - through trail design.When possible,design the trail to
<br /> - ;,,t4,-,,, x
<br /> " '11" ' '* . provide an appropriate balance between skill and con- i
<br /> 1 •< �,� '" sequence. While it could be argued that part of the '
<br /> -c.,-;.,,,r,4.,. attraction of mountain biking comes from negotiating I
<br /> �' high-consequence obstacles, much of that feeling of
<br /> , , }, accomplishment can still be achieved in a high-skill
<br /> `t .1-.-.' .; � • but lower-consequence situation,such as a skinny bal- i
<br /> �Y • " ,,' ` ance beam located at waist-level or lower, or a line of
<br /> r'7"--1 -::','",.,,,-4' - rideable boulders that challenge even the best riders. !
<br /> ". '' ' _ ' Understand Relative Speed
<br /> ' Versus Absolute Speed
<br /> ,,...-.----.*•-,:t.--,-,, '' °, `' The thrill of speed can be a big part of riding an
<br /> ' ' - 'w 4 r„3 ,.1'1.
<br /> ay l' advanced trail. For many mountain bikers, speed is the
<br /> -' '.. w primary buzz they seek. But high speeds may lead to
<br /> One tactic to pro-
<br /> - occur.
<br /> ' �'�'�^� d' severe injuries if a crash
<br /> does
<br /> - •;e"- '"" L-�. vide the thrill of speed while managing the risk of injury
<br /> - ' , ; is to design trails that provide the sensation of speed
<br /> *' •,, ?��;+ (relative speed),but do not allow high absolute speeds.
<br /> Y '' For example,a wide,straight trail or dirt road has
<br /> ,,,,..!s. az a very "open" feel and provides little challenge. Many
<br /> �t�. riders will go very fast—say 25 miles (40 km) per
<br /> ' ,4.., ,, ,,. / � hour—to feel the thrill of speed.By contrast,riders on
<br /> M ''` - I a narrow trail with turns and challenges can get the
<br /> ° thrill of speed without going nearly so fast-10 miles
<br /> • ° (16 km) per hour will feel fast on a trail like that.
<br /> Emphasize skill instead of consequence:Challenging Managing speed through trail design can be a use-
<br /> trails don't have to be death defying. (Burns Lake, ful technique for solving user conflict issues too. See
<br /> British Columbia)
<br /> page 150 for more tips on controlling speed.
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<br /> CHAPTER TEN: Providing Challenging Trails
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