Re: The Psychology of Mountain Biking (and Mountain Biker Sympathizers)

Roberto Baggio wrote:

>  S&R are put into much greater danger having to rescue hikers than any
other 
> group that enter the forests during the summer, including bicyclers.

I was talking to a ranger up in far north California (Redwood State Park 
area) and he concurred with this. Hikers are the main group requiring 
rescue, not because they're walking versus riding, but because they tend 
to be the less experienced wilderness users that are over-confident of 
their ability and stamina, and because they are less prepared for 
emergencies. You don't have to tell a cyclist "it's hot drink lots of 
water," but for some reason hikers think they can go ten miles in five 
hours on one liter of water and a granola bar.