Summer Trundles On

I continue with occasional solo bike rides to Schweitzer, but (with Eli) have also been biking the Syringa Heights trail system on the west edge of Sandpoint. In Austria, the concept of "no trespassing" in rural environments gains only a little traction; so in the alps it's easy to find bike routes. There are some places where hikers and bikers might interfere with one another, so paying attention to signage and exhibiting good manners are appropriate e.g. don't ride through planted fields. Here in the states, it's another matter - owners of large rural tracts jealously guard their property; visitors are typically unwelcome. And that's not unreasonable, since the public is often careless with trash and the application of common sense is uncommon.

Some years ago we biked quite without restraint in the Syringa Heights area; the number of bikers was few. As that rural, forested area became developed, the new owners were loath to have bikers blasting past their castles. We abandoned some of our favorite rides, fearing confrontations with angry property owners. Then the local bike club stepped in and secured permission from individual property owners to use a nice selection of designated trails. So once again we can use a wonderful system of single track trails, maintained by volunteers. Presumably this can continue until all the forest is developed - as long as we bikers respect the rights of the property owners and don't stray onto non designated terrain. Kudos to the bike club and the cooperating property owners!

Eli's son Nik is currently here for a short visit, but will be back in late July. He is on his way back from Victoria to Phoenix and caught a ride here for this quick stay. It's always great to see him and observe his positive energy.

Richard
2005.07.08