Wed, 06 Dec 2000:
From: JP <parulis@pacbell.net>
Subject: 9 night riders tonight
Caught 9 "night riders" tonight around 6pm riding an illegal section of
trail near the Scettrini Fire Rd. on San Pedro Mnt. I found 2 guys on
the same section of trail same time on Monday. They're beating up the
legal as well as the illegal trails. Night riding is on the increase and
with it goes the uncertain liability of dangerous sports on county as
well as city owned property. I suggest banning night riding. We have our
hands full with violations in the day time. Night time activities can't
be policed effectively not to mention their disruption to the nocturnal
wildlife in the area.
Parulis
Thu, 07 Dec 2000:
From: cgardin@ix.netcom.com
Subject: Re: Mountain Bikers Are Riding at Night to Evade the Law
Actually, they originally rode at night to evade rangers, but it was so much
fun it became a new sport unto its own some years ago. There are multi-page
catalogs just for the incredibly expensive lights these guys use- up to $250
for a headlight! You can always spot these guys because they have great
headlights but no taillights while heading to their illegal rides! (This is
a secret)
A few years ago a bike store owner said (In the Marin IJ) he could tell that
bike commuting had really increased because he was selling more lights! My
unpublished letter stating that most of these lights were for illegal off-
road use was to no avail.
Night riding doesn't have to be made illegal since most parks and open space
areas are closed sunset to sunrise. Bikers actually violate several laws at
once by riding trails at night!
Last month while sneaking a twilight (5:30) run before it got too dark on
the ridge above San Anselmo/San Rafael I was totally blinded by one of these
5,000,000 watt lights by someone going way too fast(as usual) and he(she)
was headed where bikes aren't allowed. It took several seconds for my eyes
to see again so I wouldn't trip.
I know there is an unwritten code among real hikers that you just don't use
lights if you have to hike at night- I've always followed it, there is a
reason for it. Don't even leave footprints if possible.
carlo
Thu, 07 Dec 2000:
From: JP <parulis@pacbell.net>
Subject: Trail destruction on San Pedro Mnt, San Rafael City Lands
Dear Dave and Carlene.
I'm writing to you to call attention to serious trail erosion caused by
increasing mountain bike riding, during both the evening and daytime on
the lands shared by the City of San Rafael and the Marin County Open
Space District. The trails in question are three: the first one being an
un-named trail that originates near the Bay Hills Dr, Scettrini Fire Rd.
intersection near the entrance to the Barbierri Nike Site. (This trail
is photographed and mapped on our website. Much of it falls under your
jurisdiction. The other trails mentioned here are completely in your
jurisdiction.) See:
http://www.brightpathvideo.com/Marin_County/Marin_2/marin_2.html
The second trail runs east and west not too far from this, perhaps a 1/4
mile down the Bay Hills Rd. extension. It is already marked with a trail
closure sign from the City of San Rafael. The third trail begins near
the lowest point on the Scettrini Fire Rd. and is known as the J.T.
Howell Trail. In the past year I as well as others in our community of
Santa Venetia have noted a significant and troubling rise in the amount
of mountain bike travel on these trails. All these trails are showing
signs of erosion and in the case of the trail near the Nike Site entry,
severe erosion with possible tree damage due to root exposure, soil
removal and constant and continuous bike tread wear. As mentioned, this
activity occurs on a daily basis both in the daytime as well as the
evenings. In the past month on only two separate occasions, I have noted
at least 18 "night time" bike riders traversing the above mentioned
trails. The question raised by this activity, of risk of injury and
liability, if not raised by now should be seriously pondered by both the
City of San Rafael, as well as the MCOSD. Wildlife impacts are another
issue deserving serious study. I'm sure the City of San Rafael has a
policy and a set of laws protecting the many trees that line our public
roadways. I'm sure if these trees were being damaged or destroyed by any
person, that person would be apprehended by the police and cited with
the appropriate point of law. Well, what's happening to the trails and
trees on San Rafael City property in the above mentioned areas is no
different. Has a Parks and Rec crew recently been on any of these
trails to examine their condition?
Does the City have a policy regarding the open space it manages within
its jurisdiction?
As a concerned citizen , avid hiker and local environmentalist, I would
recommend that these trails be closed, especially to night time riding.
The trail at the Nike Site entry has been viewed by Open Space Director
Fran Brigmann and described by her as " a mess". This trail is the most
imperiled of the three described and ought to be closed immediately.
I belong to a tenacious and well connected neighborhood association with
passionate concerns for the health and survivability of the entire San
Pedro Mountain Open Space. We believe it's time for you to take a
serious look and take some meaningful action regarding that portion of
the mountain that comes under your jurisdiction.
I would be happy to meet with any of you, to tour and discuss the areas
in question.
Please feel free to visit the web site to get more information on the
problems of illegal and increasing mountain bike travel in Marin open
spaces.
Sincerely, John Parulis Bright Path Video
(415) 298-3965
Fri, 08 Dec 2000:
From: Harriot Manley <harriotmanley@juno.com>
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Trail destruction on San Pedro Mnt, San Rafael City Lands]
I strongly confirm John Parulis's observations, and give him my total
support in his efforts to limit mountain biking access on inappropriate
trails.
Harriot Manley
Tue, 12 Dec 2000:
From: JP <parulis@pacbell.net>
Subject: more night riders
Tonight, I observed 6 "night riders" riding an illegal section of trail
near the Scettrini/J.T. Howell trail junction. They proceeded to venture
down the Howell trail. The condition of the trails out here is poor due
to the recent rain. Erosion especially on the steeper sections of trail
is worsening. Night riding must be stopped. These riders originate in
the China Camp trail area and now constantly, daily, make their way down
the battered trail parallel to the Scettrini and then down the Howell.
The increase in their numbers is alarming. The silence from both the
MCOSD and the City of San Rafael is deafening. I and my associates are
determined to see the laws regarding County and City open space upheld.
Our patience is beginning to wear thin.
John Parulis
Tue, 17 Oct 2006:
Subject: MTB nightriding video +
A new local site full of Googlevideo
mtb "biker porn". The one called
"Oilcan" was shot on Fromme Mountain (my neighbourhood) and shows what nightriding
is all about. Those headlamps are very bright. I get up to a dozen of
those shining in my windows several weeknights, as these nightriders exit our
park. Our cops and the muni bylaw officers do not
give a damn about this "intrusion". Imagine what this does to the
nocturnal wildlife in the area! All the other videos are from various Greater
Vancouver area spots, including Whistler. But the nightriding
thing is the really ignorant one. The reason so many videos come out of BC
(especially the Greater Vancouver area) is because the authorities do not have
the will to stop it. --MC--
http://www.mtnbike.ca/