Wilderness

There is more to wilderness management than impact (what I was mainly comparing in the previous entry). Clearly adding mountain bike access to many wilderness areas would have little effect on the overall impact. But there are other considerations as well.

Some view bikes as vehicles or obvious signs of civilization, modernization. One of the points, to me, of wilderness is to get away from modernization. So I respect that. I respect that some might not want to be passed by (even a courteous) mountain biker while they are out camping in wild areas.

I think it depends on the area. Do I think mountain bikes are appropriate in all wilderness areas? No. But I think there are some places currently designated wilderness that should allow bicycle access.

Let’s take Pusch Ridge, for example. Two points are key here, I think. First, no one in their right mind would ride a bike on any of the Pusch Ridge trails. Well, ok, I would, but there are only a handful of people stupid enough to do so. Second, the reminders of civilization are everywhere. You cannot escape views of the ‘beast’ (Tucson valley), sounds from the beast (traffic), overhead flights, air pollution and even light pollution. The lower trails are so popular that it can be difficult to find solitude as well. There are million dollar houses that are litterally bordering the wilderness–right on the boundary.

Personally, I don’t mind it being wilderness since it is better protected and the trails are so ridiculous that I would do more hiking than riding. But I often ride the Finger Rock and Pontotoc trails to the wilderness boundary and question why it is that I cannot proceed. I’m breathing pollution, staring at a huge city, saying hello to people that pass and can see into a mansion’s living room. Am I in the wilderness? Why no bikes?

Others have presented the idea of a graduated wilderness system instead of a single designation. I really like this idea. In fact, I support areas of wilderness that no one is allowed to enter–not even hikers. Then, some truly wild areas (not Pusch Ridge) should be designated hiker only (no horses either). Others should allow bikes and horses, but no motorized access.