Encountering Mountain Bikes

imported
#1

A friend and I are thinking of hiking the CT later this summer. Neither of us has spent much time on the CT - but my friend has had annoying, dangerous and occasionally injurious run-ins with mountain bikers on the PCT, and is concerned that this trip will be spent anxiously watching out for cyclists careening toward us down the next slope.

I know mountain bikes are not allowed in the wilderness areas, but can anyone who has spent significant time backpacking the CT tell me whether dodging cyclists is a continuous concern?

Cucumber

#2

The second you stick a hiking pole into the front spokes of a bike, it ceases to be a problem.

Backcountry Bill

#3

I see your point, but must one sacrifice many hiking poles? I’ve only got the pair…

Cucumber

#4

My experience has been that mountain bikers are mostly good guys (if slightly misguided for not backpacking instead!). I cannot imagine a situation where visibility is so poor that a mountain biker would run into you. Generally, both parties stop, have a nice chat and continue on. No need for poles or any other sort of aggression.

Loup

#5

The second you put a hiking pole in someones spoke it creates a hole new problem.

pat owens

#6

Stay away from Segment 15 for sure. There are other areas such as around the Guanella Pass area where you need to be alert. And the nonsense of a hiking pole taking care of the problem shows a low intelligence level. They can come upon you very fast. Do not have your ipod going or you’re going to get run over. Most areas of the trail are safe though.

We_heavy

#7

Thanks, everyone, for the info.! Joking about the hiking poles, of course - just venting some general frustration at painful encounters, especially in sections where bikers are not supposed to be, anyway.

Cucumber

#8

that very last section (maybe last 2, check the guide if yoiu have one) before Durango is open to bikes also,

Laurie

#9

Maybe because Colorado has a tradition of multi-use trails, but mountain bike encounters are usually positive.

Most mountain bikers will stop, say hello and be on their way.

The only place that be a potential problem is Monarch Crest on a weekend. Not because the mountain bikers are rude or inconsiderate there, just that it is a popular place and will have a lot of traffic. But, a 14er on a weekend can be similar with “just” hikers! :slight_smile:

There is also a very good chance you’ll see some “thru-bikers” on the CT. More people are bike-packing on the CT in recent years.

Enjoy the Colorado Trail!

Hiker

#10

We have been section backpacking the CT and have not finished the last 4 segments yet (leaving in a week to finish!) but we did see bikes in the segment just north of Breckenridge. There were quite a few in what I think was segment 18 when we left out of Salida area. The CT guidebook that we had mentioned a popular route that bikers do in that area (and there was a stream of them!) but they turn off not far ahead because of a wilderness section. I think we saw just 1 biker last year. All have been nice and we haven’t been squished yet! The CT is AWESOME - go for it!

Alicia B