@craigcraigcraig = <me climbing onto my soapbox> It's not the amount of mud on the bike it's the ruts that are left behind that cause trails to erode at a high rate. It also causes less experienced riders to ride around the rutted area, turning a bit of single track into what looks more like a jeep trail. I've been building/maintaining trails for >10 years and I can't tell you how many hours I personally have spent repairing deep ruts left behind by muddy trail riders. It definitely does have a big impact.

Another thing to consider is that trails get closed to mountain bikers routinely. One of the arguments that biking opponents use is photos of trail damage caused by careless riders. Riding wet trails causes the most damage, excessive skidding and riding off-trail are probably the two other biggest factors. I love mountain biking and I'm only asking my fellow riders to use common sense and help preserve the trails (and help keep them open) for everyone.

Finally, if you have never volunteered and helped maintain or build the trails that you frequently use, those of us that do could really use the help. Thanks. <climbing down off of soapbox>