Originally Posted by willtsmith_nwi

The conflict comes in when XC riders work hard to establish land access and build a sustainable trail .... THEN ... some free-riders come in and decide that they are going to elaborate on things. They cut in fall line trails and build wild obstacles without consulting either the land stewards (trail group) or the land owner.

This type of activity gets trails shut down. It also causes confusion as a proliferation of side-routes makes navigation impossible to those who do not know the trail by heart.

The stuff that free-riders do is really impressive. But in most places ... it's not sustainable. That is why the land stewards will spend a day taking down the stuff that you buid without permission. You didn't consult anyone about it. You didn't ask permission, and if it is not your land you need that permission. The trail group has permission and has been sanctioned by the land owner to manage things.

If you would like a freeride trail, you should perhaps try establishing your own area. Make sure you bring plans and sketches and video to show the land manager exactly what you intend on doing with the property. You will encounter a great deal of skepticism and a LOT of NO, NO, NO ... No I don't want uncontrolled erosion. No, I do not need the potential liability.

You do not have the right to build whatever you want wherever you want it. And you do not have the right to cut down trees, grass, foliage, shrubbery, etc... that do not belong to you.