MY TURN By Eric Panicucci

‘Clear as Mud’ “Okay gentlemen, I’m going to make this as clear as mud,” said Ranger Croll as he handed us our tickets for bicycling in undesignated areas. “I’m giving you these tickets because you failed to obey the signs that prohibit mountain biking on these trails.” Just like Ranger Croll said, the rules and regulations regarding mountain biking in the Delaware Water Gap are as “clear as mud.” Perhaps he forgot that mud is anything but clear. Although there is little signage and few notices explaining that mountain biking is not allowed on any trail within the Delaware Water Gap, but the unfinished McDade trail, the National Park Service will not hesitate to ticket first time offenders. Last Wednesday morning, I had an urge to take advantage of the local trails that run up to the Milford Knob, where the star and cross are illuminated during the holidays. From the northern end of 209, just beyond Milford Bridge, I entered a section of trail that connects the Knob to Hackers Falls. Unfortunately, no longer than ten seconds had passed before sirens blared and my friend and I were ordered out of the woods. “Excuse me sir, is there something wrong?” I said. In response, Ranger Croll explained that mountain biking is prohibited in the Gap, except on the McDade Trail, because it is dangerous to hikers and all mountain bikers are vandals. I would like to take this opportunity clear up some misconceptions about mountain bikers. As many of you know, it is not uncommon to see groups of mountain bikers riding throughout the Milford woods. This is mostly a result of two things. First, the fact that mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and exercise; second, most people do not know that it is not allowed! We are not vagrants, vandals, or hooligans, but patrons of the outdoors just like hunters, hikers and equestrians. Continually, Croll explained that mountain bikers violate “leave no trace principals” and destroy the environment. Only seconds later he described a new McDade trail that is being cut through the forest as we speak. Some would see this as hypocrisy. Apparently it is “as clear as mud.” While there are certain risks involved with mountain biking, they do not exceed those associated with any other outdoor activity. In fact, mountain biking is encouraged in many national and state forests including Stokes, and High Point. It is surprising that I can’t ride my Specialized 10 speed, where others can hunt with a Remmington 12 gauge. Perhaps we can take an example from history. President George W. Bush is an avid mountain biker. Ever hear of him running down pedestrian? Dick Cheney, on the other-hand, provides a perfect example of the dangers associated with firearms. Why are mountain bikes not allowed in our parks? There are many ways that we can resolve this dilemma. First, and perhaps most easily, we could allow mountain bikes to ride freely along the local trails, encourage healthy living, and support responsible recreation. Second, we could allot specific times for biking, for example, before 8 a.m. and after 6 p,m. Thirdly, we could continue to ban mountain biking outright, neglect to inform the public of the restrictions, and hand out fines on a whim. Hopefully the regulations regarding mountain biking are now as clear to you as glass. If you would like to learn about where you are allowed to mountain bike, stop by Action Bikes and Outdoor. To support local mountain biking and send a message to the Department of the Interior, add your name to the petition to allow mountain biking in the Delaware Water Gap at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/watergap. Editor’s note: Eric Panicucci is a Milford resident and Cycling Sponsorship Coordinator at Northeastern University.