This story comes in from Adrian in Sheffield. Given we know the guy here at Ride to Roam, we have no reason to doubt its accuracy. We also know of the area in question and have found similar (although less serious) obstacles deliberately set up in the vicinity before now. This sort of behaviour is simply not on, and anyone irresponsible enough to undertake the actions described below are in line for "a right good talking to" if they're ever found at it.
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"Thought you might like to know about a recent solitary expedition into Wharnecliffe (a popular area near Sheffield where MTB races are frequently held - Ed.) where I encountered numerous very dangerous booby traps set by walkers (presumably) on a stretch of singletrack.
"Three weeks ago I treat myself to a Sunday ride from Grenoside over to Wharncliffe and decided to head up this track on my return journey. In doing so, I came across no less than 10 traps in the space of less than one mile.
"The majority were easy to spot and consisted of logs etc. blocking the trail in fairly obvious areas but two in particular caught my eye (and my wheel and leg).
"The first consisted of a 12 inch deep pot-hole covered with thin twigs and leaves which nearly had me over the bars and the second was a large rock which had been dug up and hidden behind a blind bend. I escaped without serious injury and destroyed all the traps as I went but didn't realise until I had reached the top of the trail that the traps were set with the intention of catching riders descending, rather than ascending.
"Thinking back, I noted that they were nearly all set up after fast(ish) bends on the way down. Luckily I had been climbing (slowly - it was very hot) but dread to think what may have happened had I fallen foul of a trap on the way down at speed - especially being as I was on my own.
"I have been back since and some traps keep resurrecting themselves so people - be warned." Adrian
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So there you have it - take care when you're out riding, and if you see anyone digging holes or deliberately blocking tracks in such a stupid, irresponsible and downright dangerous way, give them a good talking to and show them the error of their ways (while remembering not to get wound up, and bearing in mind the assorted put-downs you know).
What a lot of these hooligans don't seem to have realised is that this sort of action is not going to put anyone off riding their favourite trails, it will simply make them more determined. They also run the risk of annoying bikers and other walkers, some of whom may not respond in the calm, cool and non- violent way advocated by Ride to Roam. Of course, on slower, more technical trails, extra logs just add to the fun, which is something else a lot of would- be trail vandals don't seem to have cottoned on to yet - Ed.