I just attended our local, fund raising ride here a couple weeks ago and lost track of the number of e-bikes. They definitely appear to be gaining in popularity. I've often wondered how much that extra weight changes the descending characteristics.
Trail sanitizing is a battle we face here as well. Blue trails outnumber black 10 to 1 but people still cut out log features and add rocks to smooth out difficult lines.
My concern with the explosion of e-bikes is twofold.
#1 - battery fires that have the potential to start a wildfire here in San Diego. These battery fires can shoot battery debris up to 60'. These fires/explosions are difficult to put out w/out a powder based extinguisher.
#2 - extra wear and tear on trails due to extra weight + being able to ride 3x's as long or more, and lack of skills of many new riders.
I hope SDMBA and others outfits address these concerns in addition to teaching trail etiquette to new riders and the importance of giving back to the trails.
Good points, Steve. I think, if nothing else, there has to be more conversation ... out in the open/in public, at meetings, via Zoom, whatever/wherever. I also want to see data. What are the numbers?
I hear you, Rich. I think there's more to it than ascending/descending. If you don't know the trail system, then it would be hard for you to understand the location/situation. Those riders clearly knew the trail system and chose to "jump" on the trail right at a very dangerous spot to do it. I'm certain local riders would agree with me.
Also, I think there are many ways to define "old school."
What an odd post. Sounds like you were descending; maybe you should have given way to the ascending riders, regardless of whether they were riding e-bikes. That’s the “old school” mountain bike ethic that I am familiar with.
I just attended our local, fund raising ride here a couple weeks ago and lost track of the number of e-bikes. They definitely appear to be gaining in popularity. I've often wondered how much that extra weight changes the descending characteristics.
Trail sanitizing is a battle we face here as well. Blue trails outnumber black 10 to 1 but people still cut out log features and add rocks to smooth out difficult lines.
In Indiana, too, is what I'm hearing by your comment.
Or, rocks are removed, but that started before e-bikes came around and so not entirely e-bike related, perhaps.
Weight? Descents? Buy a big stainless steel bottle and fill it with water/beer and mount it to the underside of your downtube!
My concern with the explosion of e-bikes is twofold.
#1 - battery fires that have the potential to start a wildfire here in San Diego. These battery fires can shoot battery debris up to 60'. These fires/explosions are difficult to put out w/out a powder based extinguisher.
#2 - extra wear and tear on trails due to extra weight + being able to ride 3x's as long or more, and lack of skills of many new riders.
I hope SDMBA and others outfits address these concerns in addition to teaching trail etiquette to new riders and the importance of giving back to the trails.
Just my 2C
Steve
Good points, Steve. I think, if nothing else, there has to be more conversation ... out in the open/in public, at meetings, via Zoom, whatever/wherever. I also want to see data. What are the numbers?
Cheers!
James
Agreed.
The Atlantic had a good article back in July. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/07/e-bike-battery-lithium-ion-fire/674622/.
Thank you, for sharing Steve. I really appreciate it. Missed that one.
I hear you, Rich. I think there's more to it than ascending/descending. If you don't know the trail system, then it would be hard for you to understand the location/situation. Those riders clearly knew the trail system and chose to "jump" on the trail right at a very dangerous spot to do it. I'm certain local riders would agree with me.
Also, I think there are many ways to define "old school."
What an odd post. Sounds like you were descending; maybe you should have given way to the ascending riders, regardless of whether they were riding e-bikes. That’s the “old school” mountain bike ethic that I am familiar with.
Clueless. Unfortunately there is way too much of that going on.
To cut a "tree" down ... more like chaparral, but not my word!