[daveIT]

Being new to groomed trails what is proper etiquette for biking? For instance, on Chester Creek I see two tracks groomed to the one side. I know to stay out of those, but what about the rest of the trail? Is it better to stay off the trail? I haven't seen anyone skate skiing so I don't know how much trail they use. Are there trails for skiing only and are they marked
well? I plan on learning to XC ski, but still like to get out on the bike and have fun.

Thanks and have a Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate!)

 

[R.T.R.]

Being new to groomed trails what is proper etiquette for biking? For instance, on Chester Creek I see two tracks groomed to the one side. I know to stay out of those, but what about the rest of the trail? Is it better to stay off the trail? I haven't seen anyone skate skiing so I don't know how much trail they use. Are there trails for skiing only and are they marked
well? I plan on learning to XC ski, but still like to get out on the bike and have fun.

Thanks and have a Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate!)

Chester Creek is multi use. So just about everything is allowed except MOTORS. It is curtious (sp ) to stay to the right though.

 

[Big Karma]

Ride where it's wide

Being new to groomed trails what is proper etiquette for biking? For instance, on Chester Creek I see two tracks groomed to the one side. I know to stay out of those, but what about the rest of the trail? Is it better to stay off the trail? I haven't seen anyone skate skiing so I don't know how much trail they use. Are there trails for skiing only and are they marked
well? I plan on learning to XC ski, but still like to get out on the bike and have fun.

Thanks and have a Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate!)

Dave,

The skate ski track on any multi-use trail is the place to ride. The key thing to remember is to stay off it when temperatures get warm enough to soften the trail, or for the first few hours after grooming when the trail is still "setting up," or hardening. When the trail is soft, bike tires cause ruts that bother the skiers -- especially those involved in grooming efforts.

Also remember that some trails are designated "ski only" and bikes should stay off those. Some of the bike shops, such as Paramount, sell a handy map published by the Nordic ski folks, which shows which trails are ski only, multi-use, etc. It's a handy reference.