The Perfect Trail

At one time, I thought I know what made a perfect trail. It was near my home and had easy access. It sported rollers, a huge drop called "death hill," and a giant jump. Well, now 20 years later, I still look for rollers and all those neat things but now I know that's not all to look for.

A trail should always end while you are still having fun. Part of the fun is not finding traffic, including horses or hikers walking in the opposite direction-- toward you! The sad news is that some trails are far too long and become torture to complete. However, some trails such as the Great Western Trail are, indeed, perfect with the right mix of this and that that makes for a great ride.

All trails should be a single track about 24" on the straights, with somewhat wider areas at the corners. I think corners and turns should be together in sections between long straight sections.

All trails should be downhill and the sides should curve slightly 3 to 5 inches at each edge. That amount of curve is safe. Did I mention that all trails should be downhill? I hate climbing. Ideally, the descent should prevent the need for much pedalling, while preventing the need for constant braking. The soil should be soft but packed. It should have just enough moisture to allow the biker behind you to breath without a filter. Obstacles should also be together in sections with long stretches between them.

Well, that's what I think the perfect trail should be like. You can find trails like this. But sadly, many are not as nice as my perfect trail as I have described it. So, anyway, happy hunting.