Gene Bisbee, a fellow bicycling advocate that I correspond with periodically, reported today on RidingTheSpine's brouhaha with the National Park Service regarding the cyclists' traverse of the Grand Canyon. Gene described the tour and some of the trials they've endured as well as the outcome with the Park Service.

By presenting the Spine's missteps against the larger tapestry of cycling thousands of miles in the wilds of the West and on their own, bicycling down the North Kaibab Trail was obviously within the skills of these bicyclists. Unfortunately, it's also illegal.

After reading Gene's post, I felt inclined to comment; here's what I wrote:

"I learned about RidingTheSpine several months ago and have been following their tour closely, corresponding and speaking by phone with Jacob Thompson as regularly as possible.

Although I can appreciate the concerns of the National Park Service, I was really hoping that the feds would not come down so hard on the trio.

With a gritty resolve and youthful exuberance, these guys have pedaled further than most people will ever drive on a road trip. For months, they've gone head to head with nature and the elements, neither making a big deal of the challenges they've overcome nor causing any trouble. Their hearts are in the right place too.

Several weeks ago, Jacob, Sean & David dedicated their ride to promoting and assisting the Friends of the Lafitte Corridor, a non-profit group looking to create a bike trail through New Orleans neighborhoods ravaged by Katrina's floodwaters. Though short in length, getting this trail built post Katrina is no small feat. The city is trudging along from one emergency to the next; most homes along the trail route stand vacant awaiting rebuilding.

$500 may sound like a small amount for a fine; however, their tour has already consumed their savings. Hopefully, they'll be able to put this setback behind them and continue all the way to the southern tip of South America.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future."

Labels: bicycling, courtcase, Gene Bisbee, Grand Canyon, National Park Service, RidingTheSpine