Much of my riding these days is on the black stuff whilst on my way to more dirt trails that I come across. Of course I love a bit of green-laning on the Byways but I seem to discover lots of trails and tracks that are perfectly rideable but not necessarily marked as such.
Whether they are public access roads, that are nothing more than farm tracks that lead from one side of a hill to the other, or unmarked trails that lead through forested areas…I am constantly finding other places to rider my bike but not necessarily knowing whether I am allowed to do so or not.
These tracks are usually marked on OS maps as narrow white roads, but in truth you never really know what they are until you ride along them and see for yourself. I often come across information signs which would indicate that a track is unsuitable for motor vehicles…but that doesn’t necessarily tell me that the route is prohibited…just as other routes which are also bridleways…but also double up as tracks that can be ridden on when gaining access to a particular area or a property.
It can all get quite confusing at times which routes are allowed and which are not, however how these routes are approached and ridden can often be the saving grace that will avoid the wrath of any local landowner or horse rider when it turns outs that it is private and no access.
Unfortunately, the OS maps may not be completely up to date or route signs may have changed status. E.g. from Byway to Restricted Byway…however the sign has been hidden from an overgrown hedge. Convenient perhaps, but still enough to make a plausible mistake when riding.
Whenever I’m riding in the countryside, especially on dirt trails…I always take it easy, keeping the revs low and riding in a manner that would not normally offend. It’s how I prefer to ride but also is less obnoxious for anyone that is walking their dog, riding their horse…or working in the fields, that I may come across.
If you happen to stumble along a route that is supposedly not for riding along and you are then made aware of it, then a friendly innocence certainly goes a long way, and can get you out of hot water. In fact many a time this has happened to me and I end up having a great conversation with a random person or landowner who then suggest other trails I can ride along too. As long as you stick to the trails, then 99% of the time, nobody really worries, but if you stray off into a field and damage crops, or scare livestock or people with your aggressive riding…then quite simply you’re asking for trouble.
So the next time you venture out off the beaten track, take a good look around where you’re riding and see if there are any trails or tracks that can be legitimately explored. If in doubt…ask a local (if you can spot any) and take their advice, but most importantly ride in a manner that does not offend the country folk. You’ll enjoy the ride more and you’re likely to get further too.
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