Trail morphology and impacts to soil induced by a small mountain bike race series. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Ross H.; Butler, David R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of outdoor recreation and tourism. Volume 35(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Geomorphology -- Recreation ecology -- Mountain bike -- Trails -- Soil compaction; Outdoor recreation -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Periodicals; Outdoor recreation; Tourism; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 338.47796505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jort.2021.100390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0799

Abstract

Abstract: Trails are discussed as geomorphic entities and the geomorphic nature of mountain bike impacts is evaluated. This project documented landscape changes from inception of trail design until after three mountain bike races were completed. The research location was a short-track trail that was purpose-built for a small race series in Austin, TX. The geomorphic alterations that occurred are generally in line with and supported by the published literature. This project sought to monitor the forcing mechanisms (mountain bikers) which would cause the change in trail morphology. A novel aspect of this research is the utilization of accelerometers to understand the forces placed by the rider on the trail surface. Additionally, this paper documents soil impacts on trails at relatively low use rates, as such, it begins to bridge the gap between experimental trampling studies and soil impact studies on established trails. This project presents a protocol to monitor change on trails, presents a novel method for documenting rider forcing, and supports the idea that mountain bikers are geomorphic agents. Understanding and documenting these forces are key to building and maintaining more sustainable trail systems, as such trail builders and land managers would benefit from this and further research. Management implications: This research has several management implications. This paper discusses the impact of a small race series and has implication for trail layout for similar races. Race promoters should be aware of soil compact and impacts to vegetation. Cyclocross races often occupy a park or other area where a trail is not desired in the long term, therefore those types of events should be particularly concerned with compaction and erosion. It presents a novel method, with accelerometers, which may be used to map and analyze how mountain bikers distribute forces on the landscape. Additionally, this paper presents a sampling plan that can be reproduced at various scales to document morphological change on trails over time.