Perhaps I should add that since the RM knows
the trail the best, he or she is able to know what a rider who has never done
that trail is thinking. When we mark the trail, I always look ahead 100
yards and "see" the trail as a newcomer would see it. I spot branches that
will best show where the trail is heading, mark just beyond a junction, within
sight, which trail to take if there is a choice. The same could be said of
hanging light sticks. One problem that we always warn riders of is not to
be fooled into following from light to light, as sometimes there is an obstacle
between the two lights. So we tell them "ride the trail, not just the
lights." It simply is not possible to put out as many light sticks as
riders would like, that is, to light up the trail. I try to think like a
rider who has never done the trail before and mark accordingly. Where
would I like to see a flag or a light if I had never been there before and I was
worried where to go next? It's hard, since I know the trail blindfolded,
but I try hard to see it with unaccustomed eyes.
