What I wish ride management would do, which few of them do, it provide a
USGS topo map with the trail marked on it. Then, if I do get off trail,
I am not lost, I can always get back to camp. However, this means that
riders will have to check their maps regularly (it is too late if you
wait until you are totally lost) and know something about map reading and
navigation.
I also quite like the "ride guide" that was provided on the Outlaw Trail
which describes all the major landmarks and turns at forks in the trail on
the ride, and gives milage of these landmarks. A couple of years ago, on
the second day of the ride the last rider had been given instructions to
pull the ribbons. One rider got off trail and unfortunately ended up
behind the "last rider" who had already pulled the ribbons. She was able
(very slowly) to follow the ride guide and rock cairns across the slick
rock and complete the ride (with absolutely NO ribbons).
If we were provided with maps and knew how to read them, the problems
associated with trail sabotage would be mitigated somewhat. (It does,
however, give a HUGE advantage to people who have ridden the trail before.)
kat
Orange County Calif.