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We've all had it happen--rolling along on our favorite single track trail only to come across a good-sized tree that has blown across the route in the last wind storm. What do do? Here are some ideas . . . choose which ever you're most comfortable with based on tree size, personal skill and strength. Log crossings are another really good reason to always go riding with a friend. If the windfall is large and abundant, the two of you'll have a much easier time getting over it than you would alone.
Small Tree
If the downed tree is smaller and laying close to the ground, get yourself to a speed and point in the powerband where you can wheelie. Then, go for it. The larger the log, the more kick you'll get from the back tire as you cross it, so be ready.
If the tree's up off the ground, you might want to stop and take a look at it. First, try and wrestle the thing out of the way. Some guys even carry small saws in their packs to take out trees like this (the ones at head level are especially problematic. If you do decide to wheelie over the tree, be ready: the little trees can have some rebound when your bike's tires hit them--you're bike's likely to get squirrely.
Big Tree
Again, if the tree is low to the ground, the quickest way by it is to boost the front wheel and get your bike as far over the log as possible. Brace yourself for the impact of your skid plate hitting the log, then be ready to get your weight forward and use the bike's momentum to help itself over the obstacle. You may get hung up, but just keep the bike upright, get beside your ride and use some muscle and throttle to get it the rest of the way over.
If the big tree is up, off the ground, you're hatin' it and you'll have to get creative. Turning off your fuel and sliding the bike under the log is your first option. Second, you can try and wheelie-ing into it, knowing that you won't make it, but just try to hang as much of it up there as possible so that you can get burly and push or pull the bike the rest of the way over. Third, if you're riding with a number of folks, wait until more of them show up and see if you all can move the tree in any direction. Even if you can't get it completely out of the way, you may be able to move it so that getting over or under is a more viable option.
Last Resort
As a last resort you might end up having to go off the trail and around the tree. If this is the case, pick your line carefully. If you're on a side-hill, going up-hill around the log is a better plan. Once you drop off the downhill side of a trail, it can take some major work to get back to the route. Regardless, keep wheel spin to a minimum while off the route and get back on the trail as quickly as possible.
Let the CBTRA Know
If you do encounter some windfall or deadfall in the woods, let the CBTRA know about it and we'll do what we can to get a saw out there to take care of the issue. |
