To Poach or not to Poach

[naked indian]

I agree for sure,

just sucks when there is good singletrack out there thats not getting any love.

[ScottyJ]

I have had this same dilemma a few different times and have had very positive experiences from contacting the local governing body and asking for permission to "portage" my bike through the areas in question. This has even worked for me in a national wilderness area, Rangers respond well to the word portage.
This does mean walking rather than riding but the continuity of the ride has always been worth it.

Pushing the bike may suck but carrying it sucks more.
If they deny permission I go around

[AZTtripper]

On the one hand I can't see many rangers making a big deal out of carrying a disassembled bike but then again I have heard of rangers who made a big deal out of someone using a come-along to put up a big tent. If you really want to put it down to nothing mechanized and the fact that possession pointed out so it's not just not riding.

As far as considering it poaching I personally do not and I have told rangers about my portage on the AZT none of them seamed to care they seam to think it's pretty cool all of the effort and all and the fact that I didn't poach and ride through.     

[Slim]

I would say if it's 250 mi and only 25 mi is off limits that won't be a big problem to go around them.