Mountain bikers know what they want from a trail. They want to test themselves. Either by undertaking epic rides over hill tops, taking flight from jumps and drops, or pushing their reactions to the max on a downhill run. To a large extent it is about, the feeling you get when you have overcome an obstacle, be it a whole mountain or a dangerous section of trail. When you have done it you stop and think, "I did that!" It's a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. When you are in charge of your bike you are the one in control. You are both the engine and the driver. That's what makes it so enjoyable. You are matched to your bike by size and weight and you build your bike to suit your terrain. There is a real sense of oneness with your whole environment. On a mountain bike you can go further and faster than where you can walk and you can go places where other vehicles cannot. Your bike carries you over long distances and when it cannot go over an obstacle you carry it over your shoulder and climb the obstacle yourself. Like a faithful partnership.

How can a trail be designed to match the psychology of a mountain biker? How can a free spirit be put on static rails? Is it any wonder that prohibited trails continue to exist?