Mountain bikers in Spokane are on edge following a series of threatening notes and acts of vandalism around the Beacon Hill trails. The alarming incidents include greased rocks, which have already resulted in at least one injury, and threats to pour concrete on the riding paths.
“Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport,” said Jon Amend, owner of The Bike Hub. “When you add in slippery surfaces and hazardous obstacles, it significantly heightens the risk for us.”
Amend, who collaborates with the Evergreen Alliance to maintain the Beacon Hill mountain bike trails, believes the culprit might be a local resident disgruntled by the recent trail expansions. The trails are not only popular among mountain bikers but are also used by nearby schools for cross-country practices.
Spokane police, parks and recreation officials, and park rangers are working together to investigate the trail sabotage. Amend expressed his disappointment over the vandalism affecting the trails he diligently works to preserve.
“Most of what I’ve seen has been in the parks,” Amend said. “The parks have given us permission to have and build trails in that area, and we want to be able to use them.”
Amend recounted an incident where one of his friends, a trail boss for the Beacon area, was injured due to the greased rocks. “He went down hard,” Amend explained. “The picture he sent showed grease all over the rocks. It’s a serious safety hazard.”
One of the threatening notes left on the trail ominously stated that the run would never be reliably safe.
Despite the troubling events, the president of the Evergreen Alliance East remains hopeful that the perpetrator will soon be apprehended, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the trails for all users.
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