Right to roam, right to beat the **** out of nature?

Jono · 30 Jun 2015 at 16:38

I've found a bit of bridleway I want to ride my bike down. I have ridden my bike down it. I got stung the hell out of by nettles, *****led by thistles and possibly eaten by other evil plants, too.

It was not fun. However, that bit of bridleway, although apparently abandoned to nature does lead on to some other nice bits of country riding (rest of the bridleway) and would make a nice shortish off-road ride through a forest.

The amount of actual bridleway (clearly signed and on OS maps) that's not covered by the above flora is literally 4" wide because it's now so overgrown. I haven't a clue who the landowner is, nor how to find out, actually, but is there anything (that would get me arrested) stopping me getting a machete or brash hook or whatever and chopping back anything evil-looking to make it a bit more accessible?
Obviously I don't mean running amok with a big blade if there's anyone anywhere near, whilst screaming obscenities at my chlorophyll-enhanced enemies... that would be silly...

Jono · 30 Jun 2015 at 17:19

I've posted this in the wrong forum - was meant to be in pedal powered, sorry.

Jono · 1 Jul 2015 at 13:53

Supercow said:
Stay off the bridleways jono and go ride something decent on that new bike of yours!

I'm going to Hamsterley on Sunday... I just wanted to ride somewhere that wasn't on a road, close to home and ridable to. All the places I used to ride (almost) now have prominent "No bikes" signs up

Also I phoned/emailed the council pathways/row department and hopefully they'll look at it - also said I'd happily help out at weekends.

Jono · 2 Jul 2015 at 12:24

If you do find yourself approaching a horse from behind, even on a road, make yourself known by making a noise from as far away as you can be heard (by the rider, at least). I don't mean bellowing things that would scare the horsey, but just something like a slighly louder than usual spoken "bike coming" or something. Do slow down too, but you don't have to crawl past.

If the rider knows you're there then they can do whatever the horse needs to be less spooked, turn it slightly so it can see you coming, for example or move it more to the side.

They'll appreciate it and you won't have to deal with a damaged animal/person on your conscience. The horse may still be a spacker, because it's a horse, but at least the poor lass (usually) on top will be prepared