Obtaining a Trail pass
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DannyC21
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« on: September 21, 2007, 10:14:30 AM »
Ok well as some of you may know I am new to riding and riding at the Wiss.  I just learned that you need a trail pass to ride in the park, and I feel kind of crappy because I rode the demo trail a few times without one and I don't really want to disrespect other riders and the park.

What is the quickest way for me to get a pass?  I wanted to ride this weekend, but I don't know if I should since I haven't gotten a pass yet.  Is there a park station I could drive over to today and pick up my pass?  I really don't want to have to wait a few weeks for one.  Time is precious with the cold beginning to come.

 
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dirtmerchant
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« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2007, 10:34:43 AM »
Danny, it's not that big a deal, don't worry. They are not mandatory, but recommended. THey are not the easiest thing to get. You have to mail in the application which we have linked in another post in the RIDES-WISSAHICKON section. They call it a donation for some legal reason. But know that when you make this donation for this trail pass, the money goes into the FPC General Fund, and who knows where the money will be spent as there are hundreds of parks in Philly. So if you want your money to more directly affect the Wissahickon, make a donation to us or the FOW. But still make the minimum dontaion of $20 and get the trail pass. It's the right thing to do... But definitely don't worry if you don't have it with you and come ride this weekend! Lou
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DannyC21
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« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2007, 10:44:24 AM »
Thanks a lot Lou.  I will def. make the donation and get a pass, and I will also make a donation to the PMBA because I just love the park.  I just moved into a place in Roxborough and discovered the Wiss for the first time.  After going on a few small hikes to explore it I watched a few of you guys mtbing and I said I gotta get into that.  Bought a bike a week later (after doing some research), been riding ever since.  I'm trying to come out to a group ride one of these days and meet other riders.  I have loved the out the outdoors ever since I was a kid and I'm so thrilled to have a place like the wiss in my backyard.  Theres nothing better than going into those woods and feeling like your a million miles away from reality. 

Again thanks and I hope to ride with you one day
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juniorcaveman
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« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2007, 01:50:00 AM »
I have some questions about the answers I see given when someone asks about trail passes.  I am not trying to be a jerk or anything, I just need some clarification because maybe I'm missing something somewhere.

1.  Trail passes are not mandatory
I don't understand where this comes from.  On the Biking page of fow.org the very first paragraph states "...the Fairmount Park Commission requires that those using the upper trails secure a trail permit."  How does this convey that trail passes are only recommended and not mandatory?  If they were only recommended, wouldn't "requires" be replaced with "recommends" or "asks?"  It is also number 10 on the Rules and Regulations page.

2.  Trail pass donations are put into the Fairmount Park Commission General Fund
On the trail user permit application it reads "You can help improve trails through a tax-deductible contribution to the Fairmount Park Commission Trail Restoration Fund...All donations will be used for the continued maintenance of the trails and to support the trail management program."  Are the FPC General Fund and the FPC Trail Restoration Fund the same thing?

I am just trying to explain how I have interpreted things.  I suppose I feel that PMBA should encourage folks to get the trail permit and not pass it off as optional.  Even if the donation goes to the General Fund, it is still a way for the FPC and the city to realize how many mountain bikers are using the trails.  Obviously, the creation of PMBA goes a long way to proving that there is a committed community that utilizes the trails, but isn't it really the hard numbers (i.e., number of trail permits sold) that the FPC can turn to that shows the city that their operational budget is justified?

Again, not trying to start trouble.  I'm pretty new to PMBA and I haven't made it out to a meeting or a trail day or a group ride.  I don't know whose expertise or career might provide better knowledge of the inner workings of all of this.  I'm just throwing my two cents in.
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dirtmerchant
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« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2007, 06:57:21 AM »
JC, I agree with what you are saying 100%. We (PMBA) strongly recommend that every rider get a trail pass, no doubt. But I was just trying to tell Danny that his sense of urgency was not warranted, like that he should immediately stop riding in the park. I am not an expert by any means on the inner workings of the FPC, but very reliable sources from FOW people have told me what I wrote about the money dispersement. The FPC is a large government organization with lots of people and a budget that keeps getting slashed each year. Donating money to them is a great idea, but just know that there is a good chance that the money will never see it's way into the hands of FPC Dist. 3 people who are in charge of taking care of the Wiss. OK, now everyone go out and get a PASS and wear it proudly!  Grin
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