Mountain Bikes

* Re “Mountain Bikers Tearing Up O.C. Parks, Critics Say,” Sept. 4: As a hiker in a hill area of Southern California since before the mountain bike era, I can say that trails used by horses and hikers were generally self-maintained year after year. Now, the bikes tend to loosen the ground, and on steep slopes in soft soil where many riders go downhill with the rear wheel locked, they can dig a deep furrow in one pass. The bikes can generate a new trail in a very short time.

Not that bikes should be outlawed, but if you want to compare horses, hikers and bikers for trail damage, there is no comparison. Even the majority of them who are courteous do their share.

HOMER MEEK

Torrance