Am I the only contributor on this thread who keeps pointing out that the athletic competitions are being held in a NATIONAL PARK? And that the vast majority of people visiting a NATIONAL PARK have an right to expect a PRISTINE experience? And not have to dodge cyclists in the middle of the road, be unable to use scenic overlooks because they're clogged with aid stations and SAG vehicles? I mean, people plan trips to DV for months, spend thousands of $$ getting there, only to find the place is virtually shutdown due to an athletic competition? ...
The charter of the national parks has been to preserve -and- provide access. Legal requirements for the "wilderness experience" were stated in the Wilderness Act of 1964. National parks and national forest may contain formally defined (Congressionaly) wilderness areas where the stricter definition applies. In fact, it was an interpretation of the Wilderness Act that stops the Badwater 135 event at the portal instead of the summit of Whitney.
Dale B. Dalrymple
