Heavy handed BS. If it was so deadly of an area that they couldn’t ride a mountain bike down the trail, then after citing them and taking the bikes, they wouldn’t have cut them loose to -walk through- the same area for two miles.
They would have transported them to the gate after citing them.
Bikers should have faked cooperating for a moment, and then suddenly fled on the bikes. They wouldn’t be shot, and all they are risking is an additional misdemeanor eluding charge. A fast ride for all the marbles.
My USMC son took me on some 'backcountry rides'; some of the hills you push the bike up.
You can buy an OK used car for the cost of his Rocky Mountain bike.
An interesting race!
Two miles, two highly motivated participants, one push/riding his $$$ bike, wearing lug shoes/ shorts, the other wearing baggy pants and boots.
Hey guys! Did you see me make that catch!!!
Too bad he fell at the end and was bruised!