They're just really bumpy, mostly. You can ride over them if you don't mind the constant jolting (and in most spots on the path you have no choice unless you want to weave on and off the path, which is highly frowned upon). Way better than riding over rocks which are a lot sharper (obvs) and a more irregular surface.

Aww, come on now. Maybe a teenage bear getting ready to hibernate, so he's a little slower and loses interest quickly?

Here's my tat. He's not looking his best, sorry for the scabbies:



I'm really into gargoyles, see.