🚀 go-pugleaf

While it is certainly true that there are a lot of trail users who are
not well-versed in the rules of trail etiquette, it is also the case that
these are indeed shared use trails. Strollers and other slower-moving
folks have just as much right to be on the Mt. Vernon and other trails as
does Mr. XYZ, who I am assuming is a fast-moving bicyclist.

Julie Weeks

XYZ wrote:

> There seem to be an impossible number of dumbshits on the
> Mt. Vernon trail.
>
> DumbShits:
>
> 1. "Chicken Walkers"  People who walk on the wrong side and
>    don't give way when they see a bike tearing down at them.
> 2. The Tripwire.  Stupid dog owners who walk on the right,
>    and let their LEASHED dog walk on the left.
> 3. Parents of clumsy kids who don't make sure their brat is
>    on the right side of the trail.
> 4. "The Blockade" - a group of people walking side by side,
>    blocking all attempts to pass.  Usually teenagers who ought
>    to know better.
> 5. The Stop-And-Get-Killed lemmings who are walking at a brisk
>    pace and then stop because they just noticed an interesting
>    piece of dirt on the ground.  They will often stop abruptly
>    and lurch to their left, risking your and their life in the
>    act of passing.
> 6. Roller-Trip-Bladers.  These dumbshits like to rollerblade side
>    by side, not realizing that they kick their feet out 2 feet
>    into the oncoming lane, making passing them a fun "trip".
> 7. Fat people on their new bike.  I think it's great that these
>    butterballs are trying to lose weight and get healthy.  But not
>    when they wobble unpredictably and lurch left and right like
>    the a spinning top.  Fortunately there are relatively few of
>    these.
> 8. Lover's Lane- yes, it's very romantic to stop on the wooden
>    bridges and kiss your lovie-dovie.  It's almost as romantic
>    as when I end up in a bloody pile of bike parts and torn
>    ligaments with your lover.  Very romantic.  Especially when
>    it's two big fatasses that fill more than a single lane.
> 9. Ansel Adams wannabes.  These types are usually found standing
>    in the CENTER of the trail, just around a sharp bend, blocked
>    by trees, holding their brand-new Canon up to their faces,
>    oblivious to anything except the oh-so-interesting piece of
>    dog doo they are snapping a picture of.
>
> Great People:
>
> 1. Heading south on Mt. Vernon trail, about 1/5 mile from the
>    end of the trail (yes, the steep "last mile climb") when
>    someone coming in the opposite direction shouts out "almost
>    there!" in encouragement.  I like that!
> 2. Walkers who see a "three-walkers-in-a-line" preventing me
>    from passing, when they step off the path to let me through.
>    These people are great!
> 3. Parents who keep both their kids and their dogs on a short
>    short leash.
>
> As you can see, there are at least 9 types of dumbshits and 3 types
> of "Great People."
>
> Has anyone collected a list of types of trail-dumbshits and their
> typical behavior patterns?  This could be a great resource for those
> willing to brave the crowds on the trails in the dc area.
>
> P.S. Is there a list on the web that has information about the trails
> (paved for roadies and unpaved for mtn bikers) in the northern VA
> area?  My searching has been in vain so far.

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