🚀 go-pugleaf

Fortunately or unfortunately I spend too much time riding on
the Mount Vernon Trail.  Yeah, I get particularly annoyed at
some of the stupid or rude behavior I encounter (and am sure
that others see some of my habits as dangerous or rude).
But maybe a bit more perspective may help.

On 26 Mar 2000 18:40:03 EST, "XYZ" <none@nowhere.com> 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.

On a heavily used trail, no excuse for walking on the wrong
side.  But, what the hell are you doing "tearing down" on
anyone on that trail.

>2. The Tripwire.  Stupid dog owners who walk on the right,
>   and let their LEASHED dog walk on the left.  

Short leash, controlled dog -- no real problem.  let the
dogwalker know you are coming up and then pass.  Long
leashes with absentee ownership ...

>3. Parents of clumsy kids who don't make sure their brat is
>   on the right side of the trail.

Whenever you see any kid anywhere on the trail, be prepared
for evasive maneuvering.  Haven't noticed clumsiness being a
controlling issue.

>4. "The Blockade" - a group of people walking side by side,
>   blocking all attempts to pass.  Usually teenagers who ought
>   to know better.

Pull up and tell them you are passing.  Seems to work every
time.

>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.

And of course you told them you were passing on?  If you
didn't, totally your problem.

>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".

Rudeness isn't limited to cyclists.

>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.

In years of riding the Trail I've had many problems with
other cyclists, including obvious new ones.  But I haven't
noticed them spinning like tops, or that weight has anything
to do with the equation.

>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.

Actually, ONLY when they take up more than a lane.  They
have the damn right to be there.  If you are going too fast
to avoid someone stopped in their own lane (and hadn't
bothered to holler passing or ding a bell), and your only
option is to wind up a pile of broken parts -- I might
suggest that you need to improve your skills.

>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.

If blocking a lane they have a problem.  But usually, they
are off to the side.  Again, if you are trying to pass, and
find the oncoming lane blocked, I suspect the problem lies
elsewhere.


>
>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.

Yeah, anyone who rides too fast for circumstances in prime
time on a Saturday or Sunday.  You want to set a stiff pace,
leave real early in the morning, or ride during the week.