🚀 go-pugleaf

10. People who use a multi-use trail expecting it to be some sort of bicycle
freeway.

--
-Scott Talkington
talkings@bigfoottail.com
Cut the "tail" to respond by email.

Scott Rosenzweig <scottr@his.com> wrote in message
news:qanuds06vmg95m8hmv988ojogbdpe4m2tp@4ax.com...
> 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.
>