🚀 go-pugleaf

Amen!  Real bicyclers keep to the road!
-PRD

Freewheeling wrote in message ...
>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.
>>
>
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