Mark: Hike with some ski/trek poles and kindaa stretch out your arms. That'll slow folks down.
Flow check...and don't use the trails like you're driving I-5.
Alexander Vondrell

To: whimps_mtb_club@yahoogroups.com
From: markomtb13@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2010 20:17:55 +0000
Subject: [whimps_mtb_club] Eight Weeks of Walking

It was with interest I watched a thread on another forum...at least until it degenerated into the standard mud slinging troll fest. But, since I have been thinking about posting something on the same topic for quite some time it finally sent me into keyboard mode.

Due to a bulging disc at L5 I've been off the bike for about eight weeks now. The disc pain along with being off the bike has made for some rough weeks. So, in an effort to get some mental recharge I've been hitting up Galbraith in biped mode instead and it has given me some perspective.

Unfortunately, it seems a lack of respect for our fellow trail users is becoming more and more pervasive. A general attitude of get out of my way-I'm in the zone, don't kill my flow (both up and down), this is about my ride and screw yours is creeping in and casting a shadow that if becomes too long will be our user group's downfall. Ok, maybe a little drama here but ramifications of poor user behavior are realities. And, to be fair a group of trail runners was among the worst encounters.

Lately, I've encountered this on multiple fronts-whether riding with my three kids, walking my dog, hiking with my 73 year old dad or trying to regain some mental space and fitness so I can get back on the bike again. Its a disturbing trend and one I can only imagine impacts other non-bike riding users even more.

Over my eight weeks of bipedal Galbraith action I've been appalled at how many times I've been almost mowed over by a biker with nary a head nod, hello or any other acknowledgment. Now mind you I know what its like to want to keep the flow and I'm pretty good about getting off trail so as to SHARE the trail. But, in my early state I physically could barely move, let alone fast-and more than a few times pain ensued as I stepped aside to avoid collision. But the self centered state of riders and any alternative thoughts of my condition and right to be on the trail was obviously non-existent.

So, this experience of the past two months reminded me of one of my own social faux pas. One day I headed out on a ride, it had been a bad day at work, kids were driving me nuts and the ride was going to be my reset. As I cruised up the Ridge looking to push the pace I encountered a slower rider. I rang my bell, no response. I barked out "Rider UP!", no response. Again, I barked "Rider UP!" this time louder, again no response.

After what seemed like forever, but was really a matter of minutes, we exited out at the top of the Ridge by the kiosk. I was about ready to say something about the lack of rider etiquette when I realized it was my issue not his. Pulling up along side I noticed the hearing aids. It hit me big time-he was hard of hearing, not just hogging the tail and being a jerk...I was the jerk. I thought about the situation the whole rest of the ride.

Yeah, I've been the president of the WMBC for years, I've volunteered thousands of hours, built tons of trail, fielded complaints, gone to meetings, negotiated stewardship agreements etc. etc. But the reality is I don't have ANY more right to the trail than he did because of my efforts. In fact my efforts, and I dare say the WMBC efforts in general, are exactly for his right to the trail as much as mine.

A bit of perspective, a flow check if you will, is a good thing. One maybe we should all do a bit more often.

Share the trails so we can save the trails!

Peace,

MP