Note to Self: Avoid park trails on holidays!

[wildhawk]

Our Florida weather was beautiful for New Year’s Day, so DH and I loaded up our bikes with a picnic lunch and pedaled off to our local park for lunch and riding. Unfortunately, I have been getting in some great rides there, but on weekdays. I totally forgot how crowded it gets on weekends, especially with all the newbies out there on skates, bikes and tricycles. The trail is clearly marked with directional signs, but it was a free for all. Kids, dogs and people were coming and going in every direction and we had a ton of stop and go. I overheard one guy telling his wife that he was going for a “really fast spin” around the trail. He gave up in a quarter mile since he could not get through. We managed to squeak out a 12 mile ride regardless and enjoyed our day, but it was difficult to say the least. The only issue I had was a couple of parents that got annoyed at us for saying, “On your left” and they refused to move their kids either left or right, but instead gave us scowls. We had to actually come to a complete stop and direct their children to one side of the trail so we could pass them. Their parents made no attempt to direct them to one side at all. Whew! Now I really appreciate the open trail I have on weekdays!!

[Tri Girl]

Isn't that the truth? Because I'm off work, I went for a ride on Tuesday this week when it was almost 70 degrees and there were people out in droves (and it was a weekday- go figure). Kids on new Christmas bikes and scooters and dogs galore. It makes me nervous with kids around because you just never know which way they'll go (most likely right in front of you). On days like that, I take the bike computer off (or the slow numbers mess with my ego) and just enjoy the ride.
Glad you had fun!

[beccaB]

A century ride my husband and I participated in, had us use several bike trails. It was a beautiful Saturday. We had to go at least 15mph in order to finish on time, and it took me a while to realize most of the people on the trail at that time were not participating in that event. We went around a lot of people, and some were not too happy with use. Normally we don't use bike trails except for when road conditions are treacherous. I'm glad there ARE bike trails, but I think the accepted speed is 10mph, and that's slower than we usually average.

[Trek420]

I never use the multi-use trails one either:
the days after Christmas or ...
right after new years.

Both times are clogged with:
cute little kids taking their first wobbly ride on their ill fit bikes with doting parents either hovering right over them or ignoring. Or.....

Individuals and groups with their New Years resolution bike.

Sadly if we wait a couple weeks both groups will be gone and then the trail is MINE!

[Selkie]

I never use the multi-use trails one either:
the days after Christmas or ...
right after new years.

Both times are clogged with:
cute little kids taking their first wobbly ride on their ill fit bikes with doting parents either hovering right over them or ignoring. Or.....

Individuals and groups with their New Years resolution bike.

Sadly if we wait a couple weeks both groups will be gone and then the trail is MINE!

Right on, Sister, but you forgot: The first warm days of spring.

I ride at "off hours" to avoid the hordes.

[Kalidurga]

Right on, Sister, but you forgot: The first warm days of spring.

I ride at "off hours" to avoid the hordes.

Not to mention Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Even on weekdays, off hours are definitely the way to go.

I miss my rail-trails. When's that first warm day of spring...?

[Trek420]

Right on, Sister, but you forgot: The first warm days of spring.

My favorite time to ride my favorite mixed use trail is bad weather. Like today it's not too cold, light rain or anytime it looks threatening. Keeps the crowds down. I'd go today but too much to do on the house.