W&od

[mariacycle]

I love the W&OD! I think (for the most part) that people are extremely respectful and polite. I always feel a sense of comradery when I wave to others on the trail whether they're cycling, running, or walking.

Yes, occasionally people zoom past you without the decency to say "left" or make any other attempt at warning you... c'est la vie. Regardless, it doesn't even compare to the Key Bridge.

Today I drove to the trail and tried to push my out of shape body to the limit. I stopped a couple of times to walk or catch my breath and I was really touched by the cyclists who rode past and made sure to ask if I was ok. I never thought of it before but a sitting or walking cyclist could have bike problems or not be feeling well (as opposed to just be tired, which was my initial thought).

What are your experiences on the W&OD (or other paved trails for that matter)?

[ny biker]

I saw a guy walking his bike on the trail the other day, holding a bloody bandage up to his head. I asked if he needed help but he said he was fine. I guess he was near his destination.

I live near the eastern end of the trail, but prefer the western half because it's less crowded (once you get out of Herndon) and has fewer intersections.

[mariacycle]

Sometimes the serenity is good but other times (like Monday when a man was walking towards me with two golf clubs in his hand) I turn around immediately to go to where it is the busiest...

[Kalidurga]

In all the years that I've been riding remote sections of trails such as the W&OD, the C&O, and the WMRT, I don't recall a single time that I've ever felt unsafe. The handful of folks in those areas are out there for similar reasons to yours, even if it doesn't appear that way. Perhaps I've become complacent and cavalier, but why would golf clubs make you feel nervous? There's at least one golf course in the vicinity of the W&OD.

I'll take solitude with the occasional weirdo over a busier trail any day of the week...

[mariacycle]

My opinion is always better safe than sorry. The guy was probably walking away from or walking to a golf course but when you are a female on a bike and a big guy is walking towards you with a golf club in his hand, you have to recognize the possibility that you are not in a safe situation.

[ny biker]

Pervs are everywhere. You do need to be alert, and listen to your gut if it tells you the situation might not be safe.

One thing I like about the WOD is that even the quiet sections are not totally deserted -- you still other people often enough to know you're not alone if you need help.