gabrielle, it's not just mtb trails.

I've noted that on multiuse trails and even roads when riders are riding side-by-side whether I am attempting to pass or going the opposite way, guys as a rule (there are acceptions) will not yeild. If I'm heading towards them the guy on the outside (on a road this means they are riding the wrong way and forcing me into traffic) will not drop back behind his buddy.

It's funny but every action to them seems like it MUST result in going faster. I have no problem with folks riding two abreast if you can see it's clear ahead but not when you can't see what lies ahead, and not if someone is clearly passing or going opposite, then it drives me nucking futs.

I rarely ride two areast but when I do I work out with the other rider that one of us will drop back if a cyclist/ped/skater is ahead. Sometimes it makes me want to stand in the pedals and accelerate (just because I'm a woman does not mean I'm not going fast) same thing if I come upon 2 riders and call out to pass, if a guy is on the outside he will not drop back to go single file, he will not let me through till he passes his buddy (who also in a testosterone overdose can't possibly be passed by a girl).

I've seen this in women riders but usualy they are new and when you explain the logic/safety they get it (not always-ahem) but amoung men this seems universal.

Some of my best friends are men ;-) But as someone who does not have to deal with men closely on a day by day basis (gay) I'm at a loss to explain this phenomenon ;-) Can this be cured? or are we stuck with this.