Tailgated by other cyclist!!

[lph]

Now that it's gotten warm and muggy - we get to watch for ....

Alligators!

Nothing quite like seeing an alligator sunning itself on the path. Now there's a road hazard to avoid at all costs

You're not kidding, are you.

And might I add:

[missymaya]

bmccasland, I've seen those sights before, especially the big boys that take up most of the path. Those gators can get pretty nasty this time of year, so please be careful. There's 2 that hang out on the econ (big stream) that runs next to the path and in the afternoon they just sit there sunbathing. The boy is just huge, probably 8ft and the lady is a tad smaller. I leave them be and they leave me alone to, but I've seen some dumb guys try to walk up to them and mess with them. Yeah, culling of the herd if I've ever seen it.
I also get to see rabits, raccoons, tons of snakes, soft shells turtles going to the water and my favorites, the gopher tortoises. They may be tortoises, but they can move when they need to . Sometimes, I just stop to look at these creatures, just too cool.

[lph]

I'm guessing MUTs are what are called "bike and pedestrian paths" in Norway, which means cyclists are expected to use them instead of the road, and are also expected to share them with Grandma in a wheelchair, your neighbour walking 5 dogs, and gaggles of oblivious teenage girls... *sigh*

Now kids, dogs and elderly people - I give them lots of slack. They either don't know any better, or grew up in a time when things just went slower.
And no, I don't use these trails for any serious training. (Well, I don't actually DO any serious training )

But I really really wish sometimes that we could have a set of "smart pedestrian"-rules, to go with the "friendly cyclist rules", like: Remember there are people out here trying to get from A to B. Try to stay somewhat to one side. Glance behind you before you cross the path. And please don't walk your dog on one side of the path, if you're going to be on the other side... It seems some people feel that paths like these are like strolling around inside a mall and seem shocked at somebody passing them at anything over stroll speed. Since I started biking regularly I'm never startled by other cyclists when I'm on foot. It just depends on what you expect.

But of course what we REALLY want are dedicated bike paths, right?

[Lise]

But of course what we REALLY want are dedicated bike paths, right?

Yes, Yes, YES!

[cosc]

One memorable ride I was just about home at dusk and ran over a rattlesnake. I was about over it before I saw it on the dirt-gravel road. The snake was still there in the road curled and hissing when my FIL came to kill it with a hoe.

[Zen]

One memorable ride I was just about home at dusk and ran over a rattlesnake. I was about over it before I saw it on the dirt-gravel road. The snake was still there in the road curled and hissing when my FIL came to kill it with a hoe.

Why?
I wasn't a threat to anyone

[Python]

One memorable ride I was just about home at dusk and ran over a rattlesnake. I was about over it before I saw it on the dirt-gravel road. The snake was still there in the road curled and hissing when my FIL came to kill it with a hoe.

Poor snake I like Rattlesnakes. They're lovely animals who at least give you warning to back away from them. One of our reptile shops here has a Venomous section. They have a Diamond Back Rattlesnake in there. He's a big lad but seldom rattles his tail as he's used to people. They also have several Cobras, Black Mambas, Green Mambas, a Gaboon Viper a Puff Adder...and an 8 inch long venomous centipede. I love the snakes but not so keen on the centipede. I've been very lucky in being able to see the snakes close up and being only 12 inches from a Cobra even though he's in his viv and behind glass is quite awesome.

Here he is in a very striking pose

[BadgerGirl]

[QUOTE=Python;209177]Poor snake I like Rattlesnakes. They're lovely animals who at least give you warning to back away from them. One of our reptile shops here has a Venomous section. They have a Diamond Back Rattlesnake in there. He's a big lad but seldom rattles his tail as he's used to people. They also have several Cobras, Black Mambas, Green Mambas, a Gaboon Viper a Puff Adder...and an 8 inch long venomous centipede. I love the snakes but not so keen on the centipede. I've been very lucky in being able to see the snakes close up and being only 12 inches from a Cobra even though he's in his viv and behind glass is quite awesome.

I might have to come visit you and the snakes Python...I love snakes too. Talked to a guy at work who has a pet diamondback rattler. Had her since she was a baby. She was cute...Sorry, off topic a little.

One of the bike paths in Denver has a 15 mph limit because of complaints. I hear the police were actually out there radaring people and giving tickets. I know I have better things to do then that! I haven't been to this park but the local news did a story on it last summer.

[madscot13]

I know it's been said but can I reiterate how much I hate it when cars toot their little ( I mean big) horn right behind me? It is just the rudest/ loudest sound and I don't think the driver realizes how bad it could mess a rider up. Wish drivers had a way to say what they wanted to without yelling/ honking.

[cosc]

One memorable ride I was just about home at dusk and ran over a rattlesnake. I was about over it before I saw it on the dirt-gravel road. The snake was still there in the road curled and hissing when my FIL came to kill it with a hoe.

This rattlesnake was about in our front yard and I wouldn't want myself or my family to run across it again.

[RolliePollie]

The bike trail in Sacramento served me extremely well this Spring as I was learning how to ride from scratch. It's so nice and flat down there...so different than my local roads. But now that it's getting busier down there, I'm trying to stay away. Far too many obstacles. Last time I rode the trail, I nearly hit a lady who turned left in front of me. And I got cussed out by a guy who was right on my back wheel when I had to brake because a lady on a razor scooter swerved in front of me and sent me into oncoming bike traffic. Then there are those paceline groups going super fast who scare me half to death.

What does everyone think about getting "dinged" on the trail by a bicycle bell? My friend and I were riding the bike trail on a weekday and it was completely deserted. We were riding along next to each other at about 15 mph...the lane was plenty wide for both of us to stay completely on our side. All of a sudden, this guy comes up behind us and starting dinging us like crazy. Then he flies around us on the left while continuing to ding and cuts in front of us wayyyy too close. There was no one coming the other direction so he had plenty of room to pass. I thought it was very rude. Other folks we encountered generally said, "hi there...nice day today" or "how ya doin'?".

My local MUT is only 3 miles long and 90% of the pedestrians walk ON the pavement and will NOT move. I say "passing on your left" and they stop dead in their tracks and turn to look...and they're still in my way! But once again, in early Spring it was a great place for me to start out. Now I'm more afraid of that trail than any of our local roads!

[Lise]

What does everyone think about getting "dinged" on the trail by a bicycle bell?

I recently got a bell for my bicycle, when I saw that people responded more quickly and favorably to my BF's bell than to my "on your left!" When I use my bell, I am calmer than when I'm yelling. The bell is a constant volume. With my voice, I'm never sure how loudly to yell, and I find myself tense and angry if I've yelled that I'm passing and people don't respond.

Sounds like the guy who passed you was pretty hepped up on adrenaline, and his bell-use just reflected that!

So far, I'm in favor of the bell over the voice. I've started saying, "I'm passing you!", as a lot of people seem baffled by "on your left". It's hard to know when to say the "OYL"--when faster riders pass me, it often seems like they're nearly upon me before they say anything, and then I want to jump. If they started dinging from a few more feet back, I'd know they were coming.

[crazycanuck]

I absolutely hate being Ding Ding Dinged at I feel as if i'm around kindergarten kids or something.URGH.

If i'm going to pass you, i'll say "On your right" or "Rider" and if you still don't hear me..well a few expletives will be in order.

Just move out of my way. Can you tell I don't like slow cyclists, families on bikes etc..

This is why i mountain bike!

In addition, I don't use the cycle paths on the weekend as i know there will be families out there and I don't have the patience.

C

[Zen]

In summary, common sense is not always common.

[bmccasland]

You're not kidding, are you.

And might I add:

LPH - nope not kidding. A rider in my office was in a pace line - both experienced, good steady guys - I'll follow them anywhere - when guy in front slams his breaks because there's an alligator on the path. Rider in back swerves to miss, goes down hard on the grass side of the levee (the river side has a concrete cover). Crash resulted in a broken scapula, and pelvis. But good news - he's healed and back riding. The lead guy took it hard that he broke his friend. Allligator did a swift walk back to the Mississippi.

This time of year the Mississippi is still running pretty cool, so we're not likely to see 'gators, but give everything another month to warm up. Apparently the gators have discovered tastey bits coming over from the sub-urbs. Heerree fluffy!