Quote Originally Posted by bike4ever View Post
My first suggestion is to review the IMBA rules of the trail:

4. Always Yield Trail.

Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

I think rule number 4 answers your question. I always announce myself when coming up on other riders/hikers. I try very hard not to startle them since I know I can get startled easily. I do believe that the women I see on the trail are more friendly than then men who blow by without any sort of grunt.
Yes, but I don't think most mtn bikers think this applies to bike-bike conflicts. It's like beginners really don't have a place to ride or learn, because if you go ride any trail with other riders, they don't think you should be there if you aren't at the expert level yet. Not once have I encountered a newbie that was slower than me while riding, which means I must be really slow.