Need to vent...

[Roadtrip]

OK. I need to vent. Weather here today was really, really great so after work we decided to squeeze out a ride with what was left of the fading sun. DH talked me into trying out a new trail (he'd done it once before by himself) and I agreed.

This has got to be the MOST stressed I have ever been. The path was very bumpy with rough pavement and pretty narrow. Once we get to the main portion of the trail pavement was a tad better, but still VERY narrow (aprox 8 feet) in places, plus as a multiple use trail there were quite a few other people out enjoying the nice day as well. I had several near collisions as people just wouldn't move over. Two rollerbladers where riding in the opposite direction, side by side, and took up two thirds of the trail, leaving only me about two and a half feet for me to pass and my bars came only inches from clipping her.

I had to stop and make an adjustment to my saddle after a really steep hill and was about to set off again when I hear someone yelling from behind so I immediately went to the right and see a guy on a road bike ZIP past at a high rate of speed. He had to be going 30MPH and had just ridden down the hill where there were signs saying to get off and walk down because it is so steep. Only thing that keep an accident from happening was that I was some 50 feet up the road and well clear of the hill before stopping, but he was flying and I had only seconds to react.

WHY don't people give you a little space?? I mean at least give me half the road if all possible... is that TOO much to ask? Dog walkers that let the dog creep over into the far lane (and refuse to reign in the pooch when you alert your about to pass).. rollerbladers who have a wide stride and cross over into my lane and don't always stand up as we're about to pass one another.. and walkers who don't think TWICE about straddling the center line as there walking side by side.

I was SO glad to get back to the car and decompress. Oh, and did I forget to mention I'm a complete newbie, so I don't always feel confidant in controlling the bike in a tight quarters like a space of where inches means going off into the ditch or colliding with someone. I DID it, but didn't like it at all, so if anything can be said about tonight I learned to be more of a defensive rider and that isn't such a bad thing.

Perhaps I should just wear a HUGE neon sigh stating "Newbie Rider - DANGER - Crowd Me at YOUR own risk" it would make them give me at least my fair share of the road!!

Thanks for listening,
Shannon

[indysteel]

Sorry you had such a bad ride This is why I avoid multi-use trails like the plague. I'd much rather deal with cars.

[inkspot]

I'm sorry to hear that your ride this afternoon was so stressful! It never ceases to amaze me just how selfish and inconsiderate people can be sometimes. I have encountered a lot of the same issues you list here, and can imagine that they are so much more frustrating when you are new to the sport and need to concentrate so much harder to safely navigate the obstacles they create. Despite your stressful experience, you sound like you have a good outlook on the experience - you certainly did get to practice your defensive riding techniques !

I really hope your next ride is far more pleasant and far less stressful. If not, be sure to tell us, and we'll arrange for a TE squad to come out and clear the path for you

[jessmarimba]

Oh my goodness, I absolutely know what you're talking about. I haven't been on a bike in awhile, but I'm getting so tired of people tailing me in the car and not giving me space! I usually drive about 5 over, I'm ALWAYS in the right lane...why can't they just go around?? Pushing me isn't going to make the car in front of me go any faster, either.

I'm so terrified of being rear-ended right now that I've taken to hitting my hazard lights if people are too close, even if I'm going the speed limit or higher. Too bad bikes don't have that option!

I wonder if the people tailing me are the same people who take over trails.

[chicagogal]

MUPs are terrible!!!! I totally understand how you feel. I am fairly experienced as a cyclist and still tense up terribly on my local MUP. I hadn't ridden on it for a while (definitely prefer crazy drivers over dog walkers, kids, roller bladers, etc), but rode on it the other day and came home with a sore next and a headache from being so tense!!!

[blackhillsbiker]

I hate dogs on "retractable leashes," rollerbladers wearing iPods, and packs of teens who don't care that you're coming up behind them. They'll turn around and stare at you without moving. If I'm on the mountain bike I'll just go off the path and around them.

Deb

[pll]

I wonder if the people tailing me are the same people who take over trails.

I often have wondered about the same. They also must be the same people who block aisles in the supermarket with their carts. I too get nervous with people tailing me in the car, so close that you know if something makes you stop, they will hit you from behind.

I avoid trails for the most part. They can be very stressful when busy.

[PamNY]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Crowded trails can be frightening and frustrating. I'd suggest going slowly, using a mirror, hi viz clothing, a bell, and a really loud voice.

A few positives to focus on:
It does give you an opportunity to promote good cycling manners -- stopping for pedestrians, for example. You can also thank people who move for you. And you will develop bike-handling skills if you are in crowds at times.

[Roadtrip]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Crowded trails can be frightening and frustrating. I'd suggest going slowly, using a mirror, hi viz clothing, a bell, and a really loud voice.

A few positives to focus on:
It does give you an opportunity to promote good cycling manners -- stopping for pedestrians, for example. You can also thank people who move for you. And you will develop bike-handling skills if you are in crowds at times.

I'm trying to concentrate on the positives, yes. I have a bell on the bike and yes, I'm being more vocal and thanking people that reign in Sparky and generally TRYING to keep a good attitude and smiling.

Shannon

[Owlie]

I'm sorry you had such a stressful ride. Been there--my first ride on the trail was also my first road bike ride...over the July 4th weekend.

If I'm on the trail, I always yell "behind you" or something at pedestrians, especially if they have dogs. I thank them for moving over a bit or dragging Fido back to their side and continue on my way. (Then there's always the ones (usually dogless, thankfully) with headphones in. I wait and then go around.)

Most people are good about moving over or reining in their dogs, but there's always a couple who don't. And then there's always the guy in his 20s or 30s with a tri bike or an absurdly expensive road bike who won't tell you he wants to pass you until he's on your wheel...

[Roadtrip]

I was really glad DH was about 15-20 yards behind me and would give me a heads up if someone was approaching from behind.

Thanks again ladies!!
Shannon

[indysteel]

If I were you, I would consider getting out on some quiet country roads. While I know a lot of new riders stick to MUTs, I don't honestly think they're the safest of environments. Heck, even as an experienced rider, I find them to be overly stressful, at least on crowded days.

[sarahspins]

While I know a lot of new riders stick to MUTs, I don't honestly think they're the safest of environments. Heck, even as an experienced rider, I find them to be overly stressful, at least on crowded days.

I agree.. my DH is MORE comfortable riding (and jogging) on them, but as he rides very slow, and doesn't really understand "ride etiquette" he isn't really aware of the dangers or problems that MUT's create for cyclists.. he doesn't even understand how much MORE risk/danger towing a trailer adds into that equation on a MUT, which is usually what he suggests doing when the topic comes up (he does NOT like me riding on the road with the kids - at this point I just don't bother telling him when I do that). I can't stand riding on them... however, my DH is convinced that all roads with cars are uber dangerous and you should only go out and ride on them if you want to die

[Owlie]

They're great when they're not crowded, and actually the best way for me to get to rural roads. Problem is, they're crowded most of the time, especially when the weather's nice. If I was home from school, I'd go out on weekdays during the day, or really early on weekends, so I was on my way home by the time the crowds started coming out.

[indysteel]

I agree.. my DH is MORE comfortable riding (and jogging) on them, but as he rides very slow, and doesn't really understand "ride etiquette" he isn't really aware of the dangers or problems that MUT's create for cyclists.. he doesn't even understand how much MORE risk/danger towing a trailer adds into that equation on a MUT, which is usually what he suggests doing when the topic comes up (he does NOT like me riding on the road with the kids - at this point I just don't bother telling him when I do that). I can't stand riding on them... however, my DH is convinced that all roads with cars are uber dangerous and you should only go out and ride on them if you want to die

When a Yorkie on a retractable lease almost takes him out (this happened to me), he might change his mind. When I told the dog owner to control his dog, he called me a name. Yeah, you're right. I'm in the wrong.

It doesn't help that in Indy, crime is also a factor on our MUP. There have been several attacks involving cyclists during non-peak hours. So, you can't win; you either deal with the crowds or the criminals.