Need to vent...

[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.

[Roadtrip]

Wow. I didn't realize so many had these same sorts of experiences. Both of the local MUP's are within a ten minute drive from the house, so pretty easy to load up the bikes and get there...

Roads here in Cincinnati are either dangerous (congested and speeds of 45mph+ in a 35mph zone), small, bad pavement, CLUTTERED with parked POS cars that haven't been moved since the Nixon administration.

Did I mention the hills yet??

The MUP has been pretty nice to get some miles under my legs while in a somewhat controlled environment, but I'm beginning to wonder, just might be time to start logging more miles on the road.

[marni]

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...[/QUOTE]

You mean he actually warned you? Around here apparently that is totally unheard of whether on the MUT or out on the road. I can't say how often the mirror has prevented a disaster since I have lost count. And why is it that they always pass you in the narrowest part where the shoulder disappears or if full of stuff?

Practice you good manners, try and find none busy times and persevere.

I'm sorry it was a bad ride. Perhaps the next one will be better.

[Roadtrip]

Oh... I am SO getting one of these

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/r...4?a=B000ACAMJC

First you get the polite ding of the bell and if don't work... Say "hello" to my little horn!!!

Shannon

[PamNY]

Oh... I am SO getting one of these

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/r...4?a=B000ACAMJC

First you get the polite ding of the bell and if don't work... Say "hello" to my little horn!!!

Shannon

It is an appealing idea, but you might startle dogs and make your problems worse.

[tctrek]

Yep - my one an only broken bone from cycling was on a MUP when an inline skater pulled out without any warning!! I'll take my chances on the road.

[Owlie]

The one I usually ride on is linear, so once you get out into the more rural areas, the joggers and dog-walkers and rollerbladers thin out. Most people are polite and will move over for cyclists. Actually, some of the worst behavior I've seen on those trails are from other cyclists! (Like the ones I mentioned that won't tell you they want to pass, or a big group that takes up both lanes going around a bend...)

[Roadtrip]

It is an appealing idea, but you might startle dogs and make your problems worse.

I hope it was obvious that I was joking about air-horn... yes, I'm sure it would be quite a startle for someone not expecting it, so the idea of it (or actually using it) was purely meant as a joke.

Good News:
Today was pretty warm and with so much other stuff going on in the city (Bengals playing this afternoon, if what happened on the field today can be considered competitive sports, but that's for another forum) and the Reds in the playoffs and playing this evening the trail was pretty empty. In the end I decided to give the trail another go (yes the very one that I SWORE I would NEVER ride again) and it was actually pretty nice. I still was a bit stressed on the narrow portion of the trail, but there was only a few people to pass, so all in all it was quite pleasant of a ride.

Shannon

[Catrin]

I have only been on a part of one local MUP, and if I have any choice in the matter I won't be on another one in my area. I did, however, enjoy riding the trail out of Yellow Springs, Ohio - but that was not in an urbanized area...