Need to vent...

[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.

[Crankin]

We don't have the # of MUPs that other cities have. There are 3 in the area, 2 within close distance, i.e. it's less than 10 miles to the start. I have only been on these paths during the week; one is full of commuters and fairly fast riders on their lunch break, as well as the other types, joggers, dog walkers. The other have more of the typical path "people," and again I would only go on them during the week. Made the mistake of riding the Bruce Freeman rail trail close to its opening day, on a Sunday, last year at this time. My voice hurt from calling out! Plus, it runs a long a road I ride on at times, which is perfectly acceptable for cycling.
The week we came back from Spain, we decided to go on the Minuteman Bike Trail on a cool, almost rainy Sunday in June. We were on our hybrids, dressed in "casual" cycling clothes. DH did not have bike shoes on, although I did. I had an altercation with a woman who was blocking the space between those obnoxious poles they put at the entrance to paths, after an intersection. I barely clipped out in time as she and her family just stood there as I almost crashed. Finally, I said, "can you please let me through?" and she started screaming at me, "why are you in such a hurry?" And i certainly did not look like a roadie type that day.
I won't go there again ever, on a weekend.