Blind Curve Signaling Suggestions?

[OakLeaf]

I've found that wearing hi-viz makes it much easier to spot oncoming riders on the MUP when the curve is blind because of vegetation. You can still see flashes of that brilliant color through the trunks and leaves. No help if the way forward is blind because of a hill or rock, of course.

[Artista]

We're riding up and down mesas so our sight is often blocked by the sides of hills. There is no opportunity to catch even a flash of color. That's why I'm signaling proactively but I think that the term "Bikes Coming" is leading other riders to believe that I know that they are there and that I'm yielding before they even see me.

Calling out "Corner" isn't a perfect solution but it may alert other riders to my presence while preventing them from assuming that I know that they're on the other side. In the end, I may have to be satisfied to be the only person signaling in these blind curves and blow off the occasional grumpy rider.

[Becky]

Usually, when I'm calling out during a ride, it's to my riding partners behind me to let them know that we have traffic in front of us. Other riders in my area seem to do the same thing.

I can see why verbal signals might confuse other riders around you....

[solobiker]

Would it be easier if you changed the direction you are riding? Just wondering... because in the case of Centinnial Cone it is easier to avoid others in tricky areas because most people ride it clockwise so we are all pretty much going in the same direction.

Still it is a tough call on that and I wish I had some suggestions. Luckily for me DH's brakes sometimes squeel so others here us coming. There is no need for them to be grumpy though...they should just enjoy being able to be out and riding.

[jessmarimba]

Maybe that's partly why I hadn't encountered this...my brakes squeal like crazy.

I hate when someone comes up behind me going really fast (generally on downhills) and doesn't make any noise. When I finally hear them I usually about fall over because it scares the bejesus out of me. Just tell me you want around and I will gladly move!!

[solobiker]

Same here Jess!! I hate it when that happens...there really is no reason for it.

[Artista]

Would it be easier if you changed the direction you are riding?

Hmmm...maybe. It seems that about 40% of the riders go our direction and the other 60% go the other direction. Hubby and I have talked about doing it "backwards" just for something different. I think we'll give it a try.

[Loraura]

A bell is the way to go. On a positive note for the directinally impared, my bell also has a compas on it.

Secondly, try to find out who the trail steward is for that trail, and mention the need for a reroute/adjustment to that corner if it is dangerously blind.

[Artista]

A bell is the way to go. On a positive note for the directinally impared, my bell also has a compas on it.

Secondly, try to find out who the trail steward is for that trail, and mention the need for a reroute/adjustment to that corner if it is dangerously blind.

We're riding around the sides of mesas, (flat top mountains), with lots of rock. I'm not sure that a bell can be heard around these curves

No option to reroute the trail without taking out a large portion of the mesa. I probably call out at least 20 times on just one 4 mile trail section. Some of the other areas aren't quite so bad.

I'm going to get some pics of the trail next time we ride. I always enjoy seeing what trails look like in other parts of the country. Our trails are soooo different than any of the other pics I've seen. And my blind curve dilemma might be easier to understand if I can show everyone what I'm talking about.

[Artista]

On a positive note for the directinally impared, my bell also has a compas on it.

I forgot to ask how you knew that I can hardly tell my right from my left I've heard that directional impairment is common in artistic types. I love compasses!