Can't please everyone . . .

**SeanC** · 11-14-2009

Had a great ride today that involved going down down down a very fun 5.5 mile trail that often has a lot of hikers on it.

Knowing this, I strapped my Kona Cow Bell on the handlebars and down we went.

On the way down, we passed plenty of hikers. I try my best to be friendly with a "howdy" or "beautiful day" or "have a great hike" and a smile. The cow bell was very effective. I could see people way down the trail notice/hear me coming and they stepped to the side. I also slow down when I pass people. I had a couple people compliment me on the bell, thanks for having it, that's a great idea, etc. etc.

Then I pass one guy veeery slowly, bell jangling, and as soon as I get passed him he yells "NOT A GOOD TRAIL FOR BIKES!!!" So I look back and say "It's a multi-use trail." And he just shouts some more "NO, NOT A GOOD TRAIL FOR BIKES!!!" and some other stuff too. I just keep going.

As courteous to people and as cautious as I can be on the trail, there's always some clown who thinks the trail should be just. for. them. and them only. That really blows me.

Didn't let it ruin a beautiful day and a fun ride, though.

Thanks for reading my rant.

**dburdett** · 11-14-2009

I always have a cowbell on my camelbak... still have to call out but it helps.

**BigD** · 11-14-2009

lol...5.5 miles of fun downhill...sounds like a real good trail for bikes

**rojomas** · 11-14-2009

Should of said "yes dear" and blew him a kiss

**porkybmx** · 11-14-2009

Lol...very appropriate title...there will always be those who feel self entitled to be the only ones who should be allowed to use the trail.

**art23rockpile** · 11-14-2009

Originally Posted by SeanC

Then I pass one guy veeery slowly, bell jangling, and as soon as I get passed him he yells "NOT A GOOD TRAIL FOR BIKES!!!" So I look back and say "It's a multi-use trail." And he just shouts some more "NO, NOT A GOOD TRAIL FOR BIKES!!!" and some other stuff too. I just keep going.

As courteous to people and as cautious as I can be on the trail, there's always some clown who thinks the trail should be just. for. them. and them only. That really blows me.

Not a rant at all... you sound like a good representative of our sport.

As regards the guy who yelled at you:

"Dogs bark, and the caravan keeps moving."

**ebenke** · 11-14-2009

I use my incred-i-bell a lot going downhill when hikers are present, or going around tight corners to let people know someone is coming. Some hikers seem fine with it, others look annoyed with it, but all of them hear me coming their way, and no collisions or close calls yet. As I pass by, I say "hi, how are you today", and most everyone has a positive response back.

I try to be as courteous to all I come across, make for a better ride.

**SeanC** · 11-14-2009

Originally Posted by BigD

lol...5.5 miles of fun downhill...sounds like a real good trail for bikes

Are you implying that any long trail with a fun downhill section is not good for bikes? Where should we all be riding then?

You go up, you have to come down. I don't understand what you are saying here.

**NipomoGuy** · 11-14-2009

haha, i'm glad the people where i ride are so friendly, i once took a wrong turn onto a hiking trail (it was kinda obvious, but i had no idea) and sombody politely informed me that i was on the hiking path, and to just be carefull on my way back.

I just smile at people when they act like they own the place when they don't.

they hate it

**afgenkuong** · 11-14-2009

There is a minority of jerks. Everywhere.

**BigD** · 11-15-2009

Originally Posted by SeanC

Are you implying that any long trail with a fun downhill section is not good for bikes? Where should we all be riding then?

You go up, you have to come down. I don't understand what you are saying here.

Hi Sean ,no sarcasm implied

...5.5 miles of fun downhill sounds like a great trail

. Contrary to the grouch you encountered who claimed otherwise.

**SeanC** · 11-15-2009

Originally Posted by BigD

Hi Sean ,no sarcasm implied

...5.5 miles of fun downhill sounds like a great trail

. Contrary to the grouch you encountered who claimed otherwise.

cool, didn't catch it the first time around, sorry!

Yeah, my friend and were saying over pints that that is one of the best trails for bikes!

**Zonacat** · 11-15-2009

I think we need MORE bikes on that trail. Soooo, where is this trail you speak of?

**dstepper** · 11-15-2009

Some trails are best just left alone during high traffic hiker times. I don't know what trail you are referring to but trails like Lower Sam Merrill are no fun to ride down when there are so many hikers.

I ride MTB to get away from people and I am willing to drive a hour or two to get to the goods. If it bothers you I suggest more remote trails, we are never going to have all the hikers accept us. I wish high traffic trails would adopt a even/odd-hiker/MTB days.

Dean

**vukyle** · 11-15-2009

Let me see if I understood this correctly. You were riding downhill, but you were not yielding to uphill traffic? Or were all the hikers heading downhill?

**HELLDOG** · 11-15-2009

I think the situation would have been dif with out the cow bell. It is basically saying here I come so get out of my way or I will run you over.. I know that is not your reason for the Bell, but obviously the hiker did..

**SeanC** · 11-15-2009

Originally Posted by vukyle

Let me see if I understood this correctly. You were riding downhill, but you were not yielding to uphill traffic? Or were all the hikers heading downhill?

By the time I got to 90% of the people, they had already stepped aside to let me pass. I stopped to let people by going uphill a few times. FWIW, I ride a 4" bike and was certainly not bombing down this trail.