Re: [RC] [RC] FW: Fireworks as a begginer ride - Barbara McCrary
Last year on Fireworks, I was he first rider in a group
of two, when we encountered three bicyclists on a blind turn of a single-track
trail. My horse, who is not generally a spooker, slammed on the
brakes. The first bicyclist said, "Damned horses!" Had I thought
quickly enough I should have said, "Damned bicycles!" but I've never been a
master of the snappy retort. Fortunately, the issue did not
escalate. I just explained that horses often are not accustomed to meeting
bikes on a blind turn. I hate dual-use trails, but if it came to a
show-down, we all know horses would lose, because there are generally more
people who ride bikes than ride horses.
Sigh....
Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] FW: Fireworks as a
begginer ride
99% of the mt bike riders Ranelle and I have run into are
very polite and we try with each meeting to educate the bike riders on
how to pass most horses with out incident which is: when coming up
behind a horse and rider call out let the horse and rider know you are
coming. Give us an opportunity to turn our horse around to face them or
even dismount if horse is really spooky. When bikers on coming towards
us we say "Good morning how are you doing..." Engage them in
conversation and they can ride on by no problem. Always we thank them
for there patience and trail ediquette. The more we educate the other
trail users the safer we will be. Now, for the occassional jerk(if the
aformentioned doesn't work) I remind them that equines have the right of
way legally in parks and forrests and that if we are injured due to
there stupidity I will sue them and own everything they have. That seems
to get their attention. Funny story. I was riding along the WS trail at
the river at 7:30am thinking I was alone did some training excerises
with my mare. Riding only with my seat and legs moving her back and
forth. A rude little man can sooming up on a mt bike with out saying
anything. So, I said all you had to do was let me know you were behind
and I would have stopped or moved over. He told me "I was weaving and to
move my fat ass over so he could go by" keep in mind this is a fire road
2 car widths wide. So, I said "have a nice day and I hope you have a
flat tire" And guess what I found about 1/2mile down the trail? Yep mr
nice guy changing a flat tire. If looks could kill. I laughed so hard I
almost wet my pants. What drives me crazy are people on horse back with
their dogs running loose. That is dangerous. I am now caring a squirt
gun filled with vingar or lemon juice. If they do not controll their
dogs they get it in the face. That also seems to get their attention. I
try to kill them with kindness but if that doesn't work then I get
verbal.
--- On Thu, 6/26/08, D'Arcy Demianoff-Thompson
<cest.mon.virage@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From:
D'Arcy Demianoff-Thompson
<cest.mon.virage@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] FW:
Fireworks as a begginer ride To: SandyDSA@xxxxxxx Cc:
carrie.kitley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, jsrha@xxxxxxxxx,
ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 9:03
AM
Well, in all fairness let us consider that the OP sent that post
as a private email. I know I have not been cognizant, at times,
when I have a response to an email privately. As such have
inadvertently reposted to the group rather responding to the OP!
With that in mind we all should probably look past the OP's input and
address a very serious issue, as Sandy as stated, and that would
be manners on the trial. Sandy is absolutely on the mark
with her post. I have seen, not only on the endurance circuit,
but rather, trail wise, some riders, have no manners. So, how do
we address this issue most affectively?
What, for example, do most of you, experienced endurance
riders, do when you come upon, and/or have been affected by an
ill mannered rider? What do you suppose the protocol should
be? As Ranelle can attest - I do not have a quiet voice (number
of years in the Air Force) and have not failed to use it when
necessary on the trail to avert a disaster. Most, and usually
they are mountain bikers, realize they would or could have put a horse
and rider in jeopardy, are polite and apologetic. Especially
when I ask them to consider the fact there may be many NEW riders to
the industry and as such may not have full control of their
horse. I don't know that I have ever come across an impolite
rider on the trail - yet! Usually they know before I have to
turn and look at them that they are in the wrong and apologize.
However, I would like to hear lots of input on your own situation
analysis, from your own experiences, how it was or could have been
best handled! Thanks! Thank you Julienne, Carrie, and
Sandy for opening up a great and timely topic.
