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Re: [RC] multi-use trails - D'Arcy Demianoff-Thompson<Karen wrote: I am all for multi use trails where there is sufficient WIDTH, and VISIBILITY and ROOM TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, SPEED LIMITS, etc.> I think that most all of us would agree with this statement who ride in areas that have multi use trails. I do a considerable amount of riding at Sly Park in Placerville, CA. Those trails are dirt bike and horse back trails. Some of them are separate from each other. The horse trails are wider with less ruts. Now the dirt bikers are on those trails because they have rutted their trails badly. I believe the problem, overall, is the lack of manpower to monitor the trails. In an ideal world we would have mounted bike patrols and mounted horse patrols to oversee that the rules are inforced. Since we don't we all have to do the best we can to create goodwill. When there are dirt bikers on the combined trails, most generally, they are respectful and courteous.
I have only had one incident over the last year, in Sly Park, that a teenage boy (about 17) powering down a steep hill straight at a rider, finally came to a screetching halt. The rider's horse was about to go off the side of the embankment (we had just crossed over a bridge) and into the river. The rider was able to get her horse quieted down, by jumping off of the horse, and running forward! I asked the boy to, please in the future, not to come at a horse like that again. I also tried to remind him that it would be best for him, in the long run, not to put anyone in that much danger. He said, "why, what gives you the right to tell me what I can and can not do on the trails." I pointed to the triangular 'right of way' sign. I asked him if he knew what that meant. I actually said, "no - so what?" LOL! I let him know that meant "all traffic (walker and bikers) YIELD to Horses! Then his Father with a younger brother finally get down the hill. And the Father apologizes profusely to the rider and aks are you all okay! Pulls his son off to the side and says, "if you ever do that again I will take your pants down and beat your ass!" Rider and I felt enough said! LOL! Was that child abuse! I don't know. I figure anyone that acts like a 5 year old, out of control, idiot, deserves to have his attitude straightened out! Now, my friend, wanted to hit him with a branch of a tree! And she is a really nice, kind, Christian lady! However, as she mumbled riding away, "don't ever hurt my horse that will bring the anger of the Titans out in me!" I guees that is what all of us really react to. The threat of our horses being hurt first - then ourselves.
A rider at Fireworks got knocked out of the ride due to a biker slamming into the side of her. I wasn't there to see it. I did she the hurt and anger in her eyes as she was telling us at the awards presentations later that night. The tell all sign on her face of how we are really helpless in the long run out there. That we have to rely on the good sense and good judgment of the people we share the trails with. I have ridden with people that have an instant panic attack when a biker is approaching. Instead of remaining calm and creating goodwill the riders have gotten obnoxious and mean. Not creating a very nice experience for the rest of the riders. Nor has it done much to solidfy that horseback riders are not out to take over the trails.
Therefore, as we debate the pros and cons of multi use trails - let us consider the fact that we need to continue to be the BEST goodwill ambassadors ever! With the country in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression it is paramount we consider the stress and anger we may be encountering out there. Should we present ourselves in such a negative manner to treaten an already over stressed family man, executive, and God forbide public official of some type. The reprecussions could be enormous! I know many executives and CEO types that dirt bike. It is one of their best stress relievers. I know several police officers in county park positions that would rather not have the problem of air lifting a horse out of a canyon and/or a airvac an injured rider to the nearest hospital. From what I understand the paperwork on those incidents run into the 100's of hours, not to mention months, should either the horse and rider or both died.
One of the things I have now started to do no matter what point of conditioning I am trying to accomplish on a ride is to STOP instantly! So, have all of the riders that I ride with now! Obviously blind turns are difficult to manage for all users. I will not rely on the integrity of anyone knowing and respecting the posted rules and regulations. Instead we will do what we can to lead by example. If we are kinder and more polite - regardless of whether we have the right or way or not!
Let's keep us all safe out there people.
D'Arcy
"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." -- Anatole France
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