Tri-geek just about causes wreck

[Guest]

On the tandem today heading south, just south of Douglas on the trail. I know a rider is coming up on us from behind, because you know, I'm aware of my surroundings and I do look behind once in a while. Zoom, it's tri-geek girl in her full aero position, ear buds and her "look at me, love me", sports bra and tiny shorts. Of course no "on your left" as she passes. Then up ahead it's the whole fam damily on their bikes and I thought I'm sure she'll slow down to make sure it's safe to pass. Nope, she's all pissed off and decides to pass just as a wobbly older women is coming towards us. She squeezes through, just barely.

If I was on my single, I would have caught her and we would have had words. Loud words so I was sure she heard what I was saying with her 'effin Ipod on. Or maybe she would have got my pump in her front wheel ala the Italians in "Breaking Away".

I hope I see her again!

[Jim Palmer]

X 2. Saturday, 12:30 ish, guy on the aero bars heading into town, blowing down the trail mighty fast.

This is a often visited subject, but really folks, is the Douglas trail a great place to "train" on any bike, let alone a TT set-up? Now I know many of you who will read this will argue that you are a Great bike handler, but can you factor in the dog walkers and small kids?

Any rider who claims any fame of might should NOT be training on the trail. Commute on it in/out of town, but leave the big horsepower stuff for the road.

[Matt Kurke]

Although these people really should be "training" on the road and not on the path, this issue really has been beaten to death on this board in the past. I agree with Palmers post, but for the "guest" poster, I'm afraid that since youre not man enough to post a name then I assume the entire post is a fabrication. Basically you might as well have just posted the truth "I got past by a woman today and now my male ego is forcing me to make anonymous threats on a public forum about sticking a frame pump in a womans spokes." My wife often rides the douglas and I know she'd get scared to ride if douchebags like you were threatening to crash her if they didn't get the on your left they demand.

I'm not defending people who ride the douglas like dips, but have the cahones to post a name!

[silence]

my 2 cents... (not that anyone asked)

This forum, and RASC in general, likely inadvertently contributes to people like that riding the trail. If you look at all the posts and stickies here they often give the impression that riding is DANGEROUS, particularly on regular roads (where she should be training). In a way it's hard to blame someone for trying to avoid being struck by a dump truck or bit by a dog.

I'm sure she doesn't read this here and that is not directly related to her behavior, but perhaps we RASC members should try to promote cycling more as the safe and enjoyable activity that it is.

As for me- I'll probably be riding down the douglas trail looking like a tri-geek tomorrow myself. Only difference will be that I'll look even geekier traveling at about 12 mpg, I just can't bring myself to drive out to the TT though either.

-Drew

[Mark Lyons]

Hello: IM just wondering about allways saying "ON YOUR LEFT" Should this allways be done? It seems sometimes when I say it, that people kind of get nervous hearing something coming from behind them. I have found that if there is enough room, just passing someone and saying "Hello" works fine. (THOUGHTS)

[Charly Tri]

I am not sure why you hope to see this girl again. It is either to put a pump in her spokes or see in her "look at me, love me" get up.

Mark, the best thing I found is to say "PASSING on your left". By emphasising passing they get less confused. I am not sure what others say as I have never been "girled" on the Douglas trail.

[dgershom]

I think you need to be calling out "On the left" as you prepare to pass. There have been times where such comment has startled people and I have, sometimes, stopped to tell walkers what the phrase means. I can call out my passing direction but it's still my responsibility to maintain safe control of my bike...I don't presume that others are going to act in the manner I expect...many years later, no accidents, no one impaled on my aero bars and a few people happier to know what the phrase means.

I don't know that Mark's comments facilitated the conversation...just like ignorant pedestrians, being new to this forum takes awhile to learn. While the rider originally mentioned can sour others perceptions, so, too, can ill-thought comments sour readers.

[jno]

I think the original poster got busted by his wife checking out the tri girl. In order to save face, he acted angry. He then posted this message.

I think you should always announce your presence on the trail. Maybe a hello or good morning.

[guest]

jno... Go f**k yourself

[guest]

Charly Tri... Go f**k yourself

[guest]

Matt Kurke....GO f**k YOURSELF!!!!

[guest]

Matt Kurke.... Suck my CAJONES you mother f**king f*g**t. Oh, and in the meantime, go piss up a rope. Oh and while you're at it...f**k YOU AND THE MOTHERf**kING WHITE HORSE YOU f**kING RODE IN ON YOU f**kING thingy SUCKER!!

[guest]

In case you missed it.... thingy means C_O_C_K! SO, suck it!!

[Hugh G. Rection]

Matt Kurke, Suck my C_O_C_K!!! f*g**t!

[Buster Hymen]

Oh, so F_U_C_K_I_N_G Sorry. It's F_A_G_G_O_T!!! Read between the _'s!!

[Hugh G. Rection]

JNO.... Again, suck my thingy!

[guest]

JNO.. just so you also know thingy means C_O_C_K!! SO, suck it you C_U_N_T!!

[Ohjeet Madrawers]

Oooh, f_u_C_k_i_N_G Charly Tri....the great f_U_C_K_I_N_G VAN boy. F_U_C_K OFF!!