Etiquette for our new dysfunctional normal

[Iwantmy2dollars]

Hi,

Been out riding the local trails for the past couple weeks - now that things are finally drying out.

The trails are starting to get busier and interactions with other riders more frequent.
Usually I am happy to see my fellow trail riders. I still am, but also a little
freaked, when we pass on narrow trails, huffing and puffing, with little room for someone to get by.

What used to be common sense right-of-way - to allow the uphill rider to pedal on by is no longer
a good practice, now that we have serious health concerns about distancing.
The uphill rider is usually breathing much heavier than the downhill rider, and, he is going MUCH slower.


Which brings me to my point. As long as we have transmission concerns, it seems
common sense to reverse our usual practice and let the uphill riders stay mounted, and go by quickly.
It lessens the time spent in close proximity substantially. It lessens the time the
downhill rider is subjected to the slow uphill speed and heavy breathing of the climbing rider.
Hopefully we will be in this situation for just this season and can go back to normal once there is
a vaccine.

Please share this with your crew and stay healthy.
Thanks,

Paul

[geomorph]

I think a more reasonable approach is just everyone yield and evaluate what makes sense. We barely manage to follow the guidelines under normal circumstances, now there's more people, new users on the trail, better to just stop and talk it out.

[muted]

Hi,


Please share this with your crew and stay healthy.
Thanks,

Paul

This will be a logistical log-jam as some people change the rules, while others have no clue why. It won't work. If you are that afraid an uphill rider is puffing on you, stay home?

As geomorph said 'yield and evaluate what makes sense'

[Ted Striker]

One way trails.

[The SnowShow]

Wear neck gaiters or bandanas and pull them on when you approach another trail user. Pull off trail 6’ if possible.

[muted]

One way trails.

Yes. This will be awesome.

And unfortunately a bunch of wealthy rich white people will then whine they picked the wrong direction.....

[bagtagley]

Pull off trail 6’ if possible.

This has gotten interesting with the poison ivy going fucking nuts at the local spot.

[Dantheman]

One way trails.

Would solve so. many. problems.

[Iwantmy2dollars]

Not really practical with how quickly we intersect with not much time to react.

[Iwantmy2dollars]

yeah, I realize that it will initially create some confusion but if we take time to explain then most normal people understand and will act accordingly next time.
When I pull over now going uphill, most of the riders going down stop like they are accustomed to doing. I take that moment to explain and most
are appreciative and think its a reasonable approach. Only takes a minute and there are reasons to do this that far exceed the inconvenience of
having to re-start going up on most hills.

One ways are a good idea too for the current moment.

[Self Jupiter]

This has gotten interesting with the poison ivy going fucking nuts at the local spot.

I am covered in scratches and a some poison ivy from doing that. Maybe I took a couple tumbles too. Feel like my appearance is putting out the distancing vibe

[snowaddict91]

Would solve so. many. problems.

Yes. so much less conflict, although it doesn't solve hiker vs. biker completely.

[Iwantmy2dollars]

Yes. so much less conflict, although it doesn't solve hiker vs. biker completely.

Patience and a smile are the best tools we got. Most people around here know we are sharing designated trails and
usually step aside so we can pass. Slowing down and showing some common courtesy goes a long way to making
everyones experience a better one

[AK47bp]

yeah, I realize that it will initially create some confusion but if we take time to explain then most normal people understand and will act accordingly next time.
When I pull over now going uphill, most of the riders going down stop like they are accustomed to doing. I take that moment to explain and most
are appreciative and think its a reasonable approach. Only takes a minute and there are reasons to do this that far exceed the inconvenience of
having to re-start going up on most hills.

One ways are a good idea too for the current moment.

So stopping to talk to someone about how we need to not be near others for safety huh. Seems reasonable.

I’d say if this whole pandemic is causing you this much stress, maybe park your bicycle at home and go play elsewhere. Or stay home.


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[Dee Hubbs]

A bunch of local trails here have gone one-way. Signage at the trail heads, and lots of notification on the local Trail FB page.

[The SnowShow]

What about stopping at the side of the trail, pull mask or gaiter on, and let the other pass, while you turn to face the other way. I’d think that would take care of any possible transmission, even if you’re like 3’ apart?

[::: :::]

One way trails.

just make all of them downhill only for all users

can't access them, but no more crowding

[DeepHelmet]

People can't figure this shit out when they're NOT terrified their gonna get the 'Rona from some random puff by a passing rider, can't imagine the confusion that would ensue if we changed stuff up now, especially with the enormous increase in riders out there, a lot of them new and clueless. I think we're maybe putting too much thought into this. Wash your hands and don't touch your face.

[Iwantmy2dollars]

People can't figure this shit out when they're NOT terrified their gonna get the 'Rona from some random puff by a passing rider, can't imagine the confusion that would ensue if we changed stuff up now, especially with the enormous increase in riders out there, a lot of them new and clueless. I think we're maybe putting too much thought into this. Wash your hands and don't touch your face.

How about just try it and see how it goes. Don't understand all the hostility for trying not to get sick.
And its everyones concern. No one knows why some people get really ill and some show no signs.
There are some accomplished athletes that have had the crap knocked out of them from this.
The problem is that you can be spreading (or catching) this from people that look and feel 100% OK.
Some will get sick and others won't but they are shedding the virus in their wake.

This isnt rocket science and if someone makes a mistake and you are forced to stop going down
its what you would have normally done. If you pull off when you see them coming down and let them
roll by its to both parties advantage. Is there a downside? Confusion? It won't be confusing for long if
people understand why. Get some perspective. Your riding your bike. For fun. Why expose ourselves to
the chance of getting sick any more than necessary

[VTskibum]

Not going to happen. Ride a popular trail system and is already a cluster of people not following rules. I’m in the wear buff/bandana and pull over camp for the foreseeable future.

Ok the one way trails also not a fan as there are soo many trail systems that doesn’t work for, mostly bc they are rolly so not the fire road climb and bomb s/t that bigger western mountains may see. Plus selfishly I like riding trails in both directions if only for the variety.

Either way enjoy and if you can go off peak or to lower used trail systems.


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[Dhelihiker]

if you're scared, stay home.

[DeepHelmet]

How about just try it and see how it goes. Don't understand all the hostility for trying not to get sick.
And its everyones concern. No one knows why some people get really ill and some show no signs.
There are some accomplished athletes that have had the crap knocked out of them from this.
The problem is that you can be spreading (or catching) this from people that look and feel 100% OK.
Some will get sick and others won't but they are shedding the virus in their wake.

This isnt rocket science and if someone makes a mistake and you are forced to stop going down
its what you would have normally done. If you pull off when you see them coming down and let them
roll by its to both parties advantage. Is there a downside? Confusion? It won't be confusing for long if
people understand why. Get some perspective. Your riding your bike. For fun. Why expose ourselves to
the chance of getting sick any more than necessary

Sorry if it came off as hostile, didn't mean it that way.

[snowaddict91]

Patience and a smile are the best tools we got. Most people around here know we are sharing designated trails and
usually step aside so we can pass. Slowing down and showing some common courtesy goes a long way to making
everyones experience a better one

Totally. We just have a few trails around here that its easy to descend really fast on that are still two way. Even riding well within your abilities, it can be hard to stop in time when you come around a blind turn and someone is climbing up with a few off leash dogs. No one is perfect, but I think most people around here (Wasatch) do a pretty good job.

[chaka]

Patience and a smile are the best tools we got. Most people around here know we are sharing designated trails and
usually step aside so we can pass. Slowing down and showing some common courtesy goes a long way to making
everyones experience a better one

I think this is much better guidance than your first post suggesting adjustments to long understood (but still rarely followed in some places) guidance. Add common sense too. if the trail is really crowded, don't add to the problem. simple.

[Peruvian]

Although I know it's not really an effective Covid-19 mask, I guess I'll start wearing a neck gaiter when the local MTB trails open. At least people will feel better about seeing me wear it.