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Re: [RC] horses and bikes - desertrydr1


We ride on the same trails as many of the local bikers.  There are even some races at my favorite riding place.  We have always tried to be friendly to the bikers, and always ask if they know what to do if they come on some riders.  It's one good way to educate in a friendly situation. 

One day though, not a race day, a biker went blasting past us, coming up from behind on the far side of a three-track trail.  A minute or two later, his buddy came riding up, and stopped and visited for a minute.  I told him the guy before him was pretty rude, and had just blasted past without even slowing down.  We had a brief conversation about horse behavior and the value of a few words when coming up silently from behind.  The trailhead was only about a quarter mile away.  By the time we got back, the first guy was waiting for us, so he could apologize.  He said he didn't see us til he was right up on us, then figured it was best to just go on by.  We talked for a while, commiserated about trail availability issues, and ended on a really great note. 

I've only seen a few bikers in our area that have expressed negative attitudes toward horses and riders, definitely the exception.  jeri

-----Original Message-----
From: Moriah Nickerson
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 25 May 2007 9:40 am
Subject: Re: [RC] horses and bikes

I can understand the sentiment towards bikes, and while Ravens story and others are terrible, I just want to spin something positive for everyone.  I have been riding for over 20 years, and my dad has been mountain biking for slightly less than that.  When he first started riding, there was a huge "fight" over trails at our local park that resulted in horses and bikes being generally unfriendly towards each other.  To try to soothe the situation we started a "campaign" of our own where we rode together-my on my "hot arabian show horse" and my dad on his outrageous down hill racing bike.  It did seem to change a few attitudes, especially the bikers.  They got to know my pony and could understand the troubles they were causing with their bikes.  My dad runs many local races and is widely known in the mountain bike scene.  He ALWAYS stresses how unpredictable and dangerous horses can be and anyone he meets, especially new riders, he impresses upon them that they should always get off their bike and talk softly to the horses and their riders to make sure no one gets hurt.  He will even stop bikers when he has seen horses ahead and make sure they know what to do! :)
As reasonable as that is, many times the horseback riders refuse to even say "hello" when my dad has tried so hard to be friendly.  Clearly a spooked horse/rider are not expected to exchange greetings, but I think, as horse riders, we should be especially appreciative of the bikers that do the RIGHT thing and at least say "thanks!"  So, next time you see a biker do the wrong thing, let them know what the appropriate behavior is (if they are reasonable), and if you see them trying or doing the right thing, say THANK YOU!!   We need to be responsible for creating a park environment that is friendly for all to use.  A happy attitude is contagious, and aren't we all out there to have a good time?!?!?
enjoy the trails!
Moriah
 

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