Attacked

Yes we were riding where we were not supposed to.  No way to rationalize it.  We were in the wrong.  It's kinda of like having 12 items in the 10 or less checkout lane.  Or just riding in the left hand lane on the interstate at 5 mph below the speed limit.  How about not using a turn signal.  All of these are against the rules, if not against the law.  All of them make me angry.  I wonder what would happen if I decided to physically challenge the offender?

The Hiker

Dressed in a blue long sleeve shirt, blue shorts, a blue stocking cap, and carrying a water bottle, the gentlemen was coming toward us.  We were strung out, there were 4 of us.  As the first rider passed him The Hiker said "This is an orange trail, bikes aren't allowed".  I don't remember if Rider 1 made a reply or not.  When Rider 2 met The Hiker things got a little more interesting.

The Hiker stood blocking the trail, mind you he had plenty of sight distance.  Rider 2 and Rider 3 were close together.  When rider 2 slowed and moved off the trail to go around The Hiker, The Hiker shoved him, causing Rider 2 to fall over.  This is where I rolled up.

At this time there were 3 of us and one of him.  Rider 2 explained that what had just happened constituted assault and he would be calling law enforcement.  The Hiker walked past Rider 3 and then me yelling as he went.  I attempted to get my phone out and take a picture but wasn't quick enough.  I may have hurled a few expletives his way also.

The Aftermath

Nobody was hurt but the adrenaline was pumping.  We all continued the ride.  We went back by one of the parking lots to see if we could find the guy, no luck.  After we cooled down we went from anger to disbelief.  None of us are fighters, far from it.  But in the moment I was mad enough to pick up a stick and go to war.  If it had been me or a family member I might have crossed that line.  I can be just that stupid.

So when do we get to enforce the rules ourselves?  Should I push every dog walker whose dog isn't on a leash?  Maybe I should shove those butt heads with 12 items out of line?  I have mentally beat the idiots in the left lane many times (if you've ever ridden with me that doesn't come as a surprise).  Obviously we don't do that.

Rationalization

We weren't hurting anything.  We were in control of our speed.  I don't think what we were doing was against a law, just against a rule.  It's all public land, even though another user group maintains the trail.  The traffic is normally very light, the trails are underused.  They ran a zero turn mower over them which caused more damage than 50 bikes would.

Anyhoo, this is the first time this has ever happened to me.  I've had people block the trail but never actually touch me.  In today's world this type of thing could escalate into something really bad really quick.  So peace out!