[BikeLongmont] Cycling to Denver (a word of Thanks!) and "Slow down on the trails!"

[Joshua Brock]

Greetings!

I wanted to send a special thanks to Richard and everyone who has put their $.02 in regarding cycling from Longmont to Denver. I see that there are 2 others that are trying to make the trip as well...super! I'm sure whichever one of us is the first to make the excursion, we'll be happy to report our findings to the group.

I'd also read Richard's posting (and the article in the Post) regarding cyclists on the trails. Super great points from both sources! If one is out to do some serious riding (log some long miles, speeds in excess of those posted on the trails...just to do some flat out good riding) don't use the trails!!! There's so many wide open, backroads out here...that's where you can do your serious riding. 

Just moving here from Pittsburgh where they are slowing starting a great system there into downtown (and actually on to Washington, D.C. to tell the truth) I'd seen it happen there as well. Honestly as soon as I hit any type of multi-use trail, immediately in my mind I concede that it is primarily the realm of walkers or slower/casual cyclists, and I'm cool with that. Is it really going to kill you to SLOW DOWN for the 10-15 minutes you need to access one of these great routes to get back on a lest congested route? Me thinks not.

And yes, keep in mind what it's like when someone startles you from behind. I may say "Coming up on your left" but I can guarantee alot of times folks slide left just because you've suddenly scared the bejezus out of them and all they can think now is "LEFT!!!". Even if they are way over to the right, I still slow down as blowing by them just leaves a bad impression regarding us cyclists...that we believe the faster folks, i.e. "we cyclists", rule and everyone else must get out of the way. That's not right.

Okay...I'm done. Anyway, thanks again for everyone who's helping out particulary Richard for spearheading the blog for us Longmont cyclists. 


Best to all!

Joshua