Normally, we keep things bland and factual on this blog, but a trip to the pasture today requires that the normal riding recount be suspended for a note on trail etiquette at Potter's pasture.
Today I headed out to the pasture with "The Man" - not to be confused with the man who's trying to keep us down, or a guy over at Goldman Sachs, but Bob The Man - maker of fine kayaks and other creations . . . I digress already . . . so Bob and I are riding along on our way from the top of "Church Grove" over to "Horseshoe Canyon" via "Bulldozer" road, when we see a couple of riders in the distance.
We bombed down "Bulldozer" and I caught up to a couple of strangers at the water tank near the entrance to "Horseshoe Canyon". Before I was upon them, they mounted their bikes and headed off. As I approached the riders, I realized that I had no idea who they were. I said: "Good afternoon" . . . no response. I rode a few more feet behind them and said; "Nice afternoon, huh?" . . . still no response. I said; "Nice dog, I don't think I've seen you out here before" . . . still no direct response from the bikers. I now am assuming that they still didn't hear me. At this point, biker one says to biker two; "I think we have a tailgater back there". Biker two responds with something unintelligible. At this point I was well past the entrance to "Horseshoe Canyon" where Bob would no doubt be looking for me, so I gave up on being cordial to these turkeys and turned around.
So . . . who were you? Why do you bring the big city attitude to this humble little place? Maybe you were a West Coaster who is use to ignoring your fellow man. No? Maybe you were a high profile public figure who didn't want to get busted enjoying such a pedestrian activity as riding a bike on dirt. No? Maybe you saw me riding toward you in my knickers and thought I might be a little "off". . .
I assure you that knickers are an acceptable form of cycling apparel, and are much more manly than lycra shorts.
We've had a few more new comers and non-locals at the trails since we've been doing a bit of sharing with this blog and on MTBR.
Hopefully we wont regret letting more folks know about the riding here.
If you come to Potter's, there are many things you should know. I guess we'll have cover all of them in future posts, since we can no longer assume that visitors have any shred of common sense. The most important rule, the one that guides all others, is to be friendly.
If you're new to the trails, most likely the guys you find riding are locals who know where to find the good trails.
We're the guys who do the trail work and know where the cool new trails are . . . before we're done building them and listing them on the map.
Maybe you just didn't want to talk to Bob. We all felt like that in the beginning, but we promise you won't have play the game demonstrated below to ride the trails.
In all seriousness, You never know when the rider you blow off might be Mr. Potter himself.
You don't have to ride with us, just acknowledge other riders with a kind greeting. Phrases like; "Hello", "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening", or "Hey, Nice Knickers" are excellent choices.
If you're new to the area, drop us a line and apologize for behaving like a diva. If you are a local, hang your head in shame and bring the post ride beer next time. Newcastle is good, Guinness works as well, if you bring Odells Bourbon Barrel Stout, you can be a jerk any time you want.
Start looking at your calendars, because we're going to need to get a group together to mow some of the taller grass and trim back the cedar growth (Church Grove is getting dangerous).
The cows are in. This means that closing gates behind you is critical. Additionally, cows are docile animals, but are very large and powerful. If spooked, they can be dangerous. When approaching the herd, slow down, talk to them in calm voice, and try to pass on the outskirts of the group. Never go barreling at full speed through the center of a mass of cows, they will freak out and endanger themselves and you.
With cows comes dung, so keep your mouth closed, wipe off your water bottles, and call out the "freshies" so your buddies behind you can take appropriate action.
The snakes are out in full force. We've seen far more in the past month that all of last season.
Many snakes are harmless, but beware, the rattlers are out. Be careful in the tall grass, keep the tires rolling, and use the buddy system. You don't want to be alone if you get bit by one of these nasties. Even if you have a cell phone, the valleys offer no reception.
