Rod, you got lucky with the Northern Strand being empty, prior to my move away from Malden it was always hopping, which made my fitness rides tough because a lot of people practice very poor trail etiquette (the usual suspects, dogs off leash, people walking in the middle of the path). I ride the minuteman on occasion (I've started just taking Mass Ave between Arlington and Lexington, much faster for me than the minuteman), and I can't help but notice the difference in etiquette between the two MUPs.