Trail attacks

[benzol]

I just came across this article. Kinda scary, I ride on this trail almost every day.

http://www.10tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3626236&nav=LUERcR2v

[Seanholio]

I elected to use the Guadalupe River trail in San Jose, alongside Highway 87. Near the Tamien train station, I encountered a pair of hipsanic teens who were dressed in gangsta fashion. I looked directly at them, said good morning, and kept on riding.

Perhaps they meant me harm, perhaps not. By remaining aware and unafraid, I think I may have swayed them away from any violence they may have contemplated. It doesn't hurt that I'm a big guy.

[KeithA]

It's obscene that cyclists have to put up with hostility and the threat of violence just to ride. Luckily, where I usually ride, there are mostly very friendly people. Not always the case in other parts of my town.

[Bikepacker67]

It's obscene that cyclists have to put up with hostility and the threat of violence just to ride.

Or joggers, or walkers, or shoppers, or etc. etc.

The problem is, we don't incarcerate real criminals long enough, and waste time busting rec drug users.

I'd like to see a 25 year mandatory for any armed robbery or assault. And that's armed as in baseball bat, kitchen knife, glock, or oldsmobile.

[jeff williams]

It's obscene that cyclists have to put up with hostility and the threat of violence just to ride. Luckily, where I usually ride, there are mostly very friendly people. Not always the case in other parts of my town.

He was waiting for anybody, drop the cyclist gig. A sick one.

I ride a chromoly mtb really fast, I'm all over the ramming speed teqnique.
Wish he'd tried me instead.
I need the training for riding over fallen opponents in mtb races.

If I was 'worried' I'd keep mace or bearspray on the hip.
If I lived in the U.S, I'd prob' pop a cap in his face.

Go cycling with a big diving knife strapped to your leg.
Take a course in martial arts.

[Bikepacker67]

Go cycling with a big diving knife strapped to your leg.


Funny you should say that.

A lot of my yearly cycling involves self-reliant touring, and wild camping.
During these vision quests I usually wear a small fanny pack with wallet (etc) and on the left side of the belt is a clearly visible sheathed hunting knife (for practical/pragmatic purposes of course)

You'd be surprised at the wider berth I'm afforded.

[Roody]

He was waiting for anybody, drop the cyclist gig. A sick one.

I ride a chromoly mtb really fast, I'm all over the ramming speed teqnique.
Wish he'd tried me instead.
I need the training for riding over fallen opponents in mtb races.

If I was 'worried' I'd keep mace or bearspray on the hip.
If I lived in the U.S, I'd prob' pop a cap in his face.

Go cycling with a big diving knife strapped to your leg.
Take a course in martial arts.Check your state and local ordinances first. "Big" knives (> 3 or 4 inches) are illegal carries in most locations.

[Metieval]

If you see suspicious people lurking, speed up!!!!

IT might be almost as fun as the well placed kick to the side of a dogs head when it was attacking and lunged for me.

I guess for a female at dusk it would be a scarey thing. pepper spray, mace, those electric shock things can be your friends.

[jeff williams]

Check your state and local ordinances first. "Big" knives (> 3 or 4 inches) are illegal carries in most locations.

Pepper spray.
Knives are very dangerous, they can be used against you.
I worry about cougar mostly