Given that they didn't seem to advance on you and backed off immediately when you got serious, I can't fathom what their purpose was. FWIW, we had a situation on a rail/trail where a dirt biker (motor) actually threatened a friend with a hand gun. A month later this same guy came off a rail/trail and encountered a guy who was with his family. Some sort of dispute ensued and he actually shot and killed the man. As a result, if I'm on the rail/trail with my gf or alone, I carry my .380 Glock. Having said that, carrying a gun is a pretty bad idea IMO. And, I wouldn't do it except for this experience. Oh....the shooter was eventually arrested and is now in prison. Some young kid who had some physical disabilities. Don't know how or if that contributed to his attitude.