Originally Posted by greenstork
Based on the preceding comments, I'm going to recommend not stealth camping in Montpelier, VA
Respect is a relative term skyerocker. Some countries allow camping anywhere, including on private land. Your apparent reaction is to immediately distrust everyone, which is an unfortunate commentary on the state of the world and the culture in which we live.
Attitudes like that are precisely why many of us (including Americans) do NOT want to cycle in the USA, particularly the Atlantic Coast.
But we're talking about 'stealth camping' here, which I assume means the camper is:
* very close to the road
* very far from any homes
* not near a 'no trespassing sign'
* completely unarmed
* not making a fire, not dropping trash
* very quiet
In the case where someone is trying to enter your house -- I agree, you have a right to hold them at gunpoint and call the police. You reasonably assumed you were at risk, and I would do the same as you did.
But the previous statements -- holding people at gunpoint, and stealing their gear and bike because they camped in a corner of your 10 acre estate? And you're PROUD to post that here with an international biking community audience? That's embarassing to me as a fellow American. And those who are bragging that the police will look the other way while you shake down and steal from the biking visitor -- gee what else are you proud of? That you married your sister, or that you still have 3 of your front teeth?? That's not a commentary on the 'world', just the backwater place where this guy lives.
BTW, I'm actually "pro-gun", and against stealth camping unless it can't be avoided.