Inconsiderate trail users at Hillside!

[RichZilla]

So I was out at Hillside Wednesday night to get in a quick couple laps in the dark and came across a couple other trail users that were not very considerate of others. Usually if I'm riding at a trail, and I'm at a good enough pace to catch up to someone else, I ask to get by, and they politely give me some room when they get the chance. I guess not everyone at Elk River does that though. First, right at dusk, I encountered Ms. Doe (yes, a deer) and I was stuck behind her leisurely pace for far too long for my liking. I don't think she even paid the trail fee either because I didn't see her stub displayed anywhere. Not too fresh smelling either. All the other deer I saw, immediately moved off the trail when they saw me coming. But not her. Then at about 6pm, when it was good and dark, I came up on Mr. Possum. Unfortunately I caught up to him right at the top of a really fun downhill section. That sucked cuz the downhill stuff is the most fun, especially when you can go fast. Well there was no going fast down it that time. He was either really out of shape, or possums just can't run very fast. Well I repeatedly asked him to move off to one side of the trail so I could get by, but no sir-ee. He just kept on waddling down the trail like he owned the place. What nerve! He didn't move over at all until I said something about roadkill. Then he moved over about a foot so I could get around, but he kept on chuggin' down the trail. At least he didn't try to bite me or anything. Do possoms bite? It would have been bad too if he would have played possum right in front of me on the trail. That would have been an over-the-bars for sure! Now I don't want anyone to think I'm a hater, I love animals. I have two pets at home. I know they have every right to use the trail too, but maybe someone should sit them all down and let them know some of the courtesy rules. Or even just post them at the trailhead. I'm sure this is not an isolated incident. Has anyone else encountered this? Maybe even at other trails?

[dave t]

Do possoms bite?
I don't know for sure but they definately do have some wicked looking teeth and will threaten to use them if they are threatened. I had to remove one from my garage a few years ago and he was not happy to be sent back out into the snow. He felt threatened.

I have had to wait for a flock of turkeys to cross the trail at Leb. several times. Also had to bunny-hop a snappin' turtle at the river bottoms once.

[Buck]

Just run it over. to bad their pelts aren't worth anything. :crazy2:

L8Rz
Buck

[ppgc]

Also had to bunny-hop a snappin' turtle at the river bottoms once.

I hit a mink down there last year and almost hit a turkey and a doe on that same ride. I thought about walking it home.

[RedSquirrel]

Sounds like the first trail user was a seasonal slut, trying to show you something or just a bad driver. I take it the scent didn't turn your crank.

Agree, the second trail user was uninformed and we should educate about trail use. Perhaps some handling skill training would get him faster on the downhills. Either that or get him onto a single to go faster on up hils.

[Tower]

Sounds like we need to call on the Great White Hunter known as "Magic" to do some various "small game" population control up in the North Metro...

On the east side, specifically Afton Alps the biggest concern is the attack of the one legged angry turkey's... In Team Ricoh lore apparently el Goat was taken off the bike by a pack back in the day...

Magic, I'm sure John R. wouldn't mind if you brought a "small game tool" to our dirt moving exercise on Saturday...

[jag]

Hey Rich, watch out for that gang of racoons out there. They seem to be looking for trouble. Don't look them in the eye.:evil:

[Nita]

Not too fresh smelling either.


Speaking of fresh...we encountered a skunk last night at the River Bottoms, who was not in any hurry to get out of the way.

[ebrandel]

Had a similar problem at Terrace Oaks. A family of deer, going the wrong way on the trail! Got a little nervous because momma deer wasn't looking very happy with me.

Do deer attack when they've got their fawns nearby?

[Magic]

Had a similar problem at Terrace Oaks. A family of deer, going the wrong way on the trail! Got a little nervous because momma deer wasn't looking very happy with me.

Do deer attack when they've got their fawns nearby?

They can, but is very seldom. They are just as scared of you as you are of them.

[Kingbozo]

I remember coming around a corner fast at Battle Creek and seeing a bowling ball sized rock in the middle of the trail. Suddenly that rock sprouted a long neck. It was one of those Turkeys.

[EscourtU]

Maybe the Doe liked the size of your rack (Handlebars) and was struttin her stuff for ya. I have never seen a Possum play Possum. They always hissed and beared their teeth and that is enough for me. Them things are scarry.

[EscourtU]

I don't think she even paid the trail fee either because I didn't see her stub displayed anywhere.


I heard Hillside does charge, then I hear they don't. Well do they? Or is it a respect kind of fee?

[Thewavebb]

i have had a couple incidents with Deer and college drunks when I used to night ride down in winona at Holzinger...Nothing like hauling down long singletrack downhill and having a deer/drunk jump out in front of you. Good times..

[RichZilla]

I heard Hillside does charge, then I hear they don't. Well do they? Or is it a respect kind of fee?

They always charge. There is never a time when the trail fee is not in effect. It's a City Park, and their trail fee is $4 for every person on the trail. There is a paybox right at the trailhead, and according to their posted regulations, everyone must pay the fee whether they park there or not. Even hikers are supposed to pay the fee. BUT, if you live in Elk River, you can get a free season pass. So if you're a local, you can use the trail all you want for free. (they're paying city taxes instead:D) The season pass for non-residents is $25. That's how I roll...