Do the jump or not?

[Jisch]

I'm out on a ride at Case Mt today. I'm just about to hit a really nice rock garden. As I turn the corner there is a group of 8-10 hikers going the same direction as I am. I slow down and pass them respectifully, say hello to everyone. Probably 3/4 of them are friendly back. The last guy says "GO FOR IT!" as I pass. There's a rock that sets up as a nice ramp just past this guy. The question - do you hit the jump or slowly go by, showing you are "in control" from a hikers perspective?

[turch]

IMO, don't fall prey to anyone's encouragement and presume that a different trail user does not necessarily hold your form of recreation dear to themselves. Yes they actually may enjoy watching your technical prowness, but they may just as well be looking to use your behavior as an example of their interpretation of reckless behavior. You might call it the old, bait and switch con.

[johnbryanpeters]

If you're safely past the hikers, ride it however you would normally.

J

[EVIL BOTA]

If you were going to do it anyway,go for it,but If it was something that you wouldn't normally do. Just say sorry my insurance doesn't cover idiots on mtb bikes.lol Well did you do it or not???

[jsb2dc]

If you're past the hikers I say nail it. As long as you aren't doing anything destructive ride like you normally would. And if the hikers are right in the way of the jump I'd stop and wait for them to be out of the way. (I've done this many times.) Never waste a good opportunity to get air. Never.

[Jisch]

I'd hate to disappoint Turch, as he has a good idea of how to keep the peace. I did the jump as big as I could. I just couldn't resist it once the guy said "go for it". The guy was with his son and I could tell they wanted to see something other than me doddering along.

John

[turch]

You didn't disappoint the snirchster. Nothing to disappoint and nothing wrong with riding hard. However, when I hear of a hiking group at Case like the one you mention I think of the typical groups trapsing through there. They are not friends (not enemies, per se, just not pals). No need to give them fodder.