Shock Value

[Thedewser]

Since I have started in this wonderful sport, I have noticed a few things! For one, 3 years ago I would have never thought I would be any form of body armor other than a helmet, now I wear that, gloves and knee/shin guards! The other thing I have noticed since then is the looks I get when I come out of the woods covered in mud and twigs!

When I started telling my ride stories to my non-riding friends, many of them just looked at me like I was completely insane or just pulling their legs. Others looked interrested in making their own stories.

When I told my girlfriend that I "Mountain Bike" She thought rail trails, and a little trail riding through the woods. Then I should her a pic from Nepaug in New Hartford, CT. Her reaction was great.

So the point of this post is just to see what the best reaction you have had from non-bikers. Whether it be your non-riding friends, family members or other park users.

I like getting the reactions personally.

[Dawgee]

most people that i talk to either think im nuts for riding (mostly because bikes dont have motors. lazy asses) or that im too old to be riding a bike. But i say screw them I love it.

[SloMoJo]

My favorite is when Splat and I go out for a lunch time ride in 6 inches of snow and below freezing. Boy, folks really think we're crazy!

And I tend to agree with them. ;D

[boingboing]

The only reactions I don't like are from hikers that give ya dirty looks. I have actually seen one painting brown over trail blazings. Real smart huh. Makin people lose the trail and track all over the place till they can find it again. (Mainly in the fall months when leaf cover makes finding them a little harder) I have accidently wandered onto some hiking only trails too. (sorry folks) but wow the looks they give ya. lol. Boing ;D

[Dino Sore]

Best reactions usually come when biking on icy/snowy trails; after the initial shock of seeing a biker in the snow, people usually are pretty interested in the bike, the studded tires, etc. and start asking a lot of questions.

[AGENTGRAPE]

i like it when people find out that im 42 and still play like a child. the its too dangerous, its too hard, i cant do it excuses are kinda lame. until you get some one out there when they realize not every second is a white knuckle descent into hell. i have got 4 friends addicted to biking aged 26-46 we are all healthier,crazier and closer for it.

[Paula]

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"The only reactions I don't like are from hikers that give ya dirty looks. I have actually seen one painting brown over trail blazings. Real smart huh. Makin people lose the trail and track all over the place till they can find it again. (Mainly in the fall months when leaf cover makes finding them a little harder) "

I don't know if this is the case, but sometimes when a trail is relocated the old blazes are covered over. So sometimes its helpful to stop and ask the person what they are doing. It might have been perfectly legitimate trail maintenance. Best not to jump to conclusions. Sometimes folks wondering around in the woods doing trail work might even be mountain bikers themselves!

[MissJean]

My daughters roll their eyes, tell me to be careful and don't hurt myself. (How's that for role reversal!) I don't think the guys at work belived my mtbing stories until I showed them the bruises. The most annoying reaction I get is, when I go into a bike shop and the sales person (usually a young guy) leads me away from the mountain bikes and over to the cruising bike section! I just have to accept the fact that I don't look like a typical mtber. :-\

[boingboing]

Hi Sugar,
I would have considered that as well but this particular person was notorious for doing that. Any way when re routing a trail we used to toss enough brush and logs on the old trail to make the thing virtually impassable. She had actually had exchanges with other people in the past. I just simply mentioned to her that people weren't going to stop riding there and all that was going to happen now is people are going to drift off of the trail.

[Thedewser]

Sugar is right though, never hurts to ask. If they end up not being legit, then you can always inform the park supervisor or land manager. Definately let your friendly NEMBA Chapter Board members know :-D

As far as the reactions, they are pretty fun. As long as no one throws anything at you. Heard that happens to roadies a lot.

[boingboing]

hey dewz
I would have done that if it was recent. It was in WNYMBA territory there Western new york. and I had no idea who was doing what as far as presidents and stuff. all I knew there was the land was owned by the state. But everyone and their mother thaught it was their personal plot. Hunters were the ones that really made me nervous. Lots of Horses too. Wanna talk about destructive, Those postholes at the banks on every stream crossing. EEgh.

[T Grimble]

The best reaction I have seen is from bikers and non-bikers alike when they see three off road tandems bombing down singletrack. I had a great ride up at Kingdom trails in the Fall where we road 'fenceline'. That raised a few eyebrows from our fellow bikers. :)

[johnbryanpeters]

Hunters, mostly, way up on the ridges with snow and ice on the ground. I just say hello and apologise for disturbing them, then continue on my way. They look a little shocked and confused. ;D

J

I was reminded today by my older brother that i have done alot of crazy things in my life. I once got trapped on Mt. Washington for 4 days and then sledded down the auto road. I took my 11ft. sail boat into Boston harbor 1 summer day. I even was known to use the laundry chute in my Mom's house as an elevator(one way, down).
I enjoy experiences. Good ones, bad ones and everything in between. I love to feel my life with all my senses. I always have. It doesn't shock anyone who knows me to hear about my mtb adventures.

When i tell them i spent $70 a piece for some great studded snows and their not for the car. Then their shocked.

[crapding]

I live in a hick town in VT. Lots o' hunters with big ford pickups and they always have a beer in their hand.
When they see me in my bike shorts and jersey i smile and wave and they just glare at me.
I've considered yeling, "hey boys" in a girlish voice, but with the possibility of being shot, i decided not to risk it.

[SloMoJo]

Geeze, don't take your chances up there dude!
Especially, in your biking tights.

You have seen the movie "Deliverance" right? :o