[pct-l] Bikes on trail

[wpsnotebook at charter.net (Richard Woods)]

I have mountain biked in a lot of places, and I think one requirement 
is some kind of noise maker to let hikers know that a two-wheeler is 
about to blow by them.

What gets me is cruising down a trail enjoying the silence, thinking 
nothing in particular when somebody on two wheels blows by me from 
behind. That startles me and then really pisses me off. Then I have 
this fantasy of poking a hiking pole through some wheel spokes. Haven't 
tested that reflex yet.

How often does it happen?
I'm on the Tahoe Rim Trail occasionally, most sections are open or 
limited access to two-wheel travel. Some state parks and wilderness 
areas break up the flow, but for the most part the whole thing is open 
and I can see why the trail is such a draw. Drop-dead scenery, some 
really challenging terrain, mixed with great cruising trails and easy 
access from multiple points. But I hike it mostly, and more than half 
the time a biker flys by me from behind, I'm given no warning that I 
can hear. Call it 75% of the time. Admittedly my high frequency range 
isn't there, but I can hear a horn or a bell. How often does a single 
track maniac jump my heart rate? Call it an even dozen a day when I'm 
not in a bike-free zone. That is NOT fun!

I have a bell on my bike, and I use it. Just a cheery little dinger, 
not a fog horn, and I am actually thanked by many for using it. It 
should be voluntary to use a bell, buzzer or horn, but at least one 
area in SF East Bay finally required them after too many complaints 
from walkers.
Some kind of warning is appropriate. Even calling out until you get a 
hiker's attention is preferable to whizzing by on the shoulder of the 
trail, while the walker is jumping for the bushes. I don't mind 
stepping aside for a rider, just don't scare the hell out of me.

Mo Jo